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

REVELATION 9:12KJV
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Revelation 9:12 (KJV)

What does Revelation 9:12 mean?

Revelation 9:12 states that one terrible event, called a "woe," has already happened, and two more are still to come. This verse marks a pause in the vision, warning the reader that even greater troubles are on the way.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a series of judgments revealed through visions. Here, a heavenly messenger is speaking, summarizing that the first "woe" (a time of intense suffering) has passed, referring to the events just described in the previous verses. The statement prepares the listener for the next two "woes," signaling that the story is not yet finished and that more severe events will follow.

The Greek behind Revelation 9:12

  • The word "woe" (οὐαί, ouai) is a strong expression of grief or disaster. In Revelation, it signals especially intense periods of suffering or judgment, not just ordinary trouble.
  • The word "behold" (ἰδού, idou) is used to draw attention, almost like saying "look!" or "pay close attention," emphasizing the seriousness of what is coming next.
  • The phrase "hereafter" (μετὰ ταῦτα, meta tauta) means "after these things," making it clear that the next two woes will follow the one that has just ended, marking a sequence of events.

Why Revelation 9:12 matters

  • This verse helps the reader track the structure of the judgments in Revelation, making it clear that the vision is unfolding in stages.
  • The use of "woe" highlights the escalating severity of the events, warning that what has happened so far is only the beginning.
  • It connects the previous vision (the fifth trumpet) to what comes next, building suspense and preparing the reader for the next part of John's revelation.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“One” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

“more” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

“past” Greek G565 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
  • Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.