Revelation 8:12

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 8:12 vividly portrays the cosmic devastation unleashed by the sounding of the fourth trumpet, a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision. This judgment directly impacts the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars—causing a significant reduction in their light. The resulting dimness affects both day and night, underscoring God's comprehensive sovereignty over creation and His measured, yet severe, judgments upon a rebellious world, serving as a stark warning of impending, greater wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 8:12 is situated within the sequence of the seven trumpet judgments, which begin in [Revelation 8:6](/revelation/8-6 "Revelation 8:6 - The Seven Trumpets Introduced"). These trumpets represent a new series of divine interventions, following the breaking of the seven seals, and escalate the intensity of God's wrath upon the earth. The first three trumpets targeted specific earthly domains: the earth and vegetation ([Revelation 8:7](/revelation/8-7 "Revelation 8:7 - First Trumpet Judgment")), the sea ([Revelation 8:8-9](/revelation/8-8-9 "Revelation 8:8-9 - Second Trumpet Judgment")), and freshwaters ([Revelation 8:10-11](/revelation/8-10-11 "Revelation 8:10-11 - Third Trumpet Judgment")). The fourth trumpet judgment, therefore, marks a significant shift, extending the divine judgment from the earthly and aquatic realms to the very heavens, affecting the primary sources of light and order for humanity. This progression demonstrates God's comprehensive control over all creation and the escalating nature of His judgments, leading up to the "woes" that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient cultures, including the Jewish people, viewed the sun, moon, and stars not merely as astronomical bodies but as fundamental elements of creation, essential for life, timekeeping, and often imbued with symbolic significance. Disturbances to these celestial bodies were universally understood as portents of divine wrath, cosmic upheaval, or the collapse of established order. Old Testament prophetic literature frequently employs such imagery to describe the "Day of the Lord," a time of God's decisive intervention and judgment. For example, [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Cosmic Signs of Judgment") and [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun Turned to Darkness") speak of the darkening of the sun and moon as signs of impending judgment. John's audience, familiar with these prophetic traditions, would immediately recognize the profound implications of such cosmic disturbances, signaling a direct and powerful act of God's sovereignty over the natural world, disrupting the very rhythms of life.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted by this verse is **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**. God's ability to "smite" the sun, moon, and stars unequivocally demonstrates His absolute control over all creation, even the celestial bodies that govern human existence. Another crucial theme is **Partial but Significant Devastation**, emphasized by the repeated phrase "the third part." This recurring motif throughout the first four trumpet judgments signifies that while the judgments are severe and widespread, affecting a substantial portion of the world, they are not yet total destruction. This partiality serves as a **Warning and Call to Repentance**, indicating a divine patience that offers humanity an opportunity to turn from their wickedness before the final, more complete judgments, such as those described in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath"). The resulting **Cosmic Darkness** also carries symbolic weight, often representing judgment, chaos, and spiritual blindness, contrasting sharply with the light of God's presence and truth, as seen in passages like [John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sun (Greek, _hḗlios'_):** G2246. From a ray; the sun; by implication, light. In Revelation 8:12, "the sun" refers to the primary celestial body that provides light and warmth to the earth. Its being "smitten" signifies a direct divine assault on a fundamental element of the created order, disrupting its natural function as a source of light.
* **smitten (Greek, _plḗssō'_):** G4141. Apparently another form of πλάσσω (through the idea of flattening out); to pound, i.e. (figuratively) to inflict with (calamity). This word conveys a sense of a forceful, direct, and intentional blow. It emphasizes that the impact on the sun, moon, and stars is not a natural phenomenon but a deliberate act of divine judgment, inflicting calamity upon these celestial bodies.
* **darkened (Greek, _skotízō'_):** G4654. From σκότος; to obscure (literally or figuratively). This term describes the direct consequence of the celestial bodies being "smitten." It means to be made dark or to lose light. The darkening of a third part of the sun, moon, and stars results in a significant reduction of light, impacting both day and night and signifying a profound disruption to the established order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fourth angel sounded":** This phrase marks the initiation of the fourth in a series of escalating divine judgments. The sounding of the trumpet is an act of divine declaration and inauguration of judgment, signaling a new phase of God's wrath.
* **"and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars":** This specifies the targets and the extent of the judgment. The sun, moon, and stars, the primary sources of light and order in the heavens, are directly affected. The repeated phrase "the third part" indicates a significant, widespread, yet not total, devastation, emphasizing a measured but severe divine intervention.
* **"so as the third part of them was darkened":** This clause describes the immediate and direct consequence of the celestial bodies being "smitten." The light-giving capacity of these bodies is diminished by one-third, resulting in a palpable reduction of natural illumination.
* **"and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise":** This highlights the practical and pervasive impact of the judgment on human existence. The reduction of light by a third means that daytime is significantly dimmer, and nighttime is even darker than usual. This disruption affects the entire cycle of light and darkness, bringing an unnatural dimness to all hours, symbolizing a state of pervasive distress and disorder.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 8:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "the third part" (Greek: _triton_), which is repeated five times within this single verse. This insistent repetition emphasizes the specific, measured, yet significant degree of devastation. It signals that these judgments are severe and widespread, affecting a substantial portion of the world, but are not yet total destruction, perhaps hinting at a divine restraint or a warning before ultimate wrath. **Symbolism** is also central, as the sun, moon, and stars often symbolize sources of light, order, and even governing authorities in biblical prophecy. Their "smiting" and "darkening" thus symbolize a profound disruption of cosmic order and a direct attack on the very fabric of existence, representing a time of chaos and divine displeasure. Furthermore, the mention of both "day" and "night" suffering from the lack of light constitutes a **Merism**, a literary device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. This signifies that the judgment is comprehensive, affecting all periods of time and all aspects of human life, leaving no sphere untouched by the pervasive dimness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 8:12 powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over His creation and His righteous judgment against human sin. The darkening of the celestial bodies is not merely a natural disaster but a direct, intentional act of divine intervention, demonstrating that God holds ultimate control over the universe He spoke into existence. This judgment serves as a profound warning, revealing the escalating nature of God's wrath in response to humanity's unrepentant rebellion. The "third part" motif, consistent across the first four trumpet judgments, highlights a measured, yet severe, divine patience, offering opportunities for humanity to acknowledge God's power and turn from their wicked ways before the final, more devastating judgments are unleashed. It is a stark reminder that all creation is subject to the Creator's will and can become an instrument of His justice.
* [Joel 2:31](/joel/2-31 "Joel 2:31 - The Sun Turned to Darkness")
* [Isaiah 13:10](/isaiah/13-10 "Isaiah 13:10 - Prophecy of Celestial Darkening")
* [Matthew 24:29](/matthew/24-29 "Matthew 24:29 - Jesus' Prophecy of Cosmic Signs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 8:12, while describing future apocalyptic events, carries timeless truths for our spiritual lives today. It reminds us of God's absolute sovereignty, not only over human affairs but over the very cosmos itself. The fact that He can "smite" the sun, moon, and stars—the very sources of light and order—should instill in us a profound reverence for His power and authority. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness of sin and humanity's persistent rebellion against a holy God. The partial nature of these judgments, affecting "a third part," can be seen as a divine act of mercy, a warning designed to prompt repentance before full judgment falls. For believers, this should inspire a deeper commitment to living in constant readiness and faithfulness, understanding that our ultimate hope is not in the stability of the natural world, but in the unwavering character of our Creator. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we living in light of God's ultimate authority, or are we complacent in our spiritual walk?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of cosmic disruption in Revelation 8:12 challenge your understanding of God's power and sovereignty?**
* **What might the "darkening" of light symbolize in a spiritual sense for individuals or societies today?**
* **Considering the "third part" judgment, how does God's patience and warning manifest in our current world, and how should we respond?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to live a life of greater spiritual vigilance and readiness?**

### FAQ

**Why does the judgment affect "a third part" of the celestial bodies?**

Answer: The repeated phrase "the third part" (Greek: _triton_) throughout the first four trumpet judgments (and other judgments in Revelation) is highly significant. It indicates a severe and widespread, yet not total, devastation. Theologically, it suggests that these judgments are a significant warning and a call to repentance, rather than the final, complete destruction. It demonstrates God's measured wrath and His divine patience, offering humanity an opportunity to turn from their wickedness before the more comprehensive and devastating judgments, such as those described in [Revelation 16](/revelation/16 "Revelation 16 - The Seven Bowls of God's Wrath"), are poured out. It's a partial judgment, designed to get humanity's attention without annihilating them entirely.

**Is this event to be understood literally or symbolically?**

Answer: Revelation is a book rich in symbolic language, and interpretations vary. Many scholars believe that while the events described are real and will have tangible effects, the imagery itself often carries symbolic weight. The "smiting" and "darkening" of the sun, moon, and stars could be a literal cosmic event, a direct divine intervention affecting the physical heavens. However, it also powerfully symbolizes the disruption of established order, the removal of sources of light and guidance, and the onset of chaos and judgment. The impact on "day" and "night" suggests a pervasive, inescapable effect on human life. Ultimately, whether interpreted as purely literal, purely symbolic, or a combination of both, the passage clearly conveys a profound and devastating divine judgment that profoundly impacts the world.

**What is the spiritual significance of the world being plunged into partial darkness?**

Answer: Spiritually, light in the Bible often represents truth, life, God's presence, and divine revelation, as seen in [Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp"). Conversely, darkness often symbolizes judgment, ignorance, spiritual blindness, chaos, and separation from God, as in [John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Men Loved Darkness"). The partial darkening of the sun, moon, and stars in Revelation 8:12 could signify a spiritual dimming, a withdrawal of divine light and truth from a rebellious world, or a precursor to greater spiritual distress and confusion. It suggests a time when humanity's ability to perceive truth and navigate life is severely hampered, leading to increased moral and spiritual chaos. It underscores the profound consequences of rejecting the light of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 8:12 describes a terrifying cosmic judgment, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars points to a world under divine judgment, a world that desperately needs the true light. Jesus declared Himself to be the "[light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")" and the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). The cosmic disturbances of Revelation foreshadow His return, when the heavens will indeed be shaken, and the "[Son of Man will appear](/matthew/24-29-30 "Matthew 24:29-30 - Signs of the Son of Man's Coming")" with power and great glory. Ultimately, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no need for the sun or moon, for "[the glory of God will give it light, and the Lamb will be its lamp](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Lamb is its Lamp")). Thus, the temporary, terrifying darkness of judgment in Revelation 8:12 serves to highlight the eternal, glorious light that Christ alone provides, assuring believers that even amidst cosmic chaos, He remains the sovereign Lord, the source of all true light, and the ultimate hope for a world plunged into darkness.

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

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,