The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

REVELATION 11:14KJV
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Revelation 11:14 (KJV)

What does Revelation 11:14 mean?

Revelation 11:14 announces that the second "woe"—a period of severe judgment or distress—has ended, and warns that the third "woe" is about to arrive very soon. This verse marks a transition point in the unfolding series of dramatic events described in John's vision.

In the book of Revelation, John is recording visions given to him, often involving angels announcing or carrying out God's judgments. Here, the verse serves as a warning to the reader or listener that after two waves of calamity, a third and final intense period of trouble is imminent. The language is urgent, signaling that these events are unfolding rapidly within the vision's timeline.

The Greek behind Revelation 11:14

  • The word "woe" (οὐαί, ouai) is a strong expression of grief or disaster. In Revelation, each "woe" signals a distinct phase of judgment, making it clear that these are not ordinary troubles but extraordinary, divinely-ordered events.
  • The word "quickly" (ταχύ, tachy) means "without delay" or "soon." The Greek here emphasizes the nearness and suddenness of the coming third woe, underlining the urgency and seriousness of the warning.

Why Revelation 11:14 matters

  • This verse clarifies the structure of the judgments in Revelation, helping readers track the sequence of events and understand that the narrative is moving toward a climax.
  • The explicit warning that the third woe is coming "quickly" highlights the intensity and acceleration of the vision's events, which can be missed if reading too casually.
  • By marking the end of one period of judgment and the immediate approach of another, this verse prepares the reader for the escalating seriousness of what follows in the next passages.

Where else these words appear

“quickly” Greek G5035 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Mark 16:8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
  • Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

“woe” Greek G3759 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
  • Luke 11:52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Hebrews 9:7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Luke 20:12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.