Revelation 9:12

KJV

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

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The first woe has passed, but there are still two woes to come.

Berean Standard Bible

The first woe has passed. Behold, two woes are still to follow.

American Standard Version

The first Woe is past: behold, there come yet two Woes hereafter.

Commentary

### 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](/revelation/9-1-11 "Revelation 9:1-11 - The Fifth Trumpet and the Locusts from the Abyss"). This judgment, characterized by demonic "locusts" tormenting humanity for five months, is explicitly identified as the "first woe." The preceding chapter, [Revelation 8](/revelation/8 "Revelation 8 - The Seven Trumpets Begin"), 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](/revelation/9-13-21 "Revelation 9:13-21 - The Sixth Trumpet and the Army of Horsemen")) and the seventh trumpet (the third woe, which brings the final consummation, detailed in [Revelation 11:15-19](/revelation/11-15-19 "Revelation 11:15-19 - The Seventh Trumpet and God's Reign")). 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](/isaiah/5-8-23 "Isaiah 5:8-23 - Woes Against Israel's Sins") or [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to Those Who Desire the Day of the Lord")). 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](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - God's Righteous Judgment"). 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](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - God's Sovereignty")). 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](/revelation/9-20-21 "Revelation 9:20-21 - Lack of Repentance After Judgments")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/revelation/8-13 "Revelation 8:13 - The Threefold Woe Announced"). 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.

* [Revelation 8:13](/revelation/8-13 "The Announcement of the Three Woes")
* [Revelation 11:14](/revelation/11-14 "The Second Woe is Past")
* [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5-6 "God's Righteous Judgment and Retribution")

### 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](/revelation/8-13 "Revelation 8:13 - The Threefold Woe Announced"). 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](/revelation/9-1-11 "Revelation 9:1-11 - The Fifth Trumpet Judgment")), involving demonic locusts tormenting humanity. The second woe is the sixth trumpet judgment ([Revelation 9:13-21](/revelation/9-13-21 "Revelation 9:13-21 - The Sixth Trumpet Judgment")), unleashing a massive, destructive cavalry. The third woe is the seventh trumpet judgment ([Revelation 11:15-19](/revelation/11-15-19 "Revelation 11:15-19 - The Seventh Trumpet Judgment")), 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](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from God's Wrath Through Christ")). 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](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Has Committed All Judgment to the Son")). 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](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ")). 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.

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 11:14

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

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 9:2

And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Revelation 9:13

¶ And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Revelation 9:21

Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.