God’s plan for salvation inevitably involves difficulty, but it always moves His purpose forward.
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). These words come to the Apostle John as he receives a prophetic vision during his exile on the island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea off the western coast of modern-day Turkey. This particular verse depicts a woman’s intense experience of childbirth, capturing the struggle and anticipation of bringing forth new life. Written around AD 90-95, the Book of Revelation often employs symbolic imagery to convey deeper truths. Many interpret this dramatic image of a woman in labor as representing the faithful community of God through whom the promised Savior would come. Though the verse seemingly describes a single person, it can also include the idea of a collective group, standing for those who, like a mother in labor, endure great hardship for the divine purpose of giving birth to hope and deliverance in the world.
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). In the broader context of Revelation 12, the woman beset with labor pains is often seen as a symbol of Israel, the people chosen to bring forth the Messiah (Galatians 4:4). The description of pain and suffering highlights the trials God’s people endured prior to the appearing of Jesus Christ in history. So, these birth pains can be linked to the long-awaited hope for deliverance from sin and oppression, ultimately fulfilled when Christ was born. Even in the anguish, there is an undercurrent of God’s sovereign plan moving forward, underscoring the idea that salvation often comes through a painful but redemptive process.
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). This verse also foreshadows the conflict between God’s redemptive work and the opposition that attempts to thwart it. The excruciating imagery of childbirth paints a picture of struggle leading to covenant fulfillment, an idea found throughout Scripture (Isaiah 66:7-8). When we see this scenario through the lens of John’s entire vision, the emphasis remains on the faithfulness of God in delivering His people, no matter how fierce the resistance they face.
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Revelation 12:2 meaning
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). These words come to the Apostle John as he receives a prophetic vision during his exile on the island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea off the western coast of modern-day Turkey. This particular verse depicts a woman’s intense experience of childbirth, capturing the struggle and anticipation of bringing forth new life. Written around AD 90-95, the Book of Revelation often employs symbolic imagery to convey deeper truths. Many interpret this dramatic image of a woman in labor as representing the faithful community of God through whom the promised Savior would come. Though the verse seemingly describes a single person, it can also include the idea of a collective group, standing for those who, like a mother in labor, endure great hardship for the divine purpose of giving birth to hope and deliverance in the world.
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). In the broader context of Revelation 12, the woman beset with labor pains is often seen as a symbol of Israel, the people chosen to bring forth the Messiah (Galatians 4:4). The description of pain and suffering highlights the trials God’s people endured prior to the appearing of Jesus Christ in history. So, these birth pains can be linked to the long-awaited hope for deliverance from sin and oppression, ultimately fulfilled when Christ was born. Even in the anguish, there is an undercurrent of God’s sovereign plan moving forward, underscoring the idea that salvation often comes through a painful but redemptive process.
“and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth” (v.2). This verse also foreshadows the conflict between God’s redemptive work and the opposition that attempts to thwart it. The excruciating imagery of childbirth paints a picture of struggle leading to covenant fulfillment, an idea found throughout Scripture (Isaiah 66:7-8). When we see this scenario through the lens of John’s entire vision, the emphasis remains on the faithfulness of God in delivering His people, no matter how fierce the resistance they face.