Revelation 9:12
The first woe has passed. Behold, two woes are still to follow.
The first woe has passed
The phrase "The first woe" refers to the initial of three severe judgments or calamities described in the Book of Revelation. The term "woe" in Greek is "οὐαί" (ouai), which is an expression of grief or denunciation. In the context of Revelation, it signifies a divine judgment that brings great suffering. Historically, the first woe is associated with the fifth trumpet judgment, which involves a demonic locust plague tormenting humanity. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare and the consequences of sin, urging believers to remain steadfast in faith and repentance.

Behold
The word "Behold" is translated from the Greek "ἰδού" (idou), which is an imperative verb meaning "look" or "see." It is used to draw attention to something significant or to emphasize the importance of what follows. In the context of Revelation, it serves as a divine alert, urging readers to pay close attention to the unfolding events. This call to awareness is a reminder for Christians to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared for the trials and tribulations that are prophesied.

two woes are still to follow
The phrase "two woes are still to follow" indicates that the judgments are not yet complete, and further calamities are imminent. The use of "two woes" underscores the severity and continuation of God's judgment upon the earth. The Greek word for "follow" is "ἔρχομαι" (erchomai), meaning "to come" or "to arrive." This suggests an inevitable progression of events that are part of God's sovereign plan. Historically, these woes correspond to the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments, which bring even greater devastation. This serves as a sobering reminder of the reality of divine justice and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and hope.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The First Woe
This refers to the first of three woes announced by an eagle flying in mid-heaven in Revelation 8:13. The woes are judgments from God, intensifying the tribulations on earth.

2. The Two Remaining Woes
These are the subsequent judgments that are yet to come, indicating that the severity of God's wrath is increasing.

3. The Angelic Messenger
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context involves angelic beings who are executing God's judgments as described in the surrounding passages.

4. The Earth
The setting for these events is the earth, which is experiencing the consequences of divine judgment.

5. The Inhabitants of the Earth
Those who dwell on the earth are the recipients of these woes, highlighting the impact of sin and rebellion against God.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Judgment
The woes remind us of the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's righteous judgment. Believers are called to live in holiness and reverence.

The Urgency of Repentance
The announcement of the woes serves as a warning to repent and turn to God before it's too late. This is a call to evangelism and personal reflection.

Hope Amidst Tribulation
While the woes are severe, they are part of God's redemptive plan. Believers can find hope in God's ultimate victory and the promise of eternal life.

The Sovereignty of God
The progression of the woes demonstrates God's control over history. Trusting in His sovereignty provides peace amidst chaos.

Preparation for Spiritual Warfare
The spiritual nature of these events calls believers to be vigilant in prayer and equipped with the armor of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of the "woes" in Revelation 9:12 deepen our understanding of God's judgment and mercy?

2. In what ways can the warnings of the woes motivate us to share the Gospel with urgency?

3. How do the woes in Revelation compare to the plagues in Egypt, and what can we learn from these parallels about God's character?

4. What practical steps can we take to prepare spiritually for the trials and tribulations described in Revelation?

5. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty in the midst of the woes provide comfort and hope for believers today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 8:13
This verse introduces the three woes, providing context for Revelation 9:12. It emphasizes the severity of the judgments that are to come.

Revelation 11:14
This verse mentions the second woe, creating a account link and showing the progression of events in the book of Revelation.

Exodus 10:4-6
The plagues of Egypt serve as a foreshadowing of the woes in Revelation, demonstrating God's power and judgment against sin.

Matthew 24:21-22
Jesus speaks of a great tribulation, which aligns with the woes described in Revelation, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of these events.
Abuse of the Best ThingsA. J. Morris.Revelation 9:1-12
Moral Evil in the UniverseD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 9:1-12
The Evil Effects of Degeneracy: the Fallen StarR. Green.Revelation 9:1-12
The Extremity of AnguishD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 9:1-12
The Fallen StarsCaleb D. Bradlee.Revelation 9:1-12
The Fictions of SinW. L. Watkinson.Revelation 9:1-12
The Tail of a HabitC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 9:1-12
Why Should God Permit This Star to FallCaleb D. Bradlee.Revelation 9:1-12
Woes to ComeC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 9:1-12
The Inefficiency of Judgments to Lead All to RepentanceR. Green Revelation 9:12-21
People
Abaddon, Apollyon, John
Places
Euphrates River, Patmos
Topics
Behold, Forth, Hereafter, Passed, Past, Trouble, Troubles, Wo, Woe, Woes, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 9:1-16

     4113   angels, agents of judgment

Library
Another Part of My Smoke' which You Frequently Laugh at is My Pretence
31. Another part of my smoke' which you frequently laugh at is my pretence, as you say, to know what I do not know, and the parade I make of great teachers to deceive the common and ignorant people. You, of course, are a man not of smoke but of flame, or rather of lightning; you fulminate when you speak; you cannot contain the flames which have been conceived within your mouth, and like Barchochebas, the leader of the revolt of the Jews, who used to hold in his mouth a lighted straw and blow it out
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Thyatira
In the Epistle to Thyatira we have the reference to another and more intensified form of idolatry as developed and established in the days of Ahab, king of Israel; another who, like Balaam, "made Israel to sin" (1 Kings xvi. 30). Ahab was the first king who officially introduced and organised he most abominable form of heathen idolatry that the human mind ever conceived (1 Kings xvi. 33). See Revised Version, where the special significance of this abomination is conveyed and contained in the word
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Links
Revelation 9:12 NIV
Revelation 9:12 NLT
Revelation 9:12 ESV
Revelation 9:12 NASB
Revelation 9:12 KJV

Revelation 9:12 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Revelation 9:11
Top of Page
Top of Page