(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
The second woe has passed; see, the third woe is coming quickly
The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming shortly.
The second Woe is past: behold, the third Woe cometh quickly.
The second{G1208} woe{G3759} is past{G565}; and{G2532}, behold{G2400}, the third{G5154} woe{G3759} cometh{G2064} quickly{G5035}.
Revelation 11:14 is part of the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. This book is an apocalyptic text, filled with vivid imagery and symbolism, and is understood to be a prophetic revelation of the end times. The verse occurs within a larger narrative concerning the seven trumpets, which are sounded by seven angels, each heralding a different judgment upon the earth.
In the context of Revelation 11:14, the verse speaks of the transition between the second and third of these woes, which are associated with the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, respectively. The "woes" are pronounced upon the earth as warnings of impending judgment and catastrophe. By stating that the second woe is past, the verse indicates that a significant stage of divine judgment has already occurred, and the phrase "behold, the third woe cometh quickly" suggests that the final and most severe judgment is imminent.
The historical context of the Book of Revelation is rooted in the late first century AD, during a period of persecution for the early Christian Church, particularly under the Roman Emperor Domitian. The text would have resonated with early Christians as a source of hope and encouragement, reminding them of God's sovereignty over history and the eventual triumph of good over evil. The urgency conveyed by the quick succession of the woes would have served to strengthen believers' faith and endurance in the face of adversity.
The themes of Revelation 11:14 include the linear progression of God's judgment, the nearness of the eschatological climax, and the call to alertness and preparedness for Christ's return. The verse underscores the biblical motif that human history is moving towards a definitive conclusion, with God's ultimate plan for creation being realized through a series of divinely ordained events. The anticipation of the third woe also serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance before the final judgment arrives.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)