Revelation 9:12

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
οὐαὶ
woe
woe
#3
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
μία
one
#5
ἀπῆλθεν·
is past
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#6
ἰδού,
and behold
used as imperative lo!
#7
ἔρχονται
there come
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#8
ἔτι
more
"yet," still (of time or degree)
#9
δύο
two
"two"
#10
οὐαὶ
woe
woe
#11
μετὰ
hereafter
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
#12
ταῦτα
these things

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection