Revelation 8:11

11 and the name of the star is called Wormwood; and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters because they were made bitter.

Revelation 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 8:11

And the name of the star is called Wormwood
Because of the bitter afflictions, sorrows, and distresses which it was the instrument of; just as Naomi called herself Mara, because the Almighty had dealt bitterly with her, ( Ruth 1:20 ) ;

and the third part of the waters became wormwood;
that is, the inhabitants of the provinces and cities belonging to the Roman empire were afflicted with grievous and bitter afflictions and calamities; so great distresses are called wormwood, and waters of gall given to drink, ( Jeremiah 9:15 ) ( Lamentations 3:19 ) ;

and many men died of the waters, because they were bitter;
through the barbarities and cruelties of these savage people, who afflicted the empire: there seems to be an allusion to ( Exodus 15:23 ) .

Revelation 8:11 In-Context

9 and the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

10 And the third angel sounded the trumpet, and a great star fell from heaven, burning as a lit torch, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers and upon the fountains of waters;

11 and the name of the star is called Wormwood; and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters because they were made bitter.

12 And the fourth angel sounded the trumpet, and the third part of the sun was smitten and the third part of the moon and the third part of the stars, in such a manner that the third part of them was darkened, and the third part of the day did not shine, and the night likewise.

13 And I saw and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, who are yet to sound their trumpets!