God’s protection is always available to those who remain faithful to Him.
In this verse, the Apostle John, writing near the end of the first century AD (approximately 90-95 AD), depicts a vivid image where he says, “But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place” (v.14). The woman here has been described earlier in Revelation 12 as a sign representing God’s covenant people. John, an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry and later exiled on the island of Patmos, uses prophetic imagery to show divine protection in the midst of persecution. The woman’s flight into the wilderness reflects prior biblical events where God’s people found refuge in deserted places (Exodus 16:2-4). Although Revelation does not specify an exact geographical location for this “wilderness,” it references a symbolic place of safety and provision.
Continuing the verse, John implies God’s supernatural care, explaining that the woman was nourished “where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent” (v.14). This phrase, “time and times and half a time,” often represents a set period of tribulation, commonly interpreted as three and a half years (Daniel 7:25; 12:7). The “serpent” symbolizes Satan, identified in the surrounding verses as “the great dragon” (Revelation 12:9), an ancient foe who opposes God’s plan. The imagery of eagles’ wings echoes other scriptural motifs of deliverance such as God's words, “I bore you on eagles’ wings” (Exodus 19:4), highlighting the Lord’s protective care as He carries His people swiftly away from danger. Ultimately, this verse conveys that the faithful, though under assault by evil, receive sanctuary and sustenance from God.
God’s people can trust His providence, as even in dire circumstances, He brings them to a place of safety—beyond the reach of the serpent’s schemes.
Set to dark mode
Revelation 12:14 meaning
In this verse, the Apostle John, writing near the end of the first century AD (approximately 90-95 AD), depicts a vivid image where he says, “But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place” (v.14). The woman here has been described earlier in Revelation 12 as a sign representing God’s covenant people. John, an eyewitness to Jesus’ ministry and later exiled on the island of Patmos, uses prophetic imagery to show divine protection in the midst of persecution. The woman’s flight into the wilderness reflects prior biblical events where God’s people found refuge in deserted places (Exodus 16:2-4). Although Revelation does not specify an exact geographical location for this “wilderness,” it references a symbolic place of safety and provision.
Continuing the verse, John implies God’s supernatural care, explaining that the woman was nourished “where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent” (v.14). This phrase, “time and times and half a time,” often represents a set period of tribulation, commonly interpreted as three and a half years (Daniel 7:25; 12:7). The “serpent” symbolizes Satan, identified in the surrounding verses as “the great dragon” (Revelation 12:9), an ancient foe who opposes God’s plan. The imagery of eagles’ wings echoes other scriptural motifs of deliverance such as God's words, “I bore you on eagles’ wings” (Exodus 19:4), highlighting the Lord’s protective care as He carries His people swiftly away from danger. Ultimately, this verse conveys that the faithful, though under assault by evil, receive sanctuary and sustenance from God.
God’s people can trust His providence, as even in dire circumstances, He brings them to a place of safety—beyond the reach of the serpent’s schemes.