Revelation 8:7

KJV

¶ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G2532} The first {G4413} angel {G32} sounded {G4537}, and {G2532} there followed {G1096} hail {G5464} and {G2532} fire {G4442} mingled {G3396} with blood {G129}, and {G2532} they were cast {G906} upon {G1519} the earth {G1093}: and {G2532} the third part {G5154} of trees {G1186} was burnt up {G2618}, and {G2532} all {G3956} green {G5515} grass {G5528} was burnt up {G2618}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The first one sounded his shofar; and there came hail and fire mingled with blood, and it was thrown down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the first angel sounded his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed with blood were hurled down upon the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, along with a third of the trees and all the green grass.

American Standard Version

And the first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of the earth was burnt up, and the third part of the trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 8:7 introduces the first of the seven trumpet judgments, a cataclysmic event initiated by an angel's blast, unleashing a devastating combination of hail, fire, and blood upon the earth. This unprecedented meteorological phenomenon results in widespread ecological destruction, specifically consuming one-third of all trees and all green grass, signaling a profound disruption of the natural order and a severe, divinely orchestrated act of judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 8:7 marks a dramatic shift in the apocalyptic narrative, transitioning from the opening of the seven seals to the sounding of the seven trumpets. The preceding verses describe the profound silence in heaven after the seventh seal is broken, followed by the giving of trumpets to seven angels and a scene of intercessory prayer and censing before the altar [Revelation 8:1-6](/revelation/8-1-6 "Revelation 8:1-6 - The Seventh Seal and Preparation for the Trumpets"). While the seal judgments primarily reveal events unfolding on earth, the trumpet judgments represent direct, supernatural interventions and calamities poured out by God, escalating the intensity and scope of divine wrath. Each trumpet judgment targets specific aspects of creation, progressively impacting the natural world and humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of hail, fire, and blood draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions and historical events, particularly the plagues inflicted upon Egypt. The seventh plague in [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23-24 "Exodus 9:23-24 - The Plague of Hail and Fire") involved a devastating hail storm mingled with fire, which destroyed crops and livestock. The addition of "blood" in Revelation 8:7 intensifies this imagery, recalling the first Egyptian plague where water turned to blood [Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "Exodus 7:19-21 - The Plague of Blood"). For John's original audience, familiar with these biblical narratives, such imagery would immediately evoke divine judgment, covenant curses, and the direct intervention of God in human history. The destruction of vegetation was a common consequence of divine judgment in ancient Near Eastern thought, signifying a disruption of life and sustenance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Wrath**, demonstrating God's sovereign power to intervene in creation and execute justice against a rebellious world. The partial nature of the judgment, affecting "the third part" of trees and "all green grass," introduces the theme of **Partial Judgment and Divine Restraint**, suggesting that while severe, these initial trumpet judgments are not yet total annihilation, perhaps offering a final opportunity for repentance before the ultimate consummation of God's plan. Furthermore, the **Environmental Devastation** depicted highlights the vulnerability of creation to divine displeasure and serves as a stark warning about the cosmic consequences of human sin. The rich **Symbolic Imagery and Old Testament Allusions** underscore the continuity of God's character and His methods of dealing with humanity throughout biblical history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Earth (Greek, _gē'_):** (G1093) This term, translated as "earth," refers to the physical planet, the land, or even its inhabitants. In Revelation 8:7, its use emphasizes the global scope and terrestrial impact of this judgment, indicating that the hail, fire, and blood are directly cast upon the physical world, affecting its natural elements and ecosystems.
* **Burnt up (Greek, _katakaíō'_):** (G2618) Derived from a word meaning "to burn down to the ground" or "to consume wholly," this verb signifies a complete and devastating destruction by fire. Its repetition in the verse ("the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up") underscores the thoroughness and finality of the ecological ruin caused by this divine fire.
* **Third part (Greek, _trítos'_):** (G5154) This ordinal number, recurring throughout the trumpet and bowl judgments, denotes a specific, yet partial, destruction. It indicates that the judgment is widespread and severe, impacting a significant portion of the natural world, but it is not a complete annihilation. This "third part" suggests a measure of divine restraint, perhaps leaving a remnant or offering a window for repentance before the final, ultimate judgments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The first angel sounded":** This phrase marks the initiation of the first trumpet judgment, signaling a direct, divinely ordained action. The sounding of the trumpet is a call to attention, a declaration of war, and an announcement of impending judgment, echoing the role of trumpets in ancient warfare and religious ceremonies.
* **"and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood":** This describes the unprecedented and terrifying nature of the judgment's elements. Hail and fire, destructive forces on their own, are supernaturally combined, and the addition of "blood" intensifies the imagery, symbolizing death, violence, and the severity of the divine wrath. This is not a natural phenomenon but a supernatural manifestation of God's power.
* **"and they were cast upon the earth":** This indicates the direct target and delivery of the judgment. The destructive elements are not random but are precisely directed by divine will to impact the terrestrial realm, emphasizing God's active involvement in the unfolding events.
* **"and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up":** This specifies the immediate and devastating consequences of the judgment. The destruction of a significant portion of trees and all green grass signifies widespread ecological catastrophe, impacting the very sources of life and sustenance. The partial destruction of trees contrasts with the total destruction of green grass, highlighting the varying degrees of impact within this judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 8:7 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "hail and fire mingled with blood" serving as potent symbols of divine judgment, destruction, and death, drawing on Old Testament plague narratives. The "third part" is also symbolic, representing a significant yet incomplete judgment, suggesting divine restraint or a phased unfolding of God's wrath. The verse employs **Allusion**, specifically to the Egyptian plagues in [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23-24 "Exodus 9:23-24 - The Plague of Hail and Fire") and [Exodus 7:19-21](/exodus/7-19-21 "Exodus 7:19-21 - The Plague of Blood"), which would have resonated deeply with John's Jewish-Christian audience, connecting the present vision to historical acts of God's judgment. The **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is evident in the unnatural combination of hail, fire, and blood, creating an image of unprecedented and terrifying destruction that surpasses ordinary natural disasters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 8:7 underscores the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history. It reveals a God who is not merely an observer but an active participant, capable of unleashing devastating judgments upon a rebellious world. This verse serves as a stark reminder that sin has cosmic consequences, impacting not only humanity but also the very fabric of the natural world. The partial nature of this judgment, affecting "a third part," highlights God's measured justice, offering a glimpse of His wrath while perhaps leaving room for repentance before the ultimate, final judgments. It is a testament to the escalating nature of divine intervention in the end times, designed to call humanity to account and to recognize the supremacy of the Creator.

* [Exodus 9:23-24](/exodus/9-23-24 "The Plague of Hail and Fire in Egypt")
* [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Signs in the Heavens and Earth Before the Day of the Lord")
* [Luke 21:25-26](/luke/21-25-26 "Distress of Nations and Signs of the End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 8:7, with its vivid depiction of divine judgment, serves as a powerful call to reflection for all people. For believers, it reinforces the truth of God's absolute sovereignty and the reliability of His prophetic word, even amidst seemingly chaotic global events. It compels us to live with a heightened sense of urgency, recognizing that life on earth is fragile and subject to divine intervention. This passage should stir within us a renewed commitment to holiness, a deeper reliance on God's grace, and a fervent desire to share the good news of salvation with a world in desperate need of reconciliation with its Creator. It reminds us that while judgment is real, so too is God's mercy, which offers an escape through faith in Christ. For those who do not yet know Christ, this verse stands as a solemn warning, urging them to consider their eternal standing and to respond to God's gracious invitation to repentance and faith before the full outpouring of His wrath.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of Revelation 8:7 challenge our understanding of God's justice and mercy in the face of human rebellion?**
* **What is our responsibility as believers in light of these prophetic warnings, particularly regarding evangelism and stewardship of creation?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to live with a greater sense of urgency and eternal perspective in our daily lives?**

### FAQ
**Is the destruction described in Revelation 8:7 a literal event or purely symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery in Revelation is highly symbolic, drawing heavily from Old Testament prophecies and apocalyptic literature, the *effects* described are intended to be understood as real and impactful. The "hail and fire mingled with blood" may not be a literal meteorological phenomenon as we understand it, but it powerfully symbolizes a genuine, divinely orchestrated catastrophe that will cause widespread destruction on earth. The "third part of trees" and "all green grass" being burnt up points to a tangible, devastating ecological event, regardless of the precise mechanism. The book of Revelation uses vivid, symbolic language to convey profound spiritual and eschatological realities, ensuring that the message of God's judgment and ultimate triumph is clearly understood, even if the exact literal manifestation remains veiled. As with other prophetic texts, the *certainty* of the event and its *consequences* are paramount, rather than a hyper-literal interpretation of every detail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 8:7 depicts a terrifying act of divine judgment, its ultimate fulfillment points to the supremacy and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. These judgments, administered by angels, are ultimately under the authority of the Lamb who was slain [Revelation 5:6-7](/revelation/5-6-7 "Revelation 5:6-7 - The Lamb Takes the Scroll"). Christ, who bore the full wrath of God on the cross, is the one who holds the keys to death and Hades [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority Over Death"), and it is by His command that these judgments unfold. The very destruction described here underscores the profound need for the salvation offered through His atoning sacrifice. Those who are "in Christ" are shielded from the wrath to come, having been redeemed by His precious blood [Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Justification by Christ's Blood"). Thus, these judgments, though terrifying, ultimately serve to highlight the glorious truth that Jesus is the only refuge from God's righteous anger, and His return will not only bring judgment but also the establishment of His perfect, eternal kingdom where there will be no more curse [Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse").

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

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Revelation 9:18

By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Revelation 9:15

And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

Exodus 9:23

And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

Exodus 9:25

And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that [was] in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

Isaiah 28:2

Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, [which] as a tempest of hail [and] a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand.