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.
-
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,
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
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: