Revelation 8:11

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.

Study Bible

The name of the star
In the apocalyptic vision of Revelation, stars often symbolize angels or celestial beings. The "star" here is not a literal star but a divine agent of judgment. The Greek word for "star" is "aster," which can denote a heavenly body or a spiritual entity. This star's descent signifies a divine intervention in the natural order, reflecting God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use it for His purposes.

is Wormwood
"Wormwood" is translated from the Greek "apsinthos," which refers to a bitter plant known for its toxicity. In the Old Testament, wormwood is often associated with bitterness and sorrow (e.g., Jeremiah 9:15). The use of "Wormwood" as the star's name symbolizes the introduction of bitterness and judgment upon the earth. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and physical consequences of sin, reminding believers of the need for repentance and the sweetness of God's grace.

A third of the waters
The fraction "a third" is significant in Revelation, indicating a partial but substantial impact. It suggests that God's judgment is severe yet restrained, allowing for the possibility of repentance. The waters symbolize life and sustenance, and their corruption signifies a disruption of the natural order. This partial judgment serves as a warning, urging humanity to turn back to God before more severe judgments occur.

turned bitter like wormwood oil
The transformation of the waters into bitterness reflects the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. In the biblical context, bitterness often symbolizes suffering and divine retribution. The phrase "like wormwood oil" emphasizes the intensity of the bitterness, drawing a parallel to the spiritual bitterness that results from turning away from God. This imagery serves as a call to seek the living water that Christ offers, which alone can satisfy and purify.

and many people died
The death of many people underscores the seriousness of God's judgment. It serves as a sobering reminder of the wages of sin, as stated in Romans 6:23. This phrase highlights the reality of divine justice and the ultimate accountability of humanity before God. It also points to the urgency of the gospel message, as believers are called to share the hope of salvation with a world facing judgment.

from the bitter waters
The "bitter waters" symbolize the spiritual and physical consequences of rejecting God. In the biblical narrative, water is often a symbol of life and blessing, but here it becomes a source of death. This transformation serves as a powerful metaphor for the destructive nature of sin and the need for redemption. It calls believers to reflect on the purity and life-giving nature of Christ, who offers living water that quenches spiritual thirst and brings eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Wormwood
A star that falls from heaven, turning a third of the waters bitter. The term "wormwood" is derived from the Greek word "apsinthos," which refers to a bitter plant known for its toxic properties. In biblical symbolism, wormwood often represents bitterness, sorrow, and divine judgment.

2. Waters
The waters affected by the star Wormwood symbolize the life-sustaining resources of the earth. In this context, they become a source of death and suffering due to their bitterness.

3. People
The inhabitants of the earth who suffer and die as a result of the contaminated waters. This event highlights the impact of divine judgment on humanity.

4. Third
The fraction "a third" is significant in Revelation, indicating a partial but substantial impact. It suggests a severe but not total judgment, allowing for the possibility of repentance and redemption.

5. Heaven
The origin of the star Wormwood, indicating that this event is part of a divine plan or judgment.

Teaching Points

Divine Judgment
Revelation 8:11 serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reality of divine judgment. It calls believers to live in a way that honors God, recognizing the consequences of sin.

Bitterness and Repentance
The bitterness of the waters symbolizes the destructive nature of sin. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas of bitterness and seek repentance and healing through Christ.

Hope Amidst Judgment
While the judgment is severe, the limitation to "a third" suggests that God's mercy still allows for repentance. Believers should find hope in God's willingness to forgive and restore.

Spiritual Vigilance
The passage calls Christians to remain spiritually vigilant, understanding the times and being prepared for Christ's return.

Impact of Sin
The physical impact of the bitter waters serves as a metaphor for the spiritual consequences of sin. Believers are urged to avoid sin and its bitter outcomes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of Wormwood in Revelation 8:11 relate to the concept of divine judgment throughout the Bible?

2. In what ways can the bitterness of the waters serve as a metaphor for the consequences of sin in our lives today?

3. How does the limitation of the judgment to "a third" reflect God's character and offer hope for repentance?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are spiritually vigilant and prepared for Christ's return?

5. How can we apply the lessons from the bitter waters of Marah (Exodus 15:23-25) to our understanding of Revelation 8:11 and our personal walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 9:15
This verse speaks of God giving His people "wormwood" to drink as a form of judgment, paralleling the bitterness and judgment seen in Revelation 8:11.

Exodus 15:23-25
The account of the bitter waters of Marah, which were made sweet by God's intervention, contrasts with the irreversible bitterness caused by Wormwood, highlighting the severity of the judgment in Revelation.

Proverbs 5:4
Wormwood is used metaphorically to describe the consequences of sin, emphasizing the theme of bitterness and judgment.