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The phrase a time, times and half a time in Revelation 12:14 refers to a period of three and a half years. The same phrase is found in Daniel 7:25 and refers to the same period of time. In Revelation 12, the nation of Israel, symbolized as a woman, flees a dragon, representing Satan. The woman receives divine protection, and “she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach” (Revelation 12:14).
The expression a time, times, and half a time is used to describe a specific time of intense trouble and persecution during the end times. The phrase itself comes from an ancient way of counting time. In this context:
• “a time” means one year
• “times” means two years
• “half a time” means half a year
So, together, “a time, times, and half a time” equals three and a half years. This same length of time is mentioned in other ways throughout the Bible, such as 1,260 days (Revelation 12:6) and 42 months (Revelation 13:5). All of these refer to one half of the seven-year tribulation described in the books of Daniel and Revelation.• “times” means two years
• “half a time” means half a year
Here’s a breakdown of how this time period is described in Scripture:
Revelation 12:6 — The woman is protected for 1,260 days
Revelation 12:14 — She is nourished for “a time, times, and half a time”
Revelation 13:5 — The beast is given authority for 42 months
Daniel 7:25 — The saints are handed over to the “little horn” that grows out of a terrifying beast (verse 8), and they are persecuted for “a time, times, and half a time”
Daniel 12:7 — The end comes after “a time, times, and half a time”
These verses all point to a time of intense persecution, especially against God’s people. It is the last half of the tribulation period, sometimes called the Great Tribulation. In Revelation 12, Satan is thrown out of heaven and begins to attack Israel and those who follow Jesus. Satan is on the rampage, and the beast—the Antichrist—is wielding absolute power over the earth. But God protects His people during this difficult time. The wilderness to which the woman flees symbolizes a place of safety and provision, just like when God cared for the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert (Exodus 16:35).Revelation 12:14 — She is nourished for “a time, times, and half a time”
Revelation 13:5 — The beast is given authority for 42 months
Daniel 7:25 — The saints are handed over to the “little horn” that grows out of a terrifying beast (verse 8), and they are persecuted for “a time, times, and half a time”
Daniel 12:7 — The end comes after “a time, times, and half a time”
This time period of the Great Tribulation is important in Bible prophecy because it marks the final years before Jesus’ second coming. It is a time when evil seems to be winning, but God is still in control. He limits the time of suffering and promises to rescue His people. As Revelation 12:12 says, Satan is full of fury “because he knows that his time is short.”
In summary, “a time, times, and half a time” is a symbolic way of saying “three and a half years,” a key period in the end times when Satan will fiercely oppose God’s people. But even in the midst of this, God’s protection and faithfulness remain sure.
