Revelation 9:12
One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.
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)
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
ἔρχονται
there come
G2064
ἔρχονται
there come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The three-woe structure (announced in 8:13) organizes the trumpet judgments, building dramatic intensity. Ancient audiences familiar with prophetic literature recognized such pronouncements as harbingers of divine action. The progression warned that partial judgments, if ignored, would culminate in complete destruction—a pattern seen in Egypt's plagues and Jerusalem's fall.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the reality of escalating judgments affect your response to God's present warnings through Scripture and conscience?
- What does the progression of woes teach about God's patience and the danger of presuming on His mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
The announcement that one woe is past with two more coming creates dramatic tension and emphasizes escalating judgments. The Greek 'ouai' (woe) pronounces divine curse and impending calamity. This structure reveals judgment's progressive intensification—resistance to earlier warnings brings more severe consequences. Reformed theology affirms that God's judgments are both just and merciful; each stage offers opportunity for repentance before more severe judgment. The 'behold' heightens urgency, warning that worse follows for the impenitent. God's patience has limits.