Lexical Summary apsinthos: Wormwood Original Word: ἀψίνθιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wormwood. Of uncertain derivation; wormwood (as a type of bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) calamity) -- wormwood. HELPS Word-studies 894 ápsinthos – a bitter plant known as "wormwood"; (figuratively) what is intensely bitter (grievous), bringing on very sad results (used only in Rev 8:11). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition wormwood NASB Translation Wormwood (1), wormwood (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 894: ἄψινθοςἄψινθος, ἀψινθου, ἡ, wormwood, Absinthe: Revelation 8:11; ἄψινθος ibid. is given as a proper name to the star which fell into the waters and made them bitter. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Symbolism in Scripture Wormwood is consistently employed in Scripture as an emblem of intense bitterness, sorrow, and judgment. The plant’s extremely bitter taste became a vivid metaphor for moral poison and the painful consequences of sin. In both Testaments, wormwood is linked to the turning of life-giving water into something harmful, underlining the seriousness of divine retribution on rebellion. Occurrences in Revelation Revelation 8:11 records the third trumpet judgment: “The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter like wormwood, and many people died from the bitter waters”. Here the imagery moves from metaphor to an eschatological event. The celestial object named Wormwood falls upon rivers and springs, altering fresh water into a lethal draught. The singular placement of the word—one lower-case (ἄψινθον) and one capitalized (Ἄψινθος)—underscores both the quality (bitter) and the personified agency (the star itself) involved in the judgment. Old Testament Background 1. Deuteronomy 29:18 warns that idolatry will bring forth “poisonous vines of gall and wormwood,” foretelling national calamity if the covenant is breached. Collectively, these texts lay the theological backdrop for Revelation: idolatry, injustice, and doctrinal corruption invite judicial bitterness. Historical and Botanical Context Botanically identified as Artemisia absinthium and related species, wormwood grew readily throughout the Mediterranean world. Its leaves and oil served limited medicinal purposes for digestive ailments, but taken in quantity they produced nausea and even neurological toxicity. The plant’s paradox—ostensibly helpful yet potentially harmful—mirrors the spiritual truth that what appears advantageous apart from God inevitably becomes destructive. Theological Themes 1. Divine Retribution: Bitterness of wormwood is a just response to obstinate sin (Jeremiah 9:15; Revelation 8:11). Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Wormwood offers a clear picture of the cost of sin. Its use assists pastors and teachers in illustrating how seemingly small compromises can contaminate entire communities (Hebrews 12:15). Eschatological Significance The third trumpet stands as a sobering preview of the finality of divine judgment. The global scale—“a third of the waters”—signals that the Tribulation intensifies the Old Testament pattern. Wormwood’s eschatological appearance underlines that present history is moving toward an appointed climax where Christ, rather than creation, will be the eternal source of living water (Revelation 22:1-3). Christological Perspective At Calvary, Jesus was offered gall, a bitter mixture (Matthew 27:34), foreshadowing His bearing of all wormwood-like judgment for believers. The Gospel reverses Revelation’s plague for those who trust Him: instead of drinking bitterness, they receive “the water of life without cost” (Revelation 22:17). Warnings and Assurance Scripture’s use of wormwood offers a twofold message. First, it warns that persistent unbelief will culminate in irreversible bitterness. Second, it assures the faithful that God’s judgments are right and that His ultimate purpose is to remove every source of bitterness from the new creation. Forms and Transliterations αψινθον άψινθον ἄψινθον Αψινθος άψινθος Ἄψινθος apsinthon ápsinthon Apsinthos ÁpsinthosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 8:11 N-NFSGRK: λέγεται Ὁ Ἄψινθος καὶ ἐγένετο NAS: is called Wormwood; and a third KJV: is called Wormwood: and INT: is called Wormwood and becomes Revelation 8:11 N-AFS Strong's Greek 894 |
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