Revelation 9:12

Translation
King James Version
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
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KJV (with Strong's)
One G3391 woe G3759 is past G565; and, behold G2400, there come G2064 two G1417 woes G3759 more G2089 hereafter G3326 G5023.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The first woe has passed, but there are still two woes to come.
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Berean Standard Bible
The first woe has passed. Behold, two woes are still to follow.
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American Standard Version
The first Woe is past: behold, there come yet two Woes hereafter.
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World English Bible Messianic
The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
One woe is past, and beholde, yet two woes come after this.
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Young's Literal Translation
The first woe did go forth, lo, there come yet two woes after these things.
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See also
Revelation 11:14Revelation 8:13Revelation 9:2Revelation 9:13Revelation 9:21
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In the KJVVerse 30,853 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Revelation 9:12 serves as a pivotal interlude within the unfolding apocalyptic drama, marking the conclusion of the first of three major divine judgments, known as "woes." This concise declaration, "One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter," functions as a dramatic pause, signaling that while a severe period of torment has concluded, even more intense and devastating tribulations are yet to be unleashed upon an unrepentant world, underscoring the escalating nature of God's righteous wrath.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the detailed account of the fifth trumpet judgment, described in Revelation 9:1-11. This judgment, characterized by demonic "locusts" tormenting humanity for five months, is explicitly identified as the "first woe." The preceding chapter, Revelation 8, introduces the sequence of trumpet judgments, with the first four affecting creation and the fifth initiating the "woe" series. Revelation 9:12 acts as a clear demarcation point, signaling the end of the first woe and building immense suspense for the subsequent two. It serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the completed judgment to the impending ones, specifically the sixth trumpet (the second woe, described in Revelation 9:13-21) and the seventh trumpet (the third woe, which brings the final consummation, detailed in Revelation 11:15-19). This structured progression emphasizes the deliberate and ordered nature of God's judgments.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Book of Revelation was written by John during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). The apocalyptic genre, common in Jewish literature, used highly symbolic language, vivid imagery, and dramatic narratives to convey messages of hope, warning, and divine sovereignty to a suffering audience. For early Christians facing oppression, the vision of escalating judgments served multiple purposes: it affirmed that God was aware of their suffering, that evil would not triumph indefinitely, and that divine justice would ultimately prevail. The concept of "woe" was familiar from Old Testament prophetic literature, where it often signaled a divine pronouncement of judgment or lament over impending disaster (e.g., Isaiah 5:8-23 or Amos 5:18). John's use of this terminology would have resonated deeply with his original audience, emphasizing the gravity and certainty of God's intervention in human history.
  • Key Themes: Revelation 9:12 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it highlights the Escalation of Divine Judgment, demonstrating that God's wrath is not a single, undifferentiated event but a series of increasingly severe consequences for human rebellion and impenitence. Each "woe" signifies a distinct and more intense phase of judgment, illustrating that humanity's continued rejection of God will lead to greater tribulation, a concept echoed in passages like Romans 2:5. Secondly, the verse underscores Divine Sovereignty and Control. Despite the chaos and terror depicted, the precise numbering and progression of the woes affirm that God remains firmly in control of all events. These judgments are not random occurrences but are part of a meticulously planned and executed divine purpose, revealing God's ultimate authority over history and destiny, a truth foundational to the entire book (e.g., Revelation 1:8). Finally, it serves as a solemn Warning and Call to Repentance. The announcement of impending woes functions as a prophetic warning to those who refuse to turn from their sins, emphasizing that the initial judgments are merely a prelude to greater tribulations. This warning is a consistent theme throughout Revelation, as seen in the lack of repentance even after severe judgments (e.g., Revelation 9:20-21).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Woe (Greek, ouaí', G3759): This interjection is far more than a simple expression of sorrow; it is a profound pronouncement of impending disaster, a lament, and a solemn warning of divine judgment. In biblical contexts, particularly prophetic literature, "woe" signifies a declaration of divine curse or condemnation, often preceding a description of the calamity itself. Its use here emphasizes the severity and certainty of the judgments.
  • Behold (Greek, idoú', G2400): This imperative verb serves as an exclamation, demanding immediate and focused attention from the reader. It functions to highlight the certainty, significance, and dramatic impact of what is about to be revealed. By using "behold," John draws the reader's gaze to the impending reality of the two additional woes, underscoring their importance in the prophetic timeline.
  • Come (Greek, érchomai', G2064): This verb signifies movement towards a destination, indicating that the two remaining woes are not merely possibilities but are actively "coming" or "approaching." It conveys a sense of inevitability and progression, reinforcing the idea that God's judgments are unfolding according to a predetermined plan and are drawing nearer.

Verse Breakdown

  • "One woe is past": This clause definitively marks the conclusion of the fifth trumpet judgment, which was explicitly identified as the "first woe" in Revelation 8:13. It provides a clear temporal and thematic marker, indicating that a specific, intense period of divine torment has run its course. The use of "past" (Greek apérchomai) conveys a sense of completion and departure.
  • "[and], behold": This conjunction and interjection serve as a dramatic transition. The "and" connects the completed judgment to the impending ones, while "behold" (Greek idoú) acts as a literary spotlight, drawing the reader's urgent attention to the next phase of the vision. It creates a moment of suspense and anticipation, emphasizing the gravity of what is about to be revealed.
  • "there come two woes more hereafter": This final clause is a stark prophetic announcement. It declares that the initial woe was merely the beginning, and two additional, presumably more severe, "woes" are yet to unfold. The phrase "more hereafter" (Greek éti metá taûta) emphasizes the temporal sequence and continuing nature of God's judgments, building anticipation for the sixth and seventh trumpets, which will constitute these subsequent woes.

Literary Devices

Revelation 9:12 is a masterclass in prophetic Foreshadowing and dramatic Interlude. The verse acts as a narrative pause, creating a moment of intense suspense before the next wave of judgments. It employs Repetition (of the concept of "woe") to emphasize the severity and structured nature of God's wrath. The use of the imperative "behold" (Greek idoú) serves as a Dramatic Announcement, drawing the reader into the unfolding vision and underscoring the certainty and significance of the impending events. This brief statement also exemplifies Numerical Symbolism, as the three woes correspond directly to the final three trumpet judgments, highlighting a divinely ordered sequence of escalating judgment.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Revelation 9:12, though brief, is rich in theological implications. It underscores the biblical truth of God's active involvement in human history, not only as a benevolent Creator and Redeemer but also as a righteous Judge. The concept of escalating "woes" reveals that God's patience, while vast, is not infinite, and persistent rebellion against His will inevitably leads to severe consequences. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty over time and events, demonstrating that even amidst chaos and suffering, His plan is unfolding precisely as ordained. It serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of divine accountability, urging humanity to consider the eternal implications of their choices.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Revelation 9:12, while describing terrifying future events, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of both immense love and perfect justice. The escalating judgments depicted in Revelation serve as a solemn warning against impenitence and a call to live with an eternal perspective. For those who have placed their faith in Christ, this verse should not evoke fear, but rather a deeper appreciation for the salvation offered through grace and a renewed urgency to share the Gospel. It encourages us to examine our own lives, ensuring that we are living in alignment with God's will and not taking His patience for granted. Ultimately, it strengthens our confidence in God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His perfect kingdom, where justice will finally prevail and all suffering will cease.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the concept of escalating "woes" deepen your understanding of God's justice and His response to human rebellion?
  • In what ways does this verse challenge you to live with a greater sense of urgency regarding your faith and witness?
  • How can the certainty of future judgment motivate you to pursue holiness and repentance in your own life?
  • How does knowing that God is sovereign over even these terrifying events bring comfort or conviction to your heart?

FAQ

What exactly are these "woes" in Revelation?

Answer: In the Book of Revelation, the "woes" are specific, intensified periods of divine judgment that are announced by an angel or eagle in Revelation 8:13. Each woe corresponds directly to the sounding of the last three of the seven trumpets. The first woe is the fifth trumpet judgment (Revelation 9:1-11), involving demonic locusts tormenting humanity. The second woe is the sixth trumpet judgment (Revelation 9:13-21), unleashing a massive, destructive cavalry. The third woe is the seventh trumpet judgment (Revelation 11:15-19), which ushers in the reign of Christ and the final consummation of God's plan. They represent increasingly severe expressions of God's wrath upon an unrepentant world.

Why does Revelation pause to announce "One woe is past;... two woes more hereafter"?

Answer: This pause serves several critical narrative and theological purposes. Literarily, it acts as a dramatic interlude, building suspense and emphasizing the structured, deliberate nature of God's judgments. Theologically, it highlights the progression and escalation of divine wrath, signaling that the initial period of torment was merely a prelude to even greater tribulations. It underscores God's sovereignty, showing that these events are not random but unfold according to His precise timing and plan. Furthermore, it serves as a solemn warning, giving humanity a moment to reflect on the severity of God's justice and the consequences of continued rebellion before the next, more intense, judgments are unleashed.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Revelation 9:12 describes a period of intense divine judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the comprehensive work of Jesus as both the Lamb who was slain and the Lion who judges. The very necessity of these woes points to the profound reality of human sin and rebellion, which necessitated Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross to provide a way of escape from God's righteous wrath (see Romans 5:9). Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly bore the "woe" of sin for humanity, enduring the ultimate judgment so that those who believe might be spared. Furthermore, these escalating judgments underscore the authority of Christ as the one to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father (as declared in John 5:22). The "woes" are not random acts of vengeance but are part of the unfolding of God's sovereign plan, culminating in the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where He will reign supreme and all evil will be finally vanquished (see Revelation 11:15). Thus, even in the midst of terrifying judgment, Revelation 9:12 implicitly points to the absolute necessity of Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate triumph as the just and righteous King.

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Commentary on Revelation 9 verses 1–12

Upon the sounding of this trumpet, the things to be observed are, 1. A star falling from heaven to the earth. Some think this star represents some eminent bishop in the Christian church, some angel of the church; for, in the same way of speaking by which pastors are called stars, the church is called heaven; but who this is expositors do not agree. Some understand it of Boniface the third bishop of Rome, who assumed the title of universal bishop, by the favour of the emperor Phocas, who, being a usurper and tyrant in the state, allowed Boniface to be so in the church, as the reward of his flattery. 2. To this fallen star was given the key of the bottomless pit. Having now ceased to be a minister of Christ, he becomes the antichrist, the minister of the devil; and by the permission of Christ, who had taken from him the keys of the church, he becomes the devil's turnkey, to let loose the powers of hell against the churches of Christ. 3. Upon the opening of the bottomless pit there arose a great smoke, which darkened the sun and the air. The devils are the powers of darkness; hell is the place of darkness. The devil carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by extinguishing light and knowledge, and promoting ignorance and error. He first deceives men, and then destroys them; wretched souls follow him in the dark, or they durst not follow him. 4. Out of this dark smoke there came a swarm of locusts, one of the plagues of Egypt, the devil's emissaries headed by the antichrist, all the rout and rabble of antichristian orders, to promote superstition, idolatry, error, and cruelty; and these had, by the just permission of God, power to hurt those who had not the mark of God in their foreheads. 5. The hurt they were to do them was not a bodily, but a spiritual hurt. They should not in a military way destroy all by fire and sword; the trees and the grass should be untouched, and those they hurt should not be slain; it should not be a persecution, but a secret poison and infection in their souls, which should rob them of their purity, and afterwards of their peace. Heresy is a poison in the soul, working slowly and secretly, but will be bitterness in the end. 6. They had no power so much as to hurt those who had the seal of God in their foreheads. God's electing, effectual, distinguishing grace will preserve his people from total and final apostasy. 7. The power given to these factors for hell is limited in point of time: five months, a certain season, and but a short season, though how short we cannot tell. Gospel-seasons have their limits, and times of seduction are limited too. 8. Though it would be short, it would be very sharp, insomuch that those who were made to feel the malignity of this poison in their consciences would be weary of their lives, Rev 9:6. A wounded spirit who can bear? 9. These locusts were of a monstrous size and shape, Rev 9:7, Rev 9:8, etc. They were equipped for their work like horses prepared to battle. (1.) They pretended to great authority, and seemed to be assured of victory: They had crowns like gold on their heads; it was not a true, but a counterfeit authority. (2.) They had the show of wisdom and sagacity, the faces of men, though the spirit of devils. (3.) They had all the allurements of seeming beauty, to ensnare and defile the minds of men - hair like women; their way of worship was very gaudy and ornamental. (4.) Though they appeared with the tenderness of women, they had the teeth of lions, were really cruel creatures. (5.) They had the defence and protection of earthly powers - breastplates of iron. (6.) They made a mighty noise in the world; they flew about from one country to another, and the noise of their motion was like that of an army with chariots and horses. (7.) Though at first they soothed and flattered men with a fair appearance, there was a sting in their tails; the cup of their abominations contained that which, though luscious at first, would at length bite like a serpent and sting like an adder. (8.) The king and commander of this hellish squadron is here described, [1.] As an angel; so he was by nature, an angel, once one of the angels of heaven. [2.] The angel of the bottomless pit; an angel still, but a fallen angel, fallen into the bottomless pit, vastly large, and out of which there is no recovery. [3.] In these infernal regions he is a sort of prince and governor, and has the powers of darkness under his rule and command. [4.] His true name is Abaddon, Apollyon - a destroyer, for that is his business, his design, and employment, to which he diligently attends, in which he is very successful, and takes a horrid hellish pleasure; it is about this destroying work that he sends out his emissaries and armies to destroy the souls of men. And now here we have the end of one woe; and where one ends another begins.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–12. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Revelation
One woe is past, and behold, two woes are still to come. Since he predicted that three woes were to come, he now mentions that one has already come in heretical deceit, but two remain, which will occur in the time of the Antichrist and on the day of judgment for the wicked.
Alcuin of YorkAD 804
COMMENTARY ON REVELATION
One woe is past. That is, it preceded in the narration, or was actually fulfilled in the past. Behold there come yet two woes more hereafter. That is, in the narration, or they are actually to be fulfilled in the future.
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
"Woe", he said, "one has gone; behold, two more woes are coming". The woe [οὐαὶ] as an forceful expression indicates the severe afflictions present and those to come upon them. Therefore, he says that one punishment has been declared; two more remain to be spoken of.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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