Revelation 11:14

KJV

¶ The second woe is past; [and], behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

KJV (with Strong's)

The second {G1208} woe {G3759} is past {G565}; and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the third {G5154} woe {G3759} cometh {G2064} quickly {G5035}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The second woe has passed; see, the third woe is coming quickly

Berean Standard Bible

The second woe has passed. Behold, the third woe is coming shortly.

American Standard Version

The second Woe is past: behold, the third Woe cometh quickly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 11:14 serves as a dramatic interlude in John's apocalyptic vision, marking the definitive conclusion of the second phase of divine judgment and emphatically announcing the swift and certain arrival of the third and final woe. This pivotal verse underscores God's meticulous orchestration of end-time events, highlighting the escalating intensity of His wrath against a rebellious world and preparing the reader for the climactic declaration of His eternal kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a crucial transition point within the Book of Revelation, specifically following the detailed account of the two witnesses' ministry, martyrdom, resurrection, and ascension, culminating in a great earthquake ([Revelation 11:3-13](/revelation/11-3-13 "Revelation 11:3-13 - The Two Witnesses and the Earthquake")). The declaration "The second woe is past" confirms the completion of the judgments associated with the sixth trumpet (described in [Revelation 9:13-21](/revelation/9-13-21 "Revelation 9:13-21 - The Sixth Trumpet and the Angelic Army")), as well as the immediate aftermath of the two witnesses' vindication. It serves as a brief but potent pause before the seventh trumpet sounds, which immediately follows in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and the Kingdom of God"), ushering in the final phase of God's plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Revelation was written by John during his exile on the island of Patmos, likely in the late first century AD, a period marked by Roman persecution of Christians under emperors like Domitian. The concept of "woes" (Greek: *ouai*) resonates deeply with Old Testament prophetic pronouncements of judgment and lament, familiar to John's Jewish-Christian audience. These pronouncements often accompanied divine interventions against rebellious nations or individuals, signifying profound suffering and calamity as a consequence of sin. The escalating nature of these judgments would have been understood within a cultural framework that recognized divine retribution as a just response to human wickedness and idolatry, particularly in a context where believers were suffering for their faith.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 11:14 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes found throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Control**, demonstrating that God is meticulously orchestrating the unfolding of history and judgment according to His predetermined plan. The transition from one woe to the next is not random but part of a precise divine timeline. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Escalation of Judgment**, illustrating a progressive intensification of God's wrath against a world that refuses to repent. Each successive woe is more severe than the last, culminating in the comprehensive judgments of the third woe, as foreshadowed by the announcement of the three woes in [Revelation 8:13](/revelation/8-13 "Revelation 8:13 - The Three Woes Announced"). Finally, the phrase "behold, the third woe cometh quickly" highlights the **Imminence of Climax**, conveying the urgency and swiftness of the impending final judgment, which immediately precedes the declaration of God's eternal reign in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet and the Kingdom of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** This primary exclamation of grief signifies a pronouncement of severe distress, lament, or judgment. In Revelation, its repeated use emphasizes the profound suffering and calamity that accompany God's punitive actions, underscoring the deliberate and weighty nature of His divine judgments upon a rebellious world.
* **Past (Greek, _apérchomai'_):** Derived from "to go off" or "to depart," this word indicates a definitive conclusion or completion. When applied to the "second woe," it signifies that the period of judgment associated with the sixth trumpet and the events surrounding the two witnesses has fully run its course, bringing a clear end to that specific phase of divine activity.
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This imperative serves as a powerful interjection, drawing immediate and urgent attention to what follows. It functions to highlight the significance, certainty, and dramatic nature of the impending event, signaling to the reader that something momentous and unavoidable is about to occur.
* **Quickly (Greek, _tachý'_):** Meaning "shortly," "without delay," "soon," or "suddenly," this adverb suggests a swiftness of execution once an event is initiated, rather than an immediate onset. In the context of the third woe, it conveys that once this final phase of judgment begins, its unfolding will be rapid, decisive, and without prolonged interruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The second woe is past":** This declarative statement confirms the cessation of the judgments associated with the sixth trumpet, which included the release of the four angels and the vast army that killed a third of mankind ([Revelation 9:13-21](/revelation/9-13-21 "Revelation 9:13-21 - The Sixth Trumpet and Its Aftermath")), as well as the dramatic events surrounding the two witnesses. It marks a clear end to a specific period of divine wrath.
* **"and, behold":** This conjunction and interjection create a dramatic pause and then emphatically redirect the reader's attention. "Behold" acts as a prophetic pointer, signaling that the next event is not only imminent but also of immense importance and certainty, demanding immediate consideration.
* **"the third woe cometh quickly":** This announcement declares the swift and decisive arrival of the final and most comprehensive series of judgments. The use of "quickly" indicates that once this woe begins, its progression will be rapid and conclusive, preparing the reader for the momentous events that immediately follow with the sounding of the seventh trumpet.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 11:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse functions as a **Dramatic Interlude**, providing a brief pause in the narrative flow between the conclusion of the second woe and the imminent commencement of the third. This pause heightens **Anticipation** and tension, preparing the reader for the climactic events to follow. The use of the exclamation "behold" (Greek: *idou*) is a form of **Exclamation** or **Interjection**, serving to draw immediate attention and emphasize the certainty and significance of the impending judgment. The very structure of the woes—a progression from one to the next—demonstrates **Escalation**, indicating an increasing intensity of divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing**, pointing directly to the ultimate and most severe judgments that are about to be unleashed, culminating in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 11:14 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate sovereign control over all history. The progression of the woes underscores a profound theological truth: God is not indifferent to human sin and rebellion. His judgments are not arbitrary but are a righteous response to persistent unrepentance, escalating in severity to bring about His ultimate purposes. This verse emphasizes the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, assuring believers that God's plan is unfolding precisely as foretold, leading inexorably to the establishment of His kingdom. For those who refuse to acknowledge Him, it serves as a solemn warning of impending accountability.

* [Revelation 8:13](/revelation/8-13 "Announcement of the Three Woes")
* [Revelation 15:1](/revelation/15-1 "The Seven Last Plagues")
* [Matthew 24:6-8](/matthew/24-6-8 "Wars, Famines, and Earthquakes as Birth Pains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 11:14, with its stark declaration of escalating judgment, calls believers to a profound sense of spiritual urgency and faithful endurance. While the specifics of apocalyptic prophecy can be complex, the overarching message is clear: God is sovereign, His justice is certain, and His redemptive plan is moving towards its glorious consummation. For those who have placed their faith in Christ, these pronouncements of judgment are not a source of fear, but a confirmation of God's ultimate triumph over evil and the certainty of His kingdom's arrival. This understanding should cultivate a deep trust in His divine timetable and an unwavering commitment to living righteously. It also compels us to live with a renewed sense of mission, recognizing the brevity of time and the eternal consequences of rejecting God's grace, motivating us to share the hope of the Gospel with those who are still lost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's escalating judgment shape my understanding of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance?**
* **What does the phrase "cometh quickly" imply for my personal spiritual readiness and my urgency in proclaiming the Gospel message?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereign plan, even amidst prophecies of tribulation and judgment?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "woes" in Revelation?**

Answer: The "woes" in Revelation represent a series of intensifying divine judgments pronounced upon the earth's inhabitants. They are specific, escalating calamities that demonstrate God's righteous wrath against persistent human rebellion and idolatry. Each woe signifies a distinct phase of suffering and destruction, designed to call humanity to repentance, though often met with hardened hearts.

**How does Revelation 11:14 relate to the trumpets?**

Answer: The woes are directly tied to the sounding of the last three of the seven trumpets. The first woe is associated with the [fifth trumpet](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fifth Trumpet"), unleashing demonic locusts. The second woe is linked to the [sixth trumpet](/revelation/9-13 "Revelation 9:13 - The Sixth Trumpet"), involving a vast army. Revelation 11:14 announces the imminent arrival of the third woe, which immediately precedes and is fulfilled by the sounding of the [seventh trumpet](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet"), bringing about the culmination of God's judgments and the declaration of His kingdom.

**Does "quickly" in this verse mean immediately?**

Answer: While "quickly" (Greek: *tachý*) can sometimes imply immediacy, in prophetic contexts like Revelation 11:14, it more often conveys the idea of swiftness of execution *once initiated*, rather than an immediate onset from the moment of the prophecy. It suggests that when the time for the third woe arrives, its unfolding will be rapid, decisive, and without prolonged delay, bringing the sequence of judgments to a swift and conclusive end.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 11:14, while announcing a period of escalating divine judgment, ultimately points to the sovereign work of Jesus Christ. The "woes" are part of the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom, over which Christ reigns supreme. While the world experiences these judgments, believers find their refuge and hope in Christ, who bore the ultimate "woe" of divine judgment on the cross for their sins ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). He is the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Given All Judgment to the Son")), and these escalating judgments ultimately pave the way for His glorious return as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as Judge and King")). The "third woe" is not merely a final judgment but the precursor to the momentous declaration in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord"), where the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, reigning forever and ever. Thus, even in judgment, Christ's sovereignty and ultimate triumph are magnified.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 8:13

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Revelation 9:12

One woe is past; [and], behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Revelation 15:1

¶ And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

Revelation 16:1

¶ And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Revelation 16:21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, [every stone] about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.