Revelation 12:14
And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐδόθησαν
were given
G1325
ἐδόθησαν
were given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
2 of 32
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγάλου
of a great
G3173
μεγάλου
of a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
10 of 32
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔρημον
the wilderness
G2048
ἔρημον
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
15 of 32
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπον
place
G5117
τόπον
place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
18 of 32
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
αὐτῆς
G846
αὐτῆς
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 32
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τρέφεται
she is nourished
G5142
τρέφεται
she is nourished
Strong's:
G5142
Word #:
21 of 32
but perhaps strengthened from the base of g5157 through the idea of convolution); properly, to stiffen, i.e., fatten (by implication, to cherish (with
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
29 of 32
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
προσώπου
the face
G4383
προσώπου
the face
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
30 of 32
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
Cross References
Exodus 19:4Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Revelation 12:6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.Daniel 12:7And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.Daniel 7:25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.Psalms 55:6And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.Revelation 17:3So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Historical Context
Early Christian flight from Jerusalem before Rome's AD 70 destruction fulfilled similar preservation themes. The wilderness refuge recalled Israel's Exodus experience and Elijah's provision at Cherith. First-century believers facing persecution needed assurance that God would preserve the church despite Satan's attacks, even if requiring exile or suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God provided 'eagle's wings' of escape or endurance during your times of spiritual attack?
- What does the wilderness period teach about God's purposes in allowing seasons of difficulty while still providing protection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The woman (representing God's people) receives eagle's wings to flee into the wilderness for 'a time, times, and half a time' (3.5 years, matching 1,260 days). This echoes Exodus 19:4 ('I bare you on eagles' wings') and Daniel 7:25, showing God's preservation of His church during persecution. Reformed theology sees this as God's providence protecting the elect through tribulation. The wilderness represents both testing and divine provision (Israel's wilderness wandering). Eagle's wings emphasize divine strength enabling escape—believers' preservation stems from God's power, not their own.