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Who is the Manchild?
The “manchild†found in Revelation 12:5 is the subject of much controversy amongst the ranks of eschatologists. Many theologians consider the manchild to be Christ, and the “woman†who gives birth to the child as Israel, and her crown of twelve stars as the twelve individual tribes of Israel. This is the most common view. Others view the manchild as offspring of the church, portrayed as the pregnant woman, whose crown of twelve stars is symbolic of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The problem with the view of the woman as Israel giving birth to Christ is that it violates the context of chapter 12 of Revelation, which takes place during the time of the dragon with 7 heads (each head representing one of seven world governments that have existed since the time of Egypt).
The last, and seventh head of the dragon is said to be the “beast†(Revelation 13:1‑6) that “wages war†against the saints and overcomes them (Revelation 13:7). If the manchild in 12:5 was Christ, then he would have been caught up to the throne of God as soon as he was born from Mary’s womb, which did NOT happen.
This seventh headed beast is said to have power, which causes the whole earth to worship his image, (Revelation 13:15‑18), and to take make people take the mark of the beast (666), or the number of his name. There are numerous scripture passages proving the beast with seven heads exists in the end times, and not during the time of Jesus Christ’s birth or earthly ministry; these verses are found in Revelation 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2,10,13; 17:3,7,8,11‑13,16, 17; 19:20; 20:4,10.
Since it is clear that the manchild is born during the time of the “beast†with 7 heads, this child must be symbolic of someone other than Jesus Christ. In Revelation 1:1 the angel showed the apostle John “the things which must shortly take place.†Most authorities agree that John’s book of Revelation was written about 96 A.D. Therefore the, “things, which must shortly take place,†is a reference to future events from 96 A.D. onward.
The book of Revelation is a book about events that are futuristic in time; it is a prophetic book using signs and symbols to convey its message (see Revelation 1:3; 22:7,10,18,19). In fact the Greek word for “signified†in the King James Version (KJV) translation of Rev. 1:1 literally means “signs and symbols.â€Â
The question is: WHAT does the “manchild†of Revelation 12:5 represent? This male child is symbolic of something or someone, but what or who? The Worrell New Testament (A.S. Worrell’s Translation With Study Notes), Copyright 1904 by A.S. Worrell. Copyright assigned to the Assemblies of God, Springfield, MO. 1980 edition published by the Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, No 65802. Printed in the U.S.A. Page 382, NOTES ON CHAPTER XII says:
We understand the woman in this chapter to represent Christendom, and the man‑child to represent the overcoming portion of the raptured saints. This chapter, chronologically, seems to fit on to the close of the third chapter. Chapters 4 and 5 present a heavenly vision; chapters 6‑11 set forth in symbol the woes that are to follow the rapture; and chapters 13‑19 execute these foretold woes.
Verses 1,2 “Clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feetâ€Â; this indicates the great honor and dignity that attach to the woman. “Travailing in birth, and being in pain to bring forthâ€Â; this seems to represent the great labor and pain of Christendom, in bringing forth the full overcomer, who is, with Jesus, to rule the world with a rod of iron, (chapter 3:21).
Verses 3,4 these verses seem to represent Satan who is striving to thwart the purpose of God to elevate to the throne a portion of the seed of Christ.
Verses 5 “She brought forth a manchildâ€Â; not Jesus Christ, as we understand it, but some believers of the overcoming type (Ephesians 4:13,15), who are fit to reign with Jesus by reason of His fully developed life in them. To make this man‑child refer to Jesus Christ is to violate the universal principle in the language, which forbids, in the very nature of things, the symbolizing of a past historical event! Christ had been born not far from ninety years, when John wrote the book of Revelation; but if we understand this man‑child as representing one of a class of full overcomers, who are to reign with Jesus, and then there seems to be no violence done to the language.
In Revelation 12:5 the manchild is “caught up†to God and to His throne. The Greek word for “caught†is “harpazo.†Harpazo means, “to seize†(in various applications), such as, “catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).†See Strong’s #726. There is no Greek word in the original text indicating upward movement in Revelation 12:5. The word that follows “caught†does not mean “up,†but rather, “toward.†In fact, the Greek interlinear uses the word “prósâ€Â; prós (Strong’s #4314) is a preposition meaning “toward.â€Â
In Greek, when a preposition “pros†follows a verb “caught†which is in the aorist indicative passive, it implies action at a particular point in time, and would read in English like this:
Revelation 12:5 And her child was seized toward the throne of the God (at a particular point in time).â€Â
Here, the “child†is the object of what it is being “seized toward†(i.e. – the throne of the God). This shows a relationship between God and the child, causing us to believe the child is referring to the church, for they are God’s children:
John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (NAS)
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (NAS)
Romans 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. (NAS)
Hebrews 2:11-13 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Thy name to My brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing Thy praise.†And again, “I will put my trust in Him.†And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given me.â€Â
In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, there is a reference to the return of Jesus Christ for His church, and the same Greek word “harpazo†is used for the believers being “caught†or “seized.â€Â
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. (NAS)
Again, the Greek text in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 does not support the idea of being caught “up†(as in an upward direction); the Greek word for “up†(apo) is not used. Rather, a primary preposition “en†is used; the Greek preposition “en†denotes those being “seized†or taken into a fixed (permanent) position in their state of existence and their relation of eternal rest with the Lord. This word “en†is rarely used with verbs of motion, and even then is not to indicate direction. In other words, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 reads as follows using the Greek construction:
1 Thessalonians 4:17 b “Then we which are alive and surviving shall be seized together into a fixed position, into a relation of rest.â€Â
If we compare Revelation 12:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17 side by side, we can see a definite relationship between the two verses:
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was seized toward the throne of the God, (at a particular point in time). *Literal Greek rendering.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and surviving shall be seized together into a fixed position in a relation of rest with them in clouds, to meet coming from different directions, the Lord into the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. *Literal Greek rendering (KJV)
The Greek word for “coming†in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is parousÃÂa meaning ‘presence’; Jesus Christ is portrayed as “coming†in a “presence†from multiple different directions. When the text says the believers meet him in the air, it speaks not of our immediate natural atmosphere, but a spiritual realm or dimension.
The Jews did not designate the “air†as the dwelling place of angels, but of Satan and his demons. It is in this context that Paul designates Satan as being the ruler of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2 & 6:12). The Lord will penetrate this realm or area in order to deliver His own people from the earthly dimension.
Thus far, we have established three points:
The “manchild†symbolizes the church; male & female believers collectively
The “harpazo†or “seizing†of the child toward God’s throne indicates a relationship of parent to child.
There is a clear relationship in the use of the word “harpazo†in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Revelation 12:5 to offer proof of a “seizing†of certain believers from the realm of this earth, and from Satan, the god of this world, into another realm.
The Manchild and the Overcomers
The manchild represents the overcoming believers who are watching and praying (Luke 21:34-36) in order to escape the beast, which brings the Great Tribulation upon the lukewarm Christendom, which is deceived by the cares of life. The manchild will be “seized†toward the throne of God in Revelation 12:5, and “seized†into the presence of Jesus in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The verses below give us a better understanding of what exactly a believer should be doing in order to escape the great tribulation:
Luke 21:25-36 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.†And He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. Even so you, too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.†(NAS)
Something distinguishes the manchild overcomers from other believers in the last days. That distinction is their fervent (i.e. - boiling) love for Jesus Christ. Unlike the Laodicean church, which has become lukewarm by seeking material and financial gain, the manchild is also symbolized as the Philadelphia church, which has maintained their love and zeal for Jesus Christ.
The book of Revelation contrasts the church of Philadelphia with the church at Laodicea. Philadelphia represents the church of overcomers, the manchild. Why? Because the text of Revelation 3:7-13 says they have kept the word of Jesus’ patience, and are therefore they will be kept “from†(Greek word is “ekâ€Â, meaning “out ofâ€Â) the hour of temptation (the Greek word means “testingâ€Â), which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 3:10-13 ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from (The Greek preposition is “ek†meaning, “out ofâ€Â) the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (NAS)
Laodicea seeks materialistic goals (Revelation 3:17), and therefore they are similar to the rich in the “last days†that hoard wealth and riches, as mentioned earlier in James 5:7. This group of believers will not be one heart and mind with the manchild during its development in the womb of the visible church (i.e. – Christendom), which is symbolized by the pregnant woman in travail in Revelation 12:5. They will find repentance at a later time, when they are tried by fire, so to speak, in the Great Tribulation, which shall come upon the entire earth.
The church at Philadelphia has but a “little power,†yet those who are part of Philadelphia are faithful to hold fast the word of God, and will not abnegate or deny the name, character, authority, and reputation of Jesus (see Revelation 3:8). This is solid proof that the manchild is not some last day’s powerhouse army of believers, but a meek and humble group of Christians, who have taken the role as servants.
In fact, the Greek words “little power†in Revelation 3:8 are “mikrán dúnamin†meaning, “microscopic in strength, ability, power.†God is saying the Philadelphia church is not noted for their miraculous demonstration of signs and wonders. In fact, they are actually quite weak; but in this weakness, they find they are strong in God. If the Philadelphia church is synonymous with the manchild of Revelation 12:5, then the Latter Rain concept of a manchild company of believers endued with miraculous power, and doing greater works than Jesus did is fallacious.
Philadelphia means literally “in the direction of being in a fixed position, of close association in dear, and active fondness as friends, coming from the same womb.“ This shows the primary characteristic of the Philadelphia-manchild church is characterized by their committed friendships love one for another.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.†(John 15:13) Perhaps this is what Christ meant in John 14:12 by His church doing “greater works†than He did. After all, the greatest of all of Christ’s works was being humbled, even to the point of death on a cross. We are His servants, and the servant is not greater than His master, is he? (Read John 15:20)
John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.†NAS
One interesting note in the Greek text of John 14:12 is the fact the word “works†following the word “greater†has been omitted. The English Bible translators erroneously added the word “works†to comply with either their doctrine or assumption. Latter Rain – Manchild doctrine emphasizes this verse, and uses it as a hallmark characteristic of what the Manchild Ministry will be like. They believe when God pours out the Latter Rain†or strong deluge of His spirit in the last days, it will result in the manchild company doing greater miracles and signs and wonders than Jesus Christ ever did.
The simple fact is John 14:12 reads from the Greek as, “…the works that I do shall he do also; and greater…†Greater what? Not miracles, for sure. Philadelphia has only microscopic strength, but they have the love of God, which is greater than any miracle or sign or wonder.
The following is a list of the “greater†characteristics of the Philadelphia church/manchild; note that not one verse associates miraculous power as being part of what God or Jesus considers “greater!â€Â
Matthew 11:11 "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. New American Standard
Mark 12:31 “The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.†New American Standard Bible
Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. New American Standard Bible
John 13:13-17 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. New American Standard Bible
John 15:12-14 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends, if you do what I command you.†New American Standard Bible
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:2 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. New American Standard Bible
1 John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. New American Standard Bible
3 John 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. New American Standard Bible
Note that the literal definition of Philadelphia includes this church as “coming from the same womb.†This simple fact gives the Philadelphia a clear and direct tie to the birth of the manchild from the womb of the woman in Rev. 12:5. Ironically, with regards to the birth of a Manchild, the Greek word “arsen†is used in reference to the womb in another NT reference:
Luke 2:23 As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; (KJV)
The word “manchild†is from two Greek words. “Man†is the Greek “arsen†meaning “maleâ€Â, (as stronger for lifting), and is from a root word “airo†meaning, “to liftâ€Â; by implication, “to take awayâ€Â. The second part of the word “child†is the Greek word “huios†and this word primarily signifies the relation of an offspring to parent and not simply the birth as indicated by the usual Greek word “teknon.â€Â
In Matt. 19:4 “arsen†is used when Jesus said, “...He (God) who created them from the beginning made them male (arsen) and female.â€Â
When we compare the concept of both male and female being made into what scripture calls, “man,†the account in Gen. 5:2 applies:
“He (God) created them male and female, and He blessed them & named them man (adam) in the day when they were created.â€Â
Gen. 5:2 refers to both male and female as the “manchild.†We know this because of the manner in which Gal. 3:28 is written, and includes ‘arsen’ to refer to both man and woman in Christ. In the NT “arsen†is used in Gal. 3:28 which reads:
“... there is neither male (arsen) nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.†Gal. 3:28
Combining these thoughts, “arsen†can refer to the strength (lifting) of a body of believers in Christ who are born of the Spirit (John 3:3,8) and are made one in the Spirit by God. The manchild of Rev. 12:5 symbolizes groups of believers, both male and female, who have come from one Father; who have been born of the Spirit of God, and nurtured in the womb of the visible church. Their oneness with God is seen in their friendship and love for one another:
John 17:11, 21 “And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are…that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. (NAS)
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.†(NAS)
As stated earlier, the Greek word “huios†primarily signifies the relation of an offspring to parent and not simply the birth as indicated by the usual Greek word “teknon.†The Greek word “huios†used for the “child†part of “manchild†shows the relationship of this body of believers to their God. Huios is used in the relationship between God and Christ as Father and Son. Huios is also used of the spiritual parental relationship of God and His children, the body of Christ, referred to as “sons†(though it is not speaking of the male and female gender; rather by way of analogy) in the following scripture references:
Rom. 8:14 “For all who are being led by the spirit of God, these are the sons (huios) of God.â€Â
Rom 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons (huios) of God to be revealed. (NIV)
Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (huios), that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV)
Rom 9:25-26 As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, beloved.’ And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons (huios) of the living God.†(NAS)
2 Cor 6:14-18 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,†says the Lod. “And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons (huios) and daughters to me,†says the Lord Almighty. (NAS)
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children (huios) of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Gal 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son (huios), born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (huios). And because you are sons (huios), God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (huios) into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!†Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son (huios); and if a son (huios), then an heir through God. (NAS)
Heb 12:7-11 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons (huios); for what son (huios) is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons (huios). Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (NAS)
SUMMARY OF THE ABOVE: The word “manchild†in Revelation 12:5 refers to a body of believers who are made one by the Spirit of God, as long as they are willing to be led by His spirit. Huios is also used in Rom. 8:19 “sonsâ€Â, Rom. 9:26 “children†or “sons†and in other texts in reference to the body of Christ, both male and female.
continued in "Who is the Manchild of Rev 12:5? Part 2"
The “manchild†found in Revelation 12:5 is the subject of much controversy amongst the ranks of eschatologists. Many theologians consider the manchild to be Christ, and the “woman†who gives birth to the child as Israel, and her crown of twelve stars as the twelve individual tribes of Israel. This is the most common view. Others view the manchild as offspring of the church, portrayed as the pregnant woman, whose crown of twelve stars is symbolic of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
The problem with the view of the woman as Israel giving birth to Christ is that it violates the context of chapter 12 of Revelation, which takes place during the time of the dragon with 7 heads (each head representing one of seven world governments that have existed since the time of Egypt).
The last, and seventh head of the dragon is said to be the “beast†(Revelation 13:1‑6) that “wages war†against the saints and overcomes them (Revelation 13:7). If the manchild in 12:5 was Christ, then he would have been caught up to the throne of God as soon as he was born from Mary’s womb, which did NOT happen.
This seventh headed beast is said to have power, which causes the whole earth to worship his image, (Revelation 13:15‑18), and to take make people take the mark of the beast (666), or the number of his name. There are numerous scripture passages proving the beast with seven heads exists in the end times, and not during the time of Jesus Christ’s birth or earthly ministry; these verses are found in Revelation 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2,10,13; 17:3,7,8,11‑13,16, 17; 19:20; 20:4,10.
Since it is clear that the manchild is born during the time of the “beast†with 7 heads, this child must be symbolic of someone other than Jesus Christ. In Revelation 1:1 the angel showed the apostle John “the things which must shortly take place.†Most authorities agree that John’s book of Revelation was written about 96 A.D. Therefore the, “things, which must shortly take place,†is a reference to future events from 96 A.D. onward.
The book of Revelation is a book about events that are futuristic in time; it is a prophetic book using signs and symbols to convey its message (see Revelation 1:3; 22:7,10,18,19). In fact the Greek word for “signified†in the King James Version (KJV) translation of Rev. 1:1 literally means “signs and symbols.â€Â
The question is: WHAT does the “manchild†of Revelation 12:5 represent? This male child is symbolic of something or someone, but what or who? The Worrell New Testament (A.S. Worrell’s Translation With Study Notes), Copyright 1904 by A.S. Worrell. Copyright assigned to the Assemblies of God, Springfield, MO. 1980 edition published by the Gospel Publishing House, Springfield, No 65802. Printed in the U.S.A. Page 382, NOTES ON CHAPTER XII says:
We understand the woman in this chapter to represent Christendom, and the man‑child to represent the overcoming portion of the raptured saints. This chapter, chronologically, seems to fit on to the close of the third chapter. Chapters 4 and 5 present a heavenly vision; chapters 6‑11 set forth in symbol the woes that are to follow the rapture; and chapters 13‑19 execute these foretold woes.
Verses 1,2 “Clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feetâ€Â; this indicates the great honor and dignity that attach to the woman. “Travailing in birth, and being in pain to bring forthâ€Â; this seems to represent the great labor and pain of Christendom, in bringing forth the full overcomer, who is, with Jesus, to rule the world with a rod of iron, (chapter 3:21).
Verses 3,4 these verses seem to represent Satan who is striving to thwart the purpose of God to elevate to the throne a portion of the seed of Christ.
Verses 5 “She brought forth a manchildâ€Â; not Jesus Christ, as we understand it, but some believers of the overcoming type (Ephesians 4:13,15), who are fit to reign with Jesus by reason of His fully developed life in them. To make this man‑child refer to Jesus Christ is to violate the universal principle in the language, which forbids, in the very nature of things, the symbolizing of a past historical event! Christ had been born not far from ninety years, when John wrote the book of Revelation; but if we understand this man‑child as representing one of a class of full overcomers, who are to reign with Jesus, and then there seems to be no violence done to the language.
In Revelation 12:5 the manchild is “caught up†to God and to His throne. The Greek word for “caught†is “harpazo.†Harpazo means, “to seize†(in various applications), such as, “catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).†See Strong’s #726. There is no Greek word in the original text indicating upward movement in Revelation 12:5. The word that follows “caught†does not mean “up,†but rather, “toward.†In fact, the Greek interlinear uses the word “prósâ€Â; prós (Strong’s #4314) is a preposition meaning “toward.â€Â
In Greek, when a preposition “pros†follows a verb “caught†which is in the aorist indicative passive, it implies action at a particular point in time, and would read in English like this:
Revelation 12:5 And her child was seized toward the throne of the God (at a particular point in time).â€Â
Here, the “child†is the object of what it is being “seized toward†(i.e. – the throne of the God). This shows a relationship between God and the child, causing us to believe the child is referring to the church, for they are God’s children:
John 1:12-13 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (NAS)
Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (NAS)
Romans 9:8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. (NAS)
Hebrews 2:11-13 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim Thy name to My brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will sing Thy praise.†And again, “I will put my trust in Him.†And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given me.â€Â
In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, there is a reference to the return of Jesus Christ for His church, and the same Greek word “harpazo†is used for the believers being “caught†or “seized.â€Â
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. (NAS)
Again, the Greek text in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 does not support the idea of being caught “up†(as in an upward direction); the Greek word for “up†(apo) is not used. Rather, a primary preposition “en†is used; the Greek preposition “en†denotes those being “seized†or taken into a fixed (permanent) position in their state of existence and their relation of eternal rest with the Lord. This word “en†is rarely used with verbs of motion, and even then is not to indicate direction. In other words, 1 Thessalonians 4:17 reads as follows using the Greek construction:
1 Thessalonians 4:17 b “Then we which are alive and surviving shall be seized together into a fixed position, into a relation of rest.â€Â
If we compare Revelation 12:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17 side by side, we can see a definite relationship between the two verses:
Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was seized toward the throne of the God, (at a particular point in time). *Literal Greek rendering.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and surviving shall be seized together into a fixed position in a relation of rest with them in clouds, to meet coming from different directions, the Lord into the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. *Literal Greek rendering (KJV)
The Greek word for “coming†in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is parousÃÂa meaning ‘presence’; Jesus Christ is portrayed as “coming†in a “presence†from multiple different directions. When the text says the believers meet him in the air, it speaks not of our immediate natural atmosphere, but a spiritual realm or dimension.
The Jews did not designate the “air†as the dwelling place of angels, but of Satan and his demons. It is in this context that Paul designates Satan as being the ruler of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2 & 6:12). The Lord will penetrate this realm or area in order to deliver His own people from the earthly dimension.
Thus far, we have established three points:
The “manchild†symbolizes the church; male & female believers collectively
The “harpazo†or “seizing†of the child toward God’s throne indicates a relationship of parent to child.
There is a clear relationship in the use of the word “harpazo†in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Revelation 12:5 to offer proof of a “seizing†of certain believers from the realm of this earth, and from Satan, the god of this world, into another realm.
The Manchild and the Overcomers
The manchild represents the overcoming believers who are watching and praying (Luke 21:34-36) in order to escape the beast, which brings the Great Tribulation upon the lukewarm Christendom, which is deceived by the cares of life. The manchild will be “seized†toward the throne of God in Revelation 12:5, and “seized†into the presence of Jesus in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The verses below give us a better understanding of what exactly a believer should be doing in order to escape the great tribulation:
Luke 21:25-36 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.†And He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. Even so you, too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.†(NAS)
Something distinguishes the manchild overcomers from other believers in the last days. That distinction is their fervent (i.e. - boiling) love for Jesus Christ. Unlike the Laodicean church, which has become lukewarm by seeking material and financial gain, the manchild is also symbolized as the Philadelphia church, which has maintained their love and zeal for Jesus Christ.
The book of Revelation contrasts the church of Philadelphia with the church at Laodicea. Philadelphia represents the church of overcomers, the manchild. Why? Because the text of Revelation 3:7-13 says they have kept the word of Jesus’ patience, and are therefore they will be kept “from†(Greek word is “ekâ€Â, meaning “out ofâ€Â) the hour of temptation (the Greek word means “testingâ€Â), which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 3:10-13 ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from (The Greek preposition is “ek†meaning, “out ofâ€Â) the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, in order that no one take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (NAS)
Laodicea seeks materialistic goals (Revelation 3:17), and therefore they are similar to the rich in the “last days†that hoard wealth and riches, as mentioned earlier in James 5:7. This group of believers will not be one heart and mind with the manchild during its development in the womb of the visible church (i.e. – Christendom), which is symbolized by the pregnant woman in travail in Revelation 12:5. They will find repentance at a later time, when they are tried by fire, so to speak, in the Great Tribulation, which shall come upon the entire earth.
The church at Philadelphia has but a “little power,†yet those who are part of Philadelphia are faithful to hold fast the word of God, and will not abnegate or deny the name, character, authority, and reputation of Jesus (see Revelation 3:8). This is solid proof that the manchild is not some last day’s powerhouse army of believers, but a meek and humble group of Christians, who have taken the role as servants.
In fact, the Greek words “little power†in Revelation 3:8 are “mikrán dúnamin†meaning, “microscopic in strength, ability, power.†God is saying the Philadelphia church is not noted for their miraculous demonstration of signs and wonders. In fact, they are actually quite weak; but in this weakness, they find they are strong in God. If the Philadelphia church is synonymous with the manchild of Revelation 12:5, then the Latter Rain concept of a manchild company of believers endued with miraculous power, and doing greater works than Jesus did is fallacious.
Philadelphia means literally “in the direction of being in a fixed position, of close association in dear, and active fondness as friends, coming from the same womb.“ This shows the primary characteristic of the Philadelphia-manchild church is characterized by their committed friendships love one for another.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.†(John 15:13) Perhaps this is what Christ meant in John 14:12 by His church doing “greater works†than He did. After all, the greatest of all of Christ’s works was being humbled, even to the point of death on a cross. We are His servants, and the servant is not greater than His master, is he? (Read John 15:20)
John 14:12 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.†NAS
One interesting note in the Greek text of John 14:12 is the fact the word “works†following the word “greater†has been omitted. The English Bible translators erroneously added the word “works†to comply with either their doctrine or assumption. Latter Rain – Manchild doctrine emphasizes this verse, and uses it as a hallmark characteristic of what the Manchild Ministry will be like. They believe when God pours out the Latter Rain†or strong deluge of His spirit in the last days, it will result in the manchild company doing greater miracles and signs and wonders than Jesus Christ ever did.
The simple fact is John 14:12 reads from the Greek as, “…the works that I do shall he do also; and greater…†Greater what? Not miracles, for sure. Philadelphia has only microscopic strength, but they have the love of God, which is greater than any miracle or sign or wonder.
The following is a list of the “greater†characteristics of the Philadelphia church/manchild; note that not one verse associates miraculous power as being part of what God or Jesus considers “greater!â€Â
Matthew 11:11 "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. New American Standard
Mark 12:31 “The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.†New American Standard Bible
Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. New American Standard Bible
John 13:13-17 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. New American Standard Bible
John 15:12-14 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends, if you do what I command you.†New American Standard Bible
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:2 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. New American Standard Bible
1 John 4:4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. New American Standard Bible
3 John 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. New American Standard Bible
Note that the literal definition of Philadelphia includes this church as “coming from the same womb.†This simple fact gives the Philadelphia a clear and direct tie to the birth of the manchild from the womb of the woman in Rev. 12:5. Ironically, with regards to the birth of a Manchild, the Greek word “arsen†is used in reference to the womb in another NT reference:
Luke 2:23 As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; (KJV)
The word “manchild†is from two Greek words. “Man†is the Greek “arsen†meaning “maleâ€Â, (as stronger for lifting), and is from a root word “airo†meaning, “to liftâ€Â; by implication, “to take awayâ€Â. The second part of the word “child†is the Greek word “huios†and this word primarily signifies the relation of an offspring to parent and not simply the birth as indicated by the usual Greek word “teknon.â€Â
In Matt. 19:4 “arsen†is used when Jesus said, “...He (God) who created them from the beginning made them male (arsen) and female.â€Â
When we compare the concept of both male and female being made into what scripture calls, “man,†the account in Gen. 5:2 applies:
“He (God) created them male and female, and He blessed them & named them man (adam) in the day when they were created.â€Â
Gen. 5:2 refers to both male and female as the “manchild.†We know this because of the manner in which Gal. 3:28 is written, and includes ‘arsen’ to refer to both man and woman in Christ. In the NT “arsen†is used in Gal. 3:28 which reads:
“... there is neither male (arsen) nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.†Gal. 3:28
Combining these thoughts, “arsen†can refer to the strength (lifting) of a body of believers in Christ who are born of the Spirit (John 3:3,8) and are made one in the Spirit by God. The manchild of Rev. 12:5 symbolizes groups of believers, both male and female, who have come from one Father; who have been born of the Spirit of God, and nurtured in the womb of the visible church. Their oneness with God is seen in their friendship and love for one another:
John 17:11, 21 “And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee. Holy Father, keep them in Thy name, the name which Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, even as We are…that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me. (NAS)
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.†(NAS)
As stated earlier, the Greek word “huios†primarily signifies the relation of an offspring to parent and not simply the birth as indicated by the usual Greek word “teknon.†The Greek word “huios†used for the “child†part of “manchild†shows the relationship of this body of believers to their God. Huios is used in the relationship between God and Christ as Father and Son. Huios is also used of the spiritual parental relationship of God and His children, the body of Christ, referred to as “sons†(though it is not speaking of the male and female gender; rather by way of analogy) in the following scripture references:
Rom. 8:14 “For all who are being led by the spirit of God, these are the sons (huios) of God.â€Â
Rom 8:19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons (huios) of God to be revealed. (NIV)
Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son (huios), that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (NIV)
Rom 9:25-26 As He says also in Hosea, “I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people,’ And her who was not beloved, beloved.’ And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons (huios) of the living God.†(NAS)
2 Cor 6:14-18 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,†says the Lod. “And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons (huios) and daughters to me,†says the Lord Almighty. (NAS)
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children (huios) of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Gal 4:4-7 But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth His Son (huios), born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons (huios). And because you are sons (huios), God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (huios) into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!†Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son (huios); and if a son (huios), then an heir through God. (NAS)
Heb 12:7-11 It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons (huios); for what son (huios) is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons (huios). Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (NAS)
SUMMARY OF THE ABOVE: The word “manchild†in Revelation 12:5 refers to a body of believers who are made one by the Spirit of God, as long as they are willing to be led by His spirit. Huios is also used in Rom. 8:19 “sonsâ€Â, Rom. 9:26 “children†or “sons†and in other texts in reference to the body of Christ, both male and female.
continued in "Who is the Manchild of Rev 12:5? Part 2"
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