Revelation 9:12 – “The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.”
Extended Explanation
This short verse acts as a kind of pause or turning point in the vision. After the intense judgment of the fifth trumpet—where horrifying, demonic locust-like creatures torment people for five months—John now hears an announcement: “The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.”
The word “woe” in the Bible signals deep sorrow, trouble, and distress. It’s used when great judgment is coming. The first woe refers to everything described from Revelation 9:1-11. It was a terrible time of spiritual torment and fear, but it’s now finished.
However, the warning isn’t over. The verse says two more woes are still ahead. This is not to discourage readers, but to signal that God’s plan is moving forward. It’s a sober reminder that His judgments are not random—they are organized, measured, and progressing.
Historical Context
John wrote Revelation during a time of great suffering and confusion for Christians. The Roman Empire was strong and often hostile toward believers. Life was hard, and many wondered when or how justice would come.
In Jewish thought and Old Testament prophecy, the idea of three woes was familiar. It meant complete disaster or deep judgment. When John’s readers saw this structure—first woe done, two to go—they would recognize that God was unfolding a plan in stages. The troubles they were facing were not the end of the story.
This verse also gave comfort: what had happened wasn’t everything. God was not done yet, and His justice would be fully revealed.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that God’s judgment is not impulsive—it unfolds in a pattern, according to His wisdom and timing. It also shows that judgment on sin is serious and deserves attention. The fact that there are three woes emphasizes the complete nature of God’s justice against evil.
At the same time, this verse hints at mercy. The first woe is past, and people still have a chance to respond before the next ones come. God doesn’t rush. He allows time for reflection and, hopefully, repentance.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a bridge between two larger sections in Revelation. It wraps up the fifth trumpet judgment and sets the stage for the sixth and seventh. Its structure is simple but loaded with emotion. The phrase “is past” provides a moment of breath. The phrase “yet to come” builds tension.
The repetition of the word “woe” is intentional. In biblical writing, repeating a word three times is a way of highlighting its importance. Like “holy, holy, holy” in Isaiah 6:3, “woe, woe, woe” signals something extreme and weighty.
Biblical Cross-References
- Revelation 8:13 – “Woe! Woe! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth” — this announced the three-part judgment now unfolding.
- Ezekiel 30:2-3 – “Wail and say, ‘Alas for that day!’” — another warning of God’s day of judgment.
- Matthew 23:13-36 – Jesus pronounces repeated woes on religious hypocrites.
- Nahum 3:1 – “Woe to the city of blood,” a judgment against Nineveh.
- Amos 5:18 – “Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord!” — a warning that judgment is not something to take lightly.
These verses show that “woe” is not just a poetic word—it’s God’s serious response to unrepentant sin.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a call to take spiritual things seriously. God doesn’t ignore evil. He is patient, but not passive. The first woe is a sign that judgment is real, and the fact that two more are coming shows that we’re living in a world where God is actively dealing with sin.
This verse should encourage believers to stay alert and rooted in God’s truth. It also reminds us not to get discouraged when the world seems dark—God is not finished. His justice is unfolding step by step.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Even in a verse that sounds heavy, God’s love is present. The very structure of the “woes” gives people time to respond. The first one ends before the next begins. That’s mercy. God warns before He acts. He gives people time to turn back.
His love shows up in His honesty. He doesn’t sugarcoat the truth—He speaks it plainly. That’s what real love does. It warns when danger is near. It gives every chance to escape it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the One who saves us from the “woes” to come. He took the full judgment for sin on Himself at the cross. Romans 5:9 says, “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”
In Luke 21:36, Jesus told His followers, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen.” He wasn’t speaking of avoiding hard times, but of being spiritually ready. Through Jesus, we are not just forgiven—we are prepared and protected for whatever lies ahead.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God allows time to pass between each “woe”?
- What does this verse teach us about the seriousness of sin and judgment?
- How can we stay spiritually prepared in a world that often ignores God’s warnings?
- How do we find hope and peace in knowing Jesus when facing these sobering parts of Scripture?
- Who in your life needs to hear that God’s patience means there’s still time to turn to Him?