Revelation 8:11

11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood oil, ^[a] and many people died from the bitter waters.

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 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 Then the third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star burning like a torch fell from heaven and landed on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.

11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood oil, and many people died from the bitter waters.

12 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.

13 And as I observed, I heard an eagle flying overhead, calling in a loud voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the trumpet blasts about to be sounded by the remaining three angels!”

Footnotes

• [a] Literally became wormwood