Revelation 12:5
ESV
She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne,
NIV
She gave birth to a son, a male child, who "will rule all the nations with an iron scepter." And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne.
NASB
And she gave birth to a Son, a male, who is going to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.
CSB
She gave birth to a Son, a male who is going to rule all nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and to his throne.
NLT
She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne.
KJV
And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
NKJV
She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
What does Revelation 12:5 mean?
This verse reports that the woman John saw brought forth a male child who was destined to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. This child is the third of seven critically important figures described in this passage. The woman is symbolic of the nation of Israel, and this verse is an obvious reference to Jesus. Isaiah 9:6–7 prophesies that this child will bear the government on His shoulder and there will be no end to His government and peace. He will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. Zechariah prophesied that Jesus "shall sit and rule on his throne" (Zechariah 6:13). Psalm 2:7–9 prophesies that God the Father will give His Son Jesus the nations for His inheritance and the ends of the earth for His possession, and His Son will break them with a rod of iron. This rule will follow the tribulation and last a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–6).Satan's effort to destroy Jesus the Messiah failed. Jesus arose from the dead and ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:16). John testifies here that the woman's child "was caught up to God and to his throne," reflecting an event which has already occurred.
