ἄψινθος

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.