King James Version

What Does Revelation 8:11 Mean?

Revelation 8:11 in the King James Version says “And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.”

Revelation 8:11 · KJV

Context

9

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

10

And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

11

And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

12

And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

13

And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Read Revelation 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.... This verse from Revelation's vision of seventh seal and first four trumpets - escalating judgments, angelic ministry employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 8:11 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ2 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα3 of 24

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦ4 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀστέρος5 of 24

“of the star”

G792

a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively

λέγεται6 of 24

“is called”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἄψινθον7 of 24

“Wormwood”

G894

wormwood (as a type of bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) calamity)

καὶ8 of 24

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γίνεται9 of 24

“became”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τὸ10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίτον11 of 24

“the third part”

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

τῶν12 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑδάτων13 of 24

“of the waters”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

εἰς14 of 24
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἄψινθον15 of 24

“Wormwood”

G894

wormwood (as a type of bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) calamity)

καὶ16 of 24

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πολλοὶ17 of 24

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀνθρώπων18 of 24

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀπέθανον19 of 24

“died”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ20 of 24

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν21 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑδάτων22 of 24

“of the waters”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

ὅτι23 of 24

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐπικράνθησαν24 of 24

“they were made bitter”

G4087

to embitter (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 8:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 23:15Jeremiah 9:15Deuteronomy 29:18Amos 6:12Lamentations 3:19Proverbs 5:4

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