Wormwood in Scripture

Wormwood is a term used in the Bible to describe a bitter substance, often associated with judgment and calamity. The Hebrew word for wormwood is "la'anah," and it appears several times in the Old Testament, symbolizing bitterness and sorrow. In the New Testament, the Greek word "apsinthos" is used.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, wormwood is frequently mentioned in the context of divine judgment and the consequences of turning away from God. In Deuteronomy 29:18 , Moses warns the Israelites: "Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you bearing poisonous and bitter fruit." Here, wormwood symbolizes the bitterness and spiritual poison that results from idolatry and disobedience.

The prophet Jeremiah also uses wormwood to describe the bitterness of judgment. In Jeremiah 9:15 , the LORD declares, "Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will feed this people wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink.'" This passage highlights the severity of God's judgment on a rebellious nation, using wormwood as a metaphor for the bitter consequences of their actions.

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, wormwood is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as part of the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John. Revelation 8:10-11 states: "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. 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." In this eschatological context, wormwood represents a catastrophic event that brings widespread suffering and death, emphasizing the seriousness of divine judgment during the end times.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Wormwood serves as a powerful symbol of bitterness, sorrow, and the consequences of sin throughout the Bible. It is often associated with the idea of divine retribution, where the bitterness of wormwood reflects the spiritual and physical consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The imagery of wormwood and poisoned water underscores the severity of God's judgment and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.

Poisoned Water in Scripture

The concept of poisoned or bitter water is closely linked to the symbolism of wormwood. In addition to the passages already mentioned, the theme of bitter water appears in other parts of Scripture, often as a representation of divine judgment or testing.

Old Testament Instances

In Exodus 15:23-25 , the Israelites encounter bitter water at Marah: "When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?' And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. When he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened." This event illustrates God's provision and the transformation from bitterness to sweetness, symbolizing His ability to turn trials into blessings for those who trust in Him.

Theological Reflections

The recurring theme of wormwood and poisoned water in the Bible serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. It highlights the reality of divine judgment while also pointing to God's mercy and provision for those who seek Him. The imagery of bitterness and poison underscores the spiritual dangers of idolatry and disobedience, urging believers to pursue righteousness and trust in God's redemptive power.