What does Revelation 12:14 mean?

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. Revelation 12:14

Explanation

Revelation 12:14 refers to a vision that the apostle John received and recorded in the Book of Revelation. The verse is rich in symbolism and describes a period of protection and refuge for “the woman” against persecution by “the serpent.” The woman is often interpreted as symbolizing Israel or the Church, while the great eagle is traditionally seen as a symbol of God’s deliverance and care, similar to the way God cared for Israel during the Exodus. The wilderness indicates a place of safety away from oppression, and the time frames mentioned (“a time, and times, and half a time”) are commonly understood as a prophetic reference to a three-and-a-half-year period of tribulation.

Historical Context

Revelation was written toward the end of the first century AD, a time when early Christians were facing persecution by the Roman Empire. The apocalyptic language and imagery found throughout the book are characteristic of Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature, aiming to encourage and comfort the faithful during periods of hardship by assuring them of God’s ultimate victory.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer varying insights into this verse. Preterists believe it pertained to events of the first century, such as the destruction of Jerusalem. Futurists view it as a prophecy about end times yet to occur. Historicism interprets the verse as representing the Church’s experience throughout history. Idealists see it as symbolic of the spiritual battle between good and evil without tying it to specific historical events.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can inspire faithfulness during hardships, offering hope that God is sovereign and will provide refuge. It encourages believers to trust that they will be protected and sustained, even amidst tribulation.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:4: “Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.”
• Daniel 7:25: “And 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.”
• Revelation 12:6: “And 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.”

Language Study

Key terms in their original Greek include:

• “two wings of a great eagle” (πτέρυγες ἀετοῦ μεγάλου): an image possibly echoing God’s deliverance in Exodus.
• “wilderness” (ἔρημον): connotes a deserted or desolate area but also a place of spiritual refuge and contemplation.
• “time, and times, and half a time” (καιρὸν καὶ καιρούς καὶ ἥμισυ καιροῦ): a phrase denoting a prophetic period, traditionally interpreted as 3.5 years.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar imagery of divine beings with wings is found in various cultures, such as the Garuda in Hinduism or the Ziz in Jewish mythology. The concept of a protected sanctuary can be paralleled with other religious traditions’ views on spiritual refuge, such as the Buddhist idea of taking refuge in the Three Jewels.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse contains symbolic imagery rather than descriptions that directly intersect with scientific concepts. However, the ‘eagle’s wings’ could metaphorically align with the ability of large birds to traverse great distances, which could be symbolically tied to the ability to escape danger effectively.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 12:14 span a wide range of interpretations. Matthew Henry’s commentary recognizes the care of Providence for the church in trouble. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges suggests that “the woman” represents the true faith or true Church, and the “time, times, and half a time” relate to Daniel’s prophecies. Other scholars connect the eagle’s wings with the speed and security of God’s deliverance of His people.