The second woe has passed.This phrase refers to the conclusion of the sixth trumpet judgment in the Book of Revelation. The "woes" are part of a series of judgments that God unleashes upon the earth during the end times. The first woe is associated with the fifth trumpet, and the second woe with the sixth trumpet. These woes are characterized by intense suffering and calamity. The second woe includes the release of four angels bound at the Euphrates River, leading to a massive army and widespread destruction. This reflects the severity of God's judgment and the fulfillment of prophetic events. The passing of the second woe indicates a transition in the narrative, moving towards the final stages of God's plan.
Behold, the third woe is coming shortly.
The use of "behold" serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the imminence and seriousness of what is to follow. The third woe corresponds to the seventh trumpet, which heralds the final series of judgments known as the bowl judgments. These are the most severe and lead directly to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. The phrase "coming shortly" underscores the urgency and inevitability of these events. This aligns with the prophetic nature of Revelation, where time is often compressed to convey the certainty of God's plan. The third woe culminates in the ultimate defeat of evil and the fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the subsequent chapters of Revelation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Second WoeThis refers to the second of three woes announced by an eagle flying in mid-heaven in
Revelation 8:13. The woes are judgments from God upon the earth, emphasizing the severity of the events in the end times.
2.
The Third WoeThis is the final woe, which is yet to come at this point in the account. It signifies the culmination of God's judgment and the ushering in of the final events leading to the establishment of God's kingdom.
3.
The Angelic AnnouncementThe announcement of the woes is made by an angel, highlighting the divine origin and authority of these judgments.
4.
The EarthThe setting for these events is the earth, which is experiencing the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.
5.
The End TimesThe context of this verse is the end times, a period of intense tribulation and divine judgment preceding the return of Christ.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's JudgmentThe woes remind us of the reality and seriousness of God's judgment against sin. Believers are called to live in a way that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.
Urgency of RepentanceThe announcement that the third woe is coming quickly serves as a warning for repentance. It is a call to turn to God before it is too late.
Hope in God's SovereigntyDespite the severity of the woes, believers can find hope in the sovereignty of God, knowing that His ultimate plan is to restore and redeem.
Preparation for Christ's ReturnThe end times events encourage believers to live with an eternal perspective, preparing for the return of Christ by living faithfully and sharing the gospel.
Encouragement in TribulationFor those enduring trials, the woes serve as a reminder that God is in control and that He will ultimately bring justice and peace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Revelation 11:14?
2.How does Revelation 11:14 relate to the urgency of spreading the Gospel?
3.What does the "second woe" signify in the context of Revelation 11:14?
4.How can Revelation 11:14 inspire believers to remain vigilant in their faith?
5.Connect Revelation 11:14 with other prophetic warnings in the Book of Revelation.
6.How should Revelation 11:14 influence our understanding of God's timeline and patience?
7.What does Revelation 11:14 mean by "the second woe has passed"?
8.How does Revelation 11:14 fit into the overall narrative of the Book of Revelation?
9.What historical events might Revelation 11:14 be referencing?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 11?
11.What are the three woes in Revelation?
12.What defines an eternal state?
13.In Revelation 11:13-14, what historical or archaeological evidence supports an earthquake killing 7,000 people in Jerusalem?
14.What are the Bible's views on doomsday predictions?What Does Revelation 11:14 Mean
The second woe has passed•Revelation 8:13 warned of “three woes” that would follow the first four trumpet blasts.
•Revelation 9:12 already declared, “The first woe has passed.” NowRevelation 11:14 confirms that the second has ended.
• The second woe is tied to the sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21), where a vast demonic cavalry kills a third of mankind—a literal, terrible judgment.
•Revelation 11:13 adds an earthquake that kills seven thousand and drives survivors to give glory to “the God of heaven,” showing God’s mercy even amid wrath (compareJonah 3:5-10).
• As each woe closes, God punctuates His justice with unmistakable signs, reminding us that He “is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish” (2 Peter 3:9).
Behold• “Behold” is a divine attention-getter, used throughout Scripture when God wants His people to focus (Revelation 1:7;Isaiah 7:14).
• It halts the reader in the narrative swirl of Revelation, urging readiness and awe.
• The word also underscores God’s sovereignty: He alone controls the timing of each woe (Isaiah 46:9-10).
the third woe is coming shortly• “Shortly” echoesRevelation 1:1 and 22:6, affirming that God’s timetable is imminent from heaven’s vantage point.
• The third woe unfolds with the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15), ushering in the seven bowl judgments (Revelation 15–16) that culminate in Christ’s visible reign.
• Like labor pains (Matthew 24:8), the judgments increase in intensity, but they will end in the birth of the kingdom (Revelation 11:15;Daniel 2:44).
• For believers, this is both a sober warning and a strengthening promise: “Strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8).
summaryRevelation 11:14 marks a transition: the second woe—centered on the sixth trumpet and its devastating judgments—has ended; God calls us to pay close attention, because the third and final woe tied to the seventh trumpet will arrive without delay. Each woe demonstrates God’s righteous wrath, yet His patient mercy shines through, and all moves swiftly toward the triumphant reign of Christ.
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The second woe . . .--Translate,
The second woe is past. (Omit the word "and," which weakens the proclamation.) The eagle flying in mid-heaven had announced the three woe trumpets. A voice now reminds us that two of these had passed, just as at the close of the fifth trumpet a voice proclaimed that the first woe was past. We must remember, too, that the angel which descended from heaven declared that the end should not be delayed beyond the sounding of the seventh trumpet; the last woe trumpet, therefore, is the trumpet which will usher in the closing woe and the finishing of the mystery of God. Whatever view we adopt concerning the interpretation of the Apocalypse must be governed by the plainly declared fact that the seventh trumpet brings us to the very end. The next verse only serves to make this plainer.
Verse 14. -
The second woe is past. The full description of this woe occupies
Revelation 9:13-11:14. The account describes the natural spiritual punishment which is inflicted upon men in consequence of their sins (
Revelation 9:13-21). This is insufficient to lead men to avert the final judgment by timely repentance. We have then a further description of God's long suffering, and the rejection of his mercy, accompanied by an assurance of the safety of the faithful (
Revelation 10:1-11:10). This brings us to the end of the world (
Revelation 11:11-14), just as the sixth seal led to the same termination (
Revelation 7:12-17), and both are followed by the seventh, which gives a reference to the eternal peace of heaven.
And, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Omit "and." It is not said, in the case of the other "woes," that they come
quickly. In his description of the preservation and glorification of the Church under the form of the "witnesses," the writer had been led to anticipate in some degree what follows under the seventh trumpet. Thus the seventh comes
quickly. When events have progressed so far that the faithful Church is ascended to heaven with her Lord, then immediate]y follows the eternal rest set forth under the seventh trumpet. But this period is described as "the third woe," because it is the period of time final punishment of the wicked; and it is the judgment of the ungodly which is the theme of the trumpet visions, although mention is incidentally made of the preservation and reward of the just. This is the time foretold in
Revelation 10:7. Just as in the case of the seals, the period of the seventh seal is recorded but not described, so here, in the case of the seventh trumpet, its advent is recorded, and its nature is indicated in ver. 18, but no further description is given of the
woe; only a slight reference to the bliss of those who are secure in heaven. Thus St. John does not attempt a complete picture of either the blessings of heaven or the woes of hell.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
TheἩ(Hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.secondδευτέρα(deutera)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1208:Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.woeΟὐαὶ(Ouai)Noun
Strong's 3759:Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.has passed.ἀπῆλθεν(apēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 565:From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.Behold,ἰδοὺ(idou)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400:See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.thirdτρίτη(tritē)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5154:Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.woeΟὐαὶ(Ouai)Noun
Strong's 3759:Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.is comingἔρχεται(erchetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.quickly.ταχύ(tachy)Adverb
Strong's 5035:Quickly, speedily. Neuter singular of tachus; shortly, i.e. Without delay, soon, or suddenly, or readily.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 11:14 The second woe is past (Rev. Re Apocalypse) 
