### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ápsinthos**, represented by `{{G894}}`, is defined as **wormwood**. It is of uncertain derivation and is used as a type of bitterness, figuratively representing calamity. This word appears **2 times** within a single verse in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical context for `{{G894}}` is in the prophetic judgments of Revelation. A celestial event occurs where a **star** `{{G792}}` named **Wormwood** falls from heaven, poisoning the water sources of the earth. The passage states that "the **third part** `{{G5154}}` of the **waters** `{{G5204}}` became **wormwood**" [[Revelation 8:11]]. The direct result of this calamity is that **many** `{{G4183}}` **men** `{{G444}}` **died** `{{G599}}` from these waters, specifically "because they were **made bitter** `{{G4087}}`" [[Revelation 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of **ápsinthos**:
* `{{G4087}}` **pikraínō** (to embitter): This verb describes the action that made the waters deadly. It can be used literally or figuratively, such as when John eats a little book that makes his belly **bitter** [[Revelation 10:10]].
* `{{G792}}` **astḗr** (star): This is the object identified as **Wormwood**. The word is used throughout scripture to refer to celestial bodies, both literally and figuratively, such as when Jesus calls himself the "morning **star**" [[Revelation 22:16]].
* `{{G5204}}` **hýdōr** (water): This represents the life-sustaining element that is corrupted by **Wormwood**. Elsewhere, **water** is used as a symbol of life and purification, as in the "living **water**" Jesus offers [[John 4:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G894}}` is centered on its role as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **Symbol of Calamity:** The word itself is defined figuratively as calamity, and its use in [[Revelation 8:11]] is a clear depiction of a catastrophic event.
* **Corruption of Life:** The star **Wormwood** poisons the waters, turning a source of life into a cause of death. This demonstrates how a divine judgment can corrupt something essential for survival.
* **Lethal Bitterness:** The consequence is not merely unpleasantness but death, emphasizing the severity of the bitterness imparted. It serves as a stark warning about the deadly outcome of such judgments.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G894}}` **ápsinthos** provides a potent and specific image of calamity within the Bible. While only appearing in one verse, its impact is significant. It portrays a divine judgment where a star named **Wormwood** corrupts a third of the world's waters, making them lethally bitter. This single event powerfully illustrates a key theme in Revelation: the severe and destructive nature of the judgments to come.
TRV