Revelation 11:14
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
Original Language Analysis
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δευτέρα
The second
G1208
δευτέρα
The second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
4 of 12
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
ἀπῆλθεν·
is past
G565
ἀπῆλθεν·
is past
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
5 of 12
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτη
the third
G5154
τρίτη
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
10 of 12
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
Cross References
Revelation 8:13And 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 9:12One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.Revelation 15:1And 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.
Historical Context
The woe structure builds on prophetic patterns where judgments increase in intensity (Egypt's plagues, Jeremiah's warnings). First-century believers facing persecution needed assurance that history was moving toward God's appointed consummation. The 'quickly' reminded them that despite apparent delays, God's timeline was accelerating toward Christ's return and final judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the accelerating nature of judgment ('quickly') affect your sense of urgency in gospel witness?
- What comfort does the structured progression of woes give about God's sovereign control over historical events?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The transition from second woe to third (seventh trumpet) builds dramatic tension. The rapid succession ('behold, the third woe cometh quickly') emphasizes escalating urgency as history approaches consummation. Reformed eschatology sees these judgments as progressive revelation of God's victory over evil. The woes represent increasing severity, yet also decreasing duration before final judgment. This structure demonstrates God's sovereignty over history's timeline—each stage unfolds according to divine decree, neither hastened nor delayed by human action. The 'quickly' warns against presuming on time for repentance.