Revelation 8:11

11 The name of the star is Wormwood,^[a] and a third of the waters became wormwood. So, many of the people died from the waters, because they had been 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 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel blew his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from heaven. It fell on a third of the rivers and springs of water.

11 The name of the star is Wormwood, and a third of the waters became wormwood. So, many of the people died from the waters, because they had been made bitter.

12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day was without light, and the night as well.

13 I looked, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid-heaven, saying in a loud voice, "Woe! Woe! Woe to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that the three angels are about to sound!"

Footnotes

• [a] Wormwood is absinthe, a bitter herb.