Revelation 8:12

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

And {G2532} the fourth {G5067} angel {G32} sounded {G4537}, and {G2532} the third part {G5154} of the sun {G2246} was smitten {G4141}, and {G2532} the third part {G5154} of the moon {G4582}, and {G2532} the third part {G5154} of the stars {G792}; so as {G2443} the third part {G5154} of them {G846} was darkened {G4654}, and {G2532} the day {G2250} shone {G5316} not {G3361} for a third part {G5154} of it {G846}, and {G2532} the night {G3571} likewise {G3668}.

The fourth angel sounded his shofar; and a third of the sun was struck, also a third of the moon and a third of the stars; so that a third of them were darkened, the day had a third less light, and the night likewise.

Then the fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun and moon and stars were struck. A third of the stars were darkened, a third of the day was without light, and a third of the night as well.

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; that the third part of them should be darkened, and the day should not shine for the third part of it, and the night in like manner.

Commentary on Revelation 8:12 (KJV)

The verse Revelation 8:12 describes the dramatic cosmic effects unleashed by the sounding of the fourth trumpet, part of a series of escalating divine judgments upon the earth. This catastrophic event directly impacts the celestial bodies that govern day and night, bringing about a significant reduction in light.

Context of the Fourth Trumpet

This verse is situated within the broader context of the seven trumpet judgments, which follow the breaking of the seven seals and precede the seven bowls of wrath in John's prophetic vision. Each trumpet judgment affects a specific sphere of creation, progressively intensifying in severity. The first three trumpets brought devastation to the earth and vegetation (Revelation 8:7), the sea (Revelation 8:8-9), and freshwaters (Revelation 8:10-11). The fourth trumpet now targets the heavens themselves, indicating God's comprehensive sovereignty over all creation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Partial but Significant Judgment: The repeated phrase "the third part" (Greek: triton) is crucial. It signifies that these judgments are severe and widespread, affecting a significant portion of the world, but they are not yet complete or absolute destruction. This partiality serves as a stark warning, a call to repentance, before the final, more devastating judgments.
  • Cosmic Disturbances: The direct smiting of the sun, moon, and stars underscores God's absolute control over the natural order. Such cosmic disturbances are a recurring motif in Old Testament prophetic literature, often signaling a "Day of the Lord" or a time of profound divine intervention (e.g., Joel 2:31, Isaiah 13:10).
  • Implications of Darkness: The reduction of light by a third affects both day and night, creating a perpetual dimness. Light often symbolizes truth, life, and divine presence, while darkness can represent judgment, chaos, and spiritual blindness. This partial darkening could symbolize a spiritual dimming or a precursor to greater spiritual and physical distress.
  • Divine Sovereignty: This judgment highlights God's power to manipulate the very fabric of the universe. It is a powerful reminder that all creation is subject to His will and is an instrument of His divine judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The word "smitten" (Greek: plēssō) implies a direct, forceful, and intentional strike or blow. It's not a natural phenomenon but a deliberate act of divine judgment. The consistent use of "the third part" throughout the first four trumpets emphasizes a specific, measured, yet impactful degree of devastation, distinguishing these judgments from the total destruction seen in later stages of Revelation.

Practical Application

While Revelation's prophecies speak to future events, they also carry timeless warnings and encouragements. This passage reminds us of:

  • God's Control: Even in moments of seemingly chaotic judgment, God remains sovereign over all things, including the sun, moon, and stars He created (Genesis 1:14-18).
  • The Seriousness of Sin: These judgments are a consequence of humanity's rebellion against God. They underscore the gravity of sin and the ultimate accountability we have before a holy God.
  • A Call to Repentance: The partial nature of these judgments suggests a divine patience, offering opportunities for humanity to turn from their ways and seek God before final and complete judgment falls (Revelation 9:20-21). For believers, it's a reminder to live in constant readiness and faithfulness.
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.

  • Joel 2:31

    The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

  • Isaiah 13:10

    For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

  • Joel 2:10

    The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:

  • Revelation 6:12

    And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

  • Zechariah 13:8

    And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

  • Zechariah 13:9

    And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

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