Revelation 12:2

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Revelation 12:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth.

King James Version KJV

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

American Standard Version ASV

and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And she was with child; and she gave a cry, in the pains of childbirth.

Free Bible Version FBV

She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains, groaning as she was giving birth.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And she was with childe, and cried traueiling in birth, and was pained readie to be deliuered.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and being with child she doth cry out, travailing and pained to bring forth.

World English Bible WEB

She was with child. She cried out in pain, laboring to give birth.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And she being with child, cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered.

Translation for Translators T4T

She was pregnant. Then, as she was about to give birth, she cried out because she was suffering pain.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Revelation 12:2

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Revelation 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK και εν γαστρι εχουσα εκραζεν ωδινουσα και βασανιζομενη τεκειν

και kai G2532 and Conj

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

γαστρι gastēr G1064 belly Noun-DSF

εχουσα echō G2192 to have/be Verb-PAP-NSF

εκραζεν krazō G2896 to cry Verb-IAI-3S

ωδινουσα ōdinō G5605 be in labor Verb-PAP-NSF

και kai G2532 and Conj

βασανιζομενη basanizō G928 to torture: torture Verb-PPP-NSF

τεκειν tiktō G5088 to give birth to Verb-2AAN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Revelation 12:2

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

γαστρι gastēr G1064 "belly" Noun-DSF

The belly refers to the stomach or womb, as in Matthew 1:18 where Mary is said to be with child. It can also describe a glutton or someone with a large appetite, as in Titus 1:12, which criticizes those who live for their stomachs.

Definition: γαστήρͅ, -τρός, ἡ, [in LXX for בֶּטֶן, ἐν γ. ἔχειν for הרה, ἐν γ. λαμβάνειν for חרה ;] __1. the belly: metaphorically, a glutton, Tit.1:12. __2. the womb: ἐν γ. ἔχειν, to be with child, Mat.1:18, 23" (LXX) 24:19, Mrk.13:17, Luk.21:23, 1Th.5:3, Rev.12:2; εν γ. συλλαμβ., to conceive, Luk.1:31.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: belly, + with child, womb See also: 1 Thessalonians 5:3; Matthew 1:18; Revelation 12:2.

εχουσα echō G2192 "to have/be" Verb-PAP-NSF

This Greek word means to have or hold something, like a possession or ability. It is used in many ways, such as having power or being with someone. The Bible uses it in Revelation 5:8 and 14:6.

Definition: ἔχω, [in LXX for אָצֵל (ἐχόμενος), יֵשׁ,בַּעַל, etc., 59 words in all ;] (on the Aktionsart of the various tenses, see M, Pr., 110, 145, 150, 183), to have, as in cl., in various senses and constructions. __I. Trans.; __1. 1. to have, hold, hold fast, etc.; __(a) to hold, as, in the hand: Rev.5:8 14:6, al.; ἐν τ. χειρί, Rev.1:16 10:2, al.; __(b) of arms and clothing, = φέρω, φορέω, to bear, wear: Mat.3:4 22:12, al.; so frequently present ptcp. (LS, see word, A, I, 6; Bl., 74, 2), Mrk.11:13, Jhn.18:10, Rev.9:17, al.; __(with) of a woman, ἐν γαστρὶ ἔ, to be with child: Mrk.13:17, Rom.9:10; __(d) to hold fast, keep: Luk.19:20; metaphorically, of the mind and conduct, Mrk.16:8 (cf. Job.21:6, Isa.13:8; Deiss., BS, 293; Field, Notes, 44f.), Jhn.14:21, Rom.1:28, 1Ti.3:9, 2Ti.1:13, Rev.6:9, al.; __(e) to involve: Heb.10:35 (LXX), Jas.1:4, 1Jn.4:18; (f) = Lat. habere (Bl., §34, 5; 73, 5), to hold, consider: with accusative and predic. ptcp., Luk.14:18; with accusative, before ὡς, Mat.14:5; εἰς (Hebraism), Mat.21:46; on (Bl., §70, 2), Mrk.11:32. __2. to have, possess; __(a) in general, with accusative of thing(s): Mat.19:22, Mrk.10:22, Luk.12:19, Jhn.10:16, 1Co.11:22, al.; of wealth or poverty, absol., ἔχειν (neg. οὐκ, μή), Mat.13:12 25:29, 2Co.8:12; ἐκ τ. ἔχειν, according to your means, 2Co.8:11; __(b) of relationship, association, and: πατέρα, Jhn.8:41; γυναῖκα (MM, xiv), 1Co.7:2; φίλον, Luk.11:5; βασιλέα, Jhn.19:15; ποιμένα, Mat.9:36; with dupl. accusative, Mat.3:9, al.; __(with) of parts or members: ὦτα, Mat.19:15; μέλη, Rom.12:4; θεμελίους, __(d) with accusative, as periphrasis of verb: μνεῖαν ἔ. (= μεμνῆσθαι), 1Th.3:6; ἀγάπην, Jhn.13:35; γνῶσιν, 1Co.8:1; πεποίθησιν, 2Co.3:4; θλίψιν, Jhn.16:33, etc. (Thayer, see word, I, 2, f., g.); __(e) of duty, necessity, etc.: ἀνάγκην, 1Co.7:37; νόμον, Jhn.19:7; ἐπιταγήν, 1Co.7:25; ἀγῶνα, Php.1:30; κρίμα, 1Ti.5:12; __(f) of complaints and disputes; κατά, with genitive of person(s), Mat.5:23, Mrk.11:25; id. before ὅτι, Rev.2:4, 20; with accusative before πρός, Act.24:19, al.; __(g) with inf., __(α) (cl.) to be able (Field, Notes, 14): Mat.18:25, Mrk.14:8 (sc. ποιῆσαι), Luk.12:4, Act.4:14, al; __(β) of necessity (BL, §69, 4): Luk.12:50, Act.23:17-19 28:19. __II. Intrans. (BL, §53, 1), to be in a certain condition: ἑτοίμως ἔ., with inf., Act.21:13, 2Co.12:14; ἐσχάτως (which see), Mrk.5:23; κακῶς, to be ill, Mat.4:24, al.; καλῶς, Mk 16:[18]; κομψότερον, Jhn.4:52; πῶς, Act.15:36; impers., ἄλλως εἴχει, it is otherwise, 1Ti.5:25; οὕτως, Act.7:1, al.; τὸ νῦν ἔχον, as things now are (Tob.7:11), Act.24:25. __III. Mid., -ομαι, to hold oneself fast, hold on or cling to, be next to: with genitive, τ. ἐχόμενα σωτηρίας, Heb.6:9 (Rendall, in l.); ptcp., ὁ ἐχόμενος, near, next: of place, Mrk.1:38; of time, τ. ἐχομένη (ἡμέρα, expressed or understood), Luk.13:33, Act.20:15 21:26; (σαββάτῳ), Act.13:44. (Cf. ἀν-, προσ-αν-, ἀντ-, ἀπ-, ἐν-, ἐπ-, κατ-, μετ-, παρ-, περι-, προ-, προσ-, συν-, ὑπερ-, ὑπ-έχω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 628 NT verses. KJV: be (able, X hold, possessed with), accompany, + begin to amend, can(+ -not), X conceive, count, diseased, do + eat, + enjoy, + fear, following, have, hold, keep, + lack, + go to law, lie, + must needs, + of necessity, + need, next, + recover, + reign, + rest, + return, X sick, take for, + tremble, + uncircumcised, use See also: 1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 1 Peter 2:12.

εκραζεν krazō G2896 "to cry" Verb-IAI-3S

This verb means to cry out loudly, like a raven, and is used to describe people shouting for help or mercy, as in Mark 10:48.

Definition: κράζω [in LXX for זָעַק, צָעַק, קָרָא, etc. ;] in cl. chiefly poët., __1. prop. onomatop., of the raven, to croak, hence generally, of inartic. cries, to scream, cry out (Æsch., al.): Mrk.5:5 9:26 15:39 (Rec., R, mg.), Luk.9:39, al.; of crying for vengeance (cf. Gen.4:10), Jas.5:4. __2. to cry, call out with a loud voice: with accusative of thing(s), Act.19:32; before orat. dir., Mrk.10:48, Luk.18:39, al.; (ἐν) φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, Mrk.5:7, Rev.14:15, al.; λέγων, Mat.8:29, al.; of public teaching, Jhn.1:15, Rom.9:27, al.; of importunate prayer (cf. Job.35:12, Psa.3:5, al.), Rom.8:15, Gal.4:6; pf. with Pres. sense (vernac.; M, Pr., 147), Jhn.1:15 SYN.: see: βοάω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: cry (out) See also: Acts 7:57; Mark 9:26; James 5:4.

ωδινουσα ōdinō G5605 "be in labor" Verb-PAP-NSF

To be in labor means to experience the pains of childbirth, either literally or figuratively, as seen in Galatians 4:27 and Revelation 12:2.

Definition: ὠδίνω [in LXX chiefly for חוּל, also for חָבַל pi., etc. ;] to have birthpangs, to travail: Gal.4:27 (LXX), Rev.12:2; metaphorically, Gal.4:19 (cf. συν-ωδίνω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: travail in (birth) See also: Galatians 4:19; Galatians 4:27; Revelation 12:2.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

βασανιζομενη basanizō G928 "to torture: torture" Verb-PPP-NSF

To torture means to cause severe pain or distress, as in Matthew 8:6, where a man is tormented by demons. It can also mean to test or examine someone.

Definition: βασανίζω (βάσανος), [in LXX: 1Ki.5:3, Sir.4:17, and frequently in Wi, II, 4Mac ;] __1. prop., to rub on the touchstone, put to the test. __2. to examine by torture, hence, generally, to torture, torment, distress: Mat.8:6, 29 14:24, Mrk.5:7 6:48, Luk.8:28, 2Pe.2:8, Rev.9:5 11:10 12:2 14:10 20:10. † (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 12 NT verses. KJV: pain, toil, torment, toss, vex See also: 2 Peter 2:8; Matthew 14:24; Revelation 9:5.

τεκειν tiktō G5088 "to give birth to" Verb-2AAN

To give birth means to have a child, like Mary giving birth to Jesus in Luke 1:57. It can also mean to produce something new, like a plant growing.

Definition: τίκτω [in LXX chiefly for יָלַד ;] prop., of parents, to beget, bring forth, but esp. the latter, and so always in NT: absol., Luk.1:57 2:6, Jhn.16:21, Gal.4:27" (LXX) (see M, Pr., 127), Rev.12:2, 4; υἱόν, Mat.1:21, 23 1:25 Luk.1:31 2:7, Rev.12:5, 13; pass., Mat.2:2, Luk.2:11. Metaphorical, of the earth, βοτάνην, Heb.6:7 (Æsch., al.); of lust, ἁμαρτίαν, Jas.1:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 18 NT verses. KJV: bear, be born, bring forth, be delivered, be in travail See also: Galatians 4:27; Luke 2:11; Hebrews 6:7.

Study Notes — Revelation 12:2

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Context
Cross References
Revelation 12:2 Summary
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Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 12:2
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 12:2
Cambridge Bible on Revelation 12:2
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Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 12:2
Sermons on Revelation 12:2

Context — The Woman and the Dragon

1And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head.

2She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth.

3Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. 4His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, hurling them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 16:21	A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
2	Galatians 4:19	My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
3	Revelation 12:4	His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.
4	Isaiah 66:7–9	“Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before she was in pain, she delivered a boy. Who has heard of such as this? Who has seen such things? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be delivered in an instant? Yet as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children. Shall I bring a baby to the point of birth and not deliver it?” says the LORD. “Or will I who deliver close the womb?” says your God.
5	Galatians 4:27	For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.”
6	Micah 5:3	Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel.
7	Isaiah 53:11	After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.
8	Isaiah 54:1	“Shout for joy, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth in song and cry aloud, you who have never travailed; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.

Revelation 12:2 Summary

This verse tells us about a woman who is pregnant and in a lot of pain, which is a picture of the struggle between good and evil. The woman represents God's people, who have been waiting for a Savior to come and rescue them from sin, as promised in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:10-11. Just like a woman in labor, God's people have been waiting and suffering, but the birth of Jesus Christ brings joy and salvation, as seen in John 3:16 and Revelation 12:10-12. As we think about this verse, we can remember that God is with us in our struggles and will bring us to victory, just like He did for the woman and her child, as promised in Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the woman in Revelation 12:2?

The woman in Revelation 12:2 is often interpreted as Israel, who gives birth to Jesus Christ, as seen in Isaiah 66:7-8 and Matthew 1:21-23, but in this context, she may also symbolize the church, which is the body of Christ, according to Ephesians 5:25-32 and Revelation 19:7-8.

What is the significance of the woman's pregnancy?

The woman's pregnancy represents the promise of a Savior, Jesus Christ, who would come to save humanity from sin, as prophesied in Genesis 3:15 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:21-23 and Luke 2:4-7.

Why is the woman crying out in pain and agony?

The woman's pain and agony symbolize the suffering and persecution that Israel and the church have endured throughout history, as seen in Acts 8:1-4 and Revelation 2:2-3, but also point to the ultimate triumph of God over evil, as promised in Romans 8:18-25 and Revelation 21:1-4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

Revelation 12:2 sets the stage for the conflict between good and evil, as the dragon, representing Satan, seeks to destroy the woman and her child, but God ultimately protects and saves them, as seen in Revelation 12:5-6 and Revelation 12:11-12, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over all creation, as stated in Psalm 103:19 and Ephesians 1:20-22.

Reflection Questions

What does the woman's pregnancy and pain represent in my own life, and how can I apply this to my own spiritual journey?
How does the image of the woman crying out in pain and agony challenge my understanding of the nature of God and His relationship with humanity?
In what ways can I identify with the woman's experience, and how can I find comfort and strength in her story?
What does this verse reveal about the character of God, and how can I worship and praise Him in response to this revelation?

Gill's Exposition on Revelation 12:2

And she being big with child,.... Which may be expressive of the fruitfulness of the church in bearing and bringing forth many souls to Christ, and which were very numerous in this period of time,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Revelation 12:2

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Pained - `tormented' [ basanizomenee (G928)].

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Revelation 12:2

Being with child; not with Christ considered personally, who was long before brought forth by the virgin Mary, but with the truth, and gospel of Christ, or with Christ mystical. Cried; desiring to bring many children to the kingdom of Christ; or to bring forth Christ in the souls of others: of this burden and labour she desired to be delivered. The phrase is judged to signify both the primitive church’ s desire to propagate the gospel, and also her many sufferings for that endeavour.

Trapp's Commentary on Revelation 12:2

2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Ver. 2. And she being with child] And so soon smelt out by the bears of the world. Ursa praegnantem mulierem non solum uteri gravitate notam, sed eam etiam quae pridie conceperit, solam ex omni turba consectatur. (Bodin. Theatr. Nat.) Cried travailing] Being hard beset with cruel persecutors, she longs to be delivered of a Christian emperor, that might put her out of her pain and misery. She cried] viz. In her prayers to God and apologies to men.

Ellicott's Commentary on Revelation 12:2

(2) And she . . .—Better, And being with child, she crieth, travailing, and tormented to bring forth. All life dawns in anguish, according to the ancient fiat (Genesis 3:16); but this is not all. There is an anguish of the Church which Christ laid upon her; it is the law of her life that she must bring forth Christ to the world; it is not simply that she must encounter pain, but that she cannot work deliverance without knowing suffering. Thus the Apostles felt: the love of Christ constrained them; woe it would be to them if they did not preach the Gospel; necessity was laid upon them; they spoke of themselves as travailing in birth over their children till Christ was formed in them. This, then, is the picture, the Church fulfilling her destiny even in pain. The work was to bring forth Christ to men, and never to be satisfied till Christ was formed in them, i.e., till the spirit of Christ, and the teaching of Christ, and the example of Christ were received, loved, and obeyed, and men transformed to the same image, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. But there was to be opposition; the enemy is on the watch to destroy the likeness of Christ wherever it was seen.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Revelation 12:2

NOTES ON CHAP. XII., BY J. E. C. Verse 2. And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, &c.] This, when taken in connection with the following verses, is a striking figure of the great persecution which the Church of Christ should suffer under the heathen Roman emperors, but more especially of that long and most dreadful one under Diocletian. The woman is represented as BEING with child, to show that the time would speedily arrive when God's patient forbearance with the heathen would be terminated, and that a deliverer should arise in the Christian world who would execute the Divine vengeance upon paganism.

Cambridge Bible on Revelation 12:2

2. and she … pained to be delivered] There is probably a reminiscence of Gen 3:16, and perhaps of St John 16:21, as well as of Mic 4:10, to which the main reference is. Cf. also St Matthew 24:8, St Mark 13:1.

Barnes' Notes on Revelation 12:2

And she being with child cried, travailing in birth ... - That is, there would be something which would be properly represented by a woman in such circumstances. The question now is, what is referred to by this woman?

Whedon's Commentary on Revelation 12:2

2. Cried—Even in her celestial exaltation the woman is writhing in womanly agony. Type of how divine a thing is human maternity!

Sermons on Revelation 12:2

	Sermon	Description
	Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep appreciation for the things of God. He highlights how easily humans can take God's blessings for granted and
	The Joy of the Lord by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches about the true essence of joy, emphasizing that joy is not found in silliness or worldly entertainment but in the Lord's presence and strength. He challenges C
	Hagar and Ishmael Cast Out by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer explores the profound implications of Abraham's decision to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, emphasizing that true faith requires the removal of anything that hinders our rel
	Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the
	Self Dies Hard by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, Dr. Ellen Redpath discusses the story of Abraham and Sarah and their journey of faith. She highlights how Abraham's decision to take Hagar as his wife represented a
	Christian Love That Defies Description by Francis Chan	This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a baptism where a girl, Sabrina, owned her faith as her own, not just inherited from her parents. It highlights the miraculous story of h
	Making Whole Hearted Disciples by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for radical repentance and a reverence for God. He challenges the audience to examine their own lives and confess if they have enjo