Revelation 8:11

KJV

And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the name {G3686} of the star {G792} is called {G3004} Wormwood {G894}: and {G2532} the third part {G5154} of the waters {G5204} became {G1096}{G1519} wormwood {G894}; and {G2532} many {G4183} men {G444} died {G599} of {G1537} the waters {G5204}, because {G3754} they were made bitter {G4087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The name of the star was “Bitterness,” and a third of the water became bitter, and many people died from the water that had been turned bitter.

Berean Standard Bible

The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood oil, and many people died from the bitter waters.

American Standard Version

and the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 8:11 vividly portrays the catastrophic consequences of the third trumpet judgment, where a celestial body, ominously named "Wormwood," falls to Earth. This event transforms a significant portion—one-third—of the planet's fresh water sources, including rivers and springs, into a bitter and poisonous substance. The immediate and devastating result is widespread death among humanity, directly attributable to consuming these now toxic waters, signifying a severe divine retribution against an unrepentant world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 8:11 is an integral part of the sequence of the seven trumpet judgments, which commence after the Lamb breaks the [seventh seal](/revelation/8-1 "Revelation 8:1 - The Seventh Seal"). The opening of this seal initiates a period of silence in heaven, followed by seven angels preparing to sound their trumpets, each announcing a distinct and escalating judgment upon the Earth. The first trumpet devastates the land and vegetation ([Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Revelation 8:7 - First Trumpet Judgment")), and the second impacts the sea, turning a third of it to blood and destroying maritime life and vessels ([Revelation 8:8-9](/revelation/8-8-9 "Revelation 8:8-9 - Second Trumpet Judgment")). The third trumpet, detailed in [Revelation 8:10-11](/revelation/8-10-11 "Revelation 8:10-11 - Third Trumpet Judgment"), specifically targets the Earth's vital fresh water supplies, demonstrating a progression of judgment that moves from land to sea, and then to the very sources of life-sustaining water. This precise targeting underscores the comprehensive nature of God's wrath and the vulnerability of creation to divine decree.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Revelation was written during a period of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian (c. AD 95). John, the author, was exiled to Patmos, and his apocalyptic visions served to encourage and warn the early church. The imagery used in Revelation, including falling stars and poisoned waters, would have resonated with ancient audiences familiar with Old Testament prophetic literature and natural disasters. Water sources were critical for survival in the ancient world, and their contamination would have been understood as a profound calamity, akin to the plagues in [Exodus](/exodus/7-14 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt") or curses described in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The concept of "wormwood" (Greek: _apsinthos_) was a well-known plant associated with extreme bitterness and often used metaphorically in the Old Testament to describe the bitter fruit of idolatry, injustice, and divine judgment, as seen in [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Wormwood as Judgment") and [Lamentations 3:15](/lamentations/3-15 "Lamentations 3:15 - Wormwood and Gall"). This cultural understanding would have immediately conveyed the severity and punitive nature of the judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 8:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's active intervention in human history to punish unrepentant sin. The precise targeting of fresh water sources, essential for life, highlights the severity and pervasive reach of this judgment. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Bitterness and Death** that are the inevitable consequences of rebellion against God. The name "Wormwood" itself is a potent symbol of the spiritual and physical bitterness that results from rejecting God's life-giving truth, mirroring the "bitter harvest" of sin found throughout scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 5:4](/proverbs/5-4 "Proverbs 5:4 - The Bitter End of Sin")). Thirdly, the recurring phrase "the third part" across the trumpet judgments (e.g., [Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Revelation 8:7 - First Trumpet"), [Revelation 8:8](/revelation/8-8 "Revelation 8:8 - Second Trumpet")) underscores the theme of **Partial but Severe Destruction**. This indicates that while the judgments are devastating, they are not yet total annihilation, serving as a stark warning and a call to repentance before the final, ultimate judgments. Finally, the **Symbolism of the Star** is a key element, with "stars" often representing angelic beings, spiritual authorities, or prominent human leaders in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 14:12](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12 - The Fall of Lucifer")). Whether literal or symbolic, the star's fall signifies a profound spiritual or cosmic upheaval that precipitates physical devastation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wormwood (Greek, _ápsinthos'_):** G894. This term refers to a plant known for its intensely bitter taste, often used medicinally but also strongly associated with poison and extreme bitterness. In this context, it is not merely a descriptive name but a symbolic representation of the severe and painful consequences of divine judgment. Its application to the star and the waters signifies a profound and deadly spiritual and physical bitterness.
* **became (Greek, _gínomai'_):** G1096. This verb, often translated as "to become" or "to come into being," indicates a transformative event. It highlights that the waters were not inherently bitter but underwent a radical change, actively "becoming" wormwood. This emphasizes the direct and active nature of the judgment, where life-giving water is supernaturally altered into a source of death.
* **died (Greek, _apothnḗskō'_):** G599. This verb means "to die off" and is used literally here to describe the physical cessation of life for "many men." Its inclusion underscores the lethal impact of the poisoned waters, directly linking the divine judgment to widespread human mortality.
* **made bitter (Greek, _pikraínō'_):** G4087. Derived from the word for "bitter," this verb means "to embitter" or "to make bitter," literally or figuratively. It reinforces the nature of the transformation of the waters, emphasizing that their life-sustaining quality was replaced by a deadly, bitter essence, causing the deaths of those who consumed them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the name of the star is called Wormwood":** This clause introduces the celestial agent of judgment. The star is not merely identified by a name but is _called_ "Wormwood," signifying that its very essence or purpose is to bring forth bitterness and calamity. This naming is symbolic, linking the star's identity directly to the destructive and painful nature of the impending judgment. It implies that this is not a random astronomical event but a divinely ordained instrument of sorrow.
* **"and the third part of the waters became wormwood":** This describes the immediate and devastating effect of the star's fall. A significant portion—one-third—of the Earth's fresh water sources (rivers and fountains, as specified in [Revelation 8:10](/revelation/8-10 "Revelation 8:10 - The Star Falls")) undergoes a supernatural transformation. They do not merely become contaminated but are fundamentally altered to embody the essence of "wormwood," meaning they become intensely bitter and poisonous, rendering them undrinkable and deadly.
* **"and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter":** This final clause states the direct consequence of the poisoned waters. The bitterness of the waters is not just unpleasant; it is lethal. "Many men" perish as a direct result of consuming these embittered waters. This highlights the widespread human suffering and mortality caused by this specific judgment, emphasizing the direct link between divine wrath and its physical repercussions on humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 8:11 is rich in **Symbolism**. The "star" itself is symbolic, not necessarily a literal celestial body, but often interpreted as a powerful angelic being or a significant figure whose fall brings devastation. Its name, "Wormwood," is a potent **Metaphor** for the extreme bitterness, sorrow, and judgment that it unleashes. This metaphor draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic tradition, where "wormwood" frequently represents the bitter consequences of idolatry and disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 29:18](/deuteronomy/29-18 "Deuteronomy 29:18 - Root Bearing Bitterness")). The transformation of life-giving "waters" into a deadly, bitter substance is a powerful **Irony**, as a source of sustenance becomes a source of death, underscoring the perversion and reversal of natural order under divine judgment. The phrase "the third part" serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing a significant, yet not total, portion of the Earth, indicating a severe but partial judgment that serves as a warning rather than a final annihilation. The entire scene employs **Apocalyptic Imagery** to convey profound theological truths about God's justice and the consequences of human rebellion in a vivid and impactful manner.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 8:11 powerfully underscores the biblical truth of God's sovereignty over creation and His absolute right to judge human sin. The judgment of the waters, essential for life, signifies a profound disruption of the natural order as a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion and unrepentance. This event is not a random catastrophe but a deliberate act of divine retribution, demonstrating that sin has bitter and deadly consequences, both spiritually and physically. It reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses elements of creation to execute His justice, often turning sources of blessing into instruments of judgment, thereby revealing the futility of human self-reliance apart from Him. The "wormwood" judgment serves as a stark warning, a partial outpouring of wrath intended to prompt repentance before the final and ultimate judgments.

* [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Wormwood as Judgment for Disobedience")
* [Lamentations 3:19](/lamentations/3-19 "Lamentations 3:19 - Remembering Affliction and Wormwood")
* [Amos 8:10](/amos/8-10 "Amos 8:10 - Turning Feasts into Mourning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 8:11, while depicting a terrifying future judgment, offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that sin, left unaddressed, inevitably leads to bitter and deadly consequences, both in this life and the next. Just as the physical waters were poisoned, so too can spiritual "waters"—sources of truth, comfort, and life—become corrupted by false doctrines, worldly pursuits, and unrepentant hearts, leading to spiritual death. This passage calls us to examine the "waters" we drink from: Are they pure, life-giving streams of God's truth, or are they tainted by the bitterness of sin and the world's deceptive promises? For those who have embraced the living water of Christ, this verse deepens our appreciation for the grace and mercy that have spared us from such judgments. It also compels us to live with a renewed sense of urgency, sharing the gospel message—the antidote to spiritual bitterness and death—with a world desperately in need of true, life-giving sustenance. Ultimately, the terror of this judgment should not evoke despair in the believer, but rather a profound gratitude for salvation and a fervent desire to see others turn to the Lord before the day of His wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "waters" or sources of spiritual nourishment am I currently drawing from? Are they pure and life-giving, or do they carry a hidden bitterness?**
* **How does the severity of this judgment deepen my appreciation for God's mercy and the salvation offered through Christ?**
* **In what ways might the "bitterness" of sin manifest in my own life or in the world around me, and how can I respond with grace and truth?**
* **What is my responsibility in sharing the "living water" of the gospel with those who are unknowingly drinking from poisoned wells?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the star being named "Wormwood"?**

Answer: The naming of the star "Wormwood" (Greek: _ápsinthos_) is highly symbolic. "Wormwood" refers to a plant known for its extreme bitterness, often associated with poison and sorrow. In the Old Testament, it frequently appears as a metaphor for the bitter consequences of idolatry, injustice, and divine judgment (e.g., [Jeremiah 9:15](/jeremiah/9-15 "Jeremiah 9:15 - Wormwood as Judgment")). Therefore, the star's name signifies that its very nature or purpose is to bring forth profound bitterness, suffering, and death. It emphasizes that the ensuing judgment is not random but a direct, painful, and divinely ordained consequence of humanity's sin and rebellion.

**Why does only "the third part" of the waters become bitter?**

Answer: The recurring phrase "the third part" throughout the trumpet judgments ([Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Revelation 8:7 - First Trumpet"), [Revelation 8:8](/revelation/8-8 "Revelation 8:8 - Second Trumpet"), [Revelation 8:11](/revelation/8-11 "Revelation 8:11 - Third Trumpet")) signifies that these judgments, while severe and devastating, are not yet total or final. They represent a significant, widespread, and destructive outpouring of God's wrath, but they are partial. This partiality serves as a warning, a call to repentance, and a demonstration of God's escalating judgment, preceding even more intense and comprehensive judgments to come, such as those associated with the bowls of wrath in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath"). It indicates that God's patience, though strained, has not yet fully run out.

**Is the star "Wormwood" a literal star or symbolic?**

Answer: While the text describes it as a "great star," most biblical scholars interpret "Wormwood" as symbolic rather than a literal astronomical body. In apocalyptic literature, "stars" often represent powerful angelic beings, spiritual authorities, or prominent human leaders (e.g., [Isaiah 14:12](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12 - The Fall of Lucifer") where the king of Babylon is likened to a fallen star, or [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fifth Trumpet and the Fallen Star")). Given the supernatural transformation of the waters, it is more likely that this "star" is a supernatural entity—perhaps a fallen angel—acting as an instrument of God's judgment, rather than a physical asteroid or comet. Its impact is not merely physical but carries profound spiritual significance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 8:11, with its depiction of bitter, deadly waters, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the consequences of sin and the life-giving provision of Jesus Christ. Humanity's rebellion against God leads to a "bitter harvest" of spiritual and physical death, symbolized by the poisoned waters. Yet, Jesus Himself declares, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink")). He is the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water")) who quenches spiritual thirst and offers eternal life, contrasting sharply with the deadly waters of judgment. Furthermore, Christ Himself tasted the ultimate bitterness of sin and judgment on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). He bore the full cup of God's wrath, allowing us, through faith in Him, to escape the bitter consequences of our own sin. The judgment of Wormwood reveals the terrifying reality of a world without Christ, where life-sustaining elements become instruments of death. In contrast, Christ transforms the bitter cup of judgment into the sweet fount of salvation, offering cleansing and healing for all who believe, ensuring that those who drink of Him "will never thirst again" ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - The Water of Life")). He is the ultimate antidote to the bitterness of sin and death, providing true and everlasting life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 23:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

Jeremiah 9:15

Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will feed them, [even] this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

Deuteronomy 29:18

Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go [and] serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Lamentations 3:19

Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

Proverbs 5:4

But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

Amos 6:12

Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

Amos 5:7

Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,