Revelation 8:11

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Revelation 8:11 KJV describes a significant event during the third trumpet judgment, where a great star named Wormwood falls from heaven, polluting a third part of the fresh waters on Earth and causing many deaths due to their bitterness. This verse is a powerful depiction of divine judgment and its devastating consequences.

Context

This verse is part of the sequence of the seven trumpet judgments, which are revealed after the breaking of the seven seals. The trumpet judgments signify God's escalating wrath against a rebellious world, targeting specific aspects of creation. The first trumpet brought judgment on the land (Revelation 8:7), and the second on the sea (Revelation 8:8). The third trumpet, detailed in Revelation 8:10-11, specifically targets the fresh water sources—rivers and fountains—which are essential for human survival. This judgment underscores the interconnectedness of creation and the widespread impact of divine wrath.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The falling star and the subsequent pollution of water represent God's direct intervention in judging humanity for its unrepentant sin. It’s a deliberate act of retribution, not a random catastrophe.
  • Bitterness and Death: The name "Wormwood" itself signifies extreme bitterness and sorrow. The transformation of life-giving water into a deadly, bitter substance symbolizes the spiritual and physical consequences of rejecting God. It reflects the bitter harvest of sin.
  • Partial but Severe Destruction: Like the previous trumpet judgments, only a "third part" of the waters is affected, indicating a severe but not yet total annihilation of the Earth's resources. This partial destruction serves as a stark warning, preceding even more intense judgments to come.
  • Symbolism of "Star": While some interpret the star literally, others see it as a symbol of a powerful angelic being or even a significant leader, whose fall brings devastation. In prophetic literature, stars can sometimes represent spiritual authorities or prominent figures.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "Wormwood" is apsinthos (ἀψίνθιον), which refers to a plant known for its intensely bitter taste, often used medicinally but also associated with poison. In the Old Testament, "wormwood" is frequently used metaphorically to describe the bitter fruit of sin, idolatry, and divine judgment. For instance, Jeremiah 9:15 and Lamentations 3:15 speak of God feeding His people "wormwood" and "gall" as punishment for their disobedience. This strong Old Testament imagery reinforces the nature of the judgment in Revelation 8:11.

Practical Application

Revelation 8:11 serves as a profound reminder of the severity of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. It highlights that rejection of God's ways leads to bitter and deadly consequences, both spiritually and physically. For believers, this verse underscores the urgency of living in accordance with God's will and sharing the hope of salvation found in Jesus Christ. It also calls us to consider the preciousness of pure spiritual truth, contrasting it with the bitter doctrines and lifestyles that lead to spiritual death. Ultimately, while terrifying, these judgments are meant to lead humanity to repentance before the final and ultimate judgment.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back