Revelation 8:11
New International Version
the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.

New Living Translation
The name of the star was Bitterness. It made one-third of the water bitter, and many people died from drinking the bitter water.

English Standard Version
The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the water, because it had been made bitter.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
And the name of the star is called Wormwood. And a third of the waters became wormwood, and many of the men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.

New American Standard Bible
The star is named Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters because they were made bitter.

NASB 1995
The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

NASB 1977
and the name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

Amplified Bible
The name of the star is Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters, because they had become bitter (toxic).

Christian Standard Bible
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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
The name of the star was Bitter, and a third of the water turned bitter. Many people died because the water was so bitter.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That star was named Wormwood. One-third of the water turned into wormwood, and many people died from this water because it had turned bitter.

Good News Translation
(The name of the star is "Bitterness.") A third of the water turned bitter, and many people died from drinking the water, because it had turned bitter.

International Standard Version
The name of the star is Wormwood. One-third of the water turned into wormwood, and many people died from the water because it had turned bitter.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
(Now the name of the star is Wormwood.) So a third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from these waters because they were poisoned.

New Heart English Bible
The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

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

Weymouth New Testament
The name of the star is 'Wormwood;' and a third part of the waters were turned into wormwood, and vast numbers of the people died from drinking the water, because it had become bitter.

World English Bible
The name of the star is “Wormwood.” One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the name of the star is called Wormwood, and the third of the waters become wormwood, and many of the men died [because] of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Berean Literal Bible
And the name of the star is called Wormwood. And a third of the waters became wormwood, and many of the men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

Young's Literal Translation
and the name of the star is called Wormwood, and the third of the waters doth become wormwood, and many of the men did die of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third of the waters is into wormwood; and many of men died of the waters, for they were rendered bitter.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the name of the star is called Wormwood. And a third part of the waters were turned into wormwood. And many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

New American Bible
The star was called “Wormwood,” and a third of all the water turned to wormwood. Many people died from this water, because it was made bitter.

New Revised Standard Version
The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many died from the water, because it was made bitter.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the name of the star is called Absinthian and a third of the water became like Absinthe and a multitude of people died because the waters were made toxic.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
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.

Godbey New Testament
And the name of the star is called Apsinth. And the third part of the waters became apsinth; and many of the men died from the waters, because they were bitter.

Haweis New Testament
and the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters was turned into wormwood, and multitudes of men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Mace New Testament
the name of the star was wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Weymouth New Testament
The name of the star is 'Wormwood;' and a third part of the waters were turned into wormwood, and vast numbers of the people died from drinking the water, because it had become bitter.

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

Worsley New Testament
and a third part of the waters became as wormwood: and many men died of the waters, because they were bitter.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The First Four Trumpets
10Then 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. 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. 12Then the fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun and moon and stars were struck. A third of the stars were darkened, a third of the day was without light, and a third of the night as well.…

Cross References
Jeremiah 9:15
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.

Jeremiah 23:15
Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.”

Exodus 15:23-25
And 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. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,

Isaiah 14:12
How you have fallen from heaven, O day star, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O destroyer of nations.

Amos 5:7
There are those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness to the ground.

Amos 6:12
“Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does one plow the sea with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood—

Deuteronomy 29:18
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 that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit,

Proverbs 5:4
in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword.

Lamentations 3:15
He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood.

Lamentations 3:19
Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall.

Zechariah 13:8-9
And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it. / This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Matthew 24:29
Immediately after the tribulation of those days: ‘The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.’

Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

Luke 21:25
There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves.

Acts 8:23
For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Wormwood.

Deuteronomy 29:18
Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;

Ruth 1:20
And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

Proverbs 5:4
But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a twoedged sword.

many.

Exodus 15:23
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

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Bitter Die Died Drinking End Numbers Part Star Third Turned Vast Water Waters Wormwood
Revelation 8
1. At the opening of the seventh seal,
2. Seven angels have seven trumpets given them.
6. Four of them sound their trumpets and great plagues follow.
9. Another angel puts incense to the prayers of the saints on the golden altar.














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.

(11) And the name of the star . . .--Translate, And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many of mankind died from the waters, because they were embittered. The bitter, nauseous plant known as wormwood (apsinthos) is used to represent troubles and calamities. In Jeremiah 9:15 we have an example of this: "Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink." It is worth noticing that the Israelites are warned against idolatry as "a root that beareth gall and wormwood" (Deuteronomy 29:18); and we may recall the symbolical act of Moses, who ground the golden calf to powder, cast the powder in the brook, and made the children of Israel drink (Exodus 32:20). Some have thought that this falling star signified some false teacher, whose evil influence poisoned the pure currents of the gospel, and perverted the minds of men of original genius, who are represented here as fountains. The passages cited above favour the thought, and it may be included in the general meaning of the vision; but the main point seems to be to give us hints of those stages which will mark the advance of Christianity. The fall of the great men, the rulers and leaders, will take place, and their fall will bring misery to mankind. Doubtless the appearance of false teachers in the Church is one of the evidences find an unavoidable accompaniment of a progressing faith (Matthew 13:26). But all such false lights shall fall before Him who is the true Light and Morning Star, and who will heal all embittered waters of life. (Comp. Exodus 15:23, and 2Kings 2:19.) . . . Verse 11. - And the name of the star is called Wormwood. The plant known to us under the name of wormwood is doubtless identical with the Αψινθος of this passage. The present English word is a corruption of wer-mod (equivalent to ware-mood), which may be rendered "mind-preserver," a name given to the plant by the Saxons, on account of its fancied virtues; for it was believed to be a protection against madness. Such properties were formerly frequently ascribed to plants possessing bitter and nauseous tastes, such as that of the wormwood. Varieties of the plant are common in Palestine, and are widely distributed in the world. Among the ancients it was typical of bitter sorrow. Thus Lamentations 3:19, "Remembering my misery, the wormwood and the gall;" Jeremiah 9:15, "I will feed them with wormwood." Here, therefore, the name indicates the effect of the star, viz. to cause intense trouble and sorrow. And the third part of the waters became wormwood; that is, became bitter as wormwood, that is, charged with sorrow and disaster. The general effect of the incident is described in the name given to the chief actor, as in the case of the fourth seal (see Revelation 6:8). And many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter; many of the men. Possibly (though not necessarily) of the men dwelling near the waters. For the first time mention is made of the death of men, though, doubtless, it is implied in the preceding judgments. We may notice the contrast in the miracles of Moses, who sweetened the waters of Marah (Exodus 15.), and of Elisha (2 Kings 2:22).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
The
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

name
ὄνομα (onoma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

of the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

star
ἀστέρος (asteros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 792: A star. Probably from the base of stronnumi; a star, literally or figuratively.

[is]
λέγεται (legetai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Wormwood.
Ἄψινθος (Apsinthos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 894: Wormwood. Of uncertain derivation; wormwood (figuratively) calamity).

A
τὸ (to)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

third
τρίτον (triton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5154: Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.

of the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

waters
ὑδάτων (hydatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.

turned
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

[bitter] like wormwood oil,
ἄψινθον (apsinthon)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 894: Wormwood. Of uncertain derivation; wormwood (figuratively) calamity).

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

many
πολλοὶ (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

people
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

died
ἀπέθανον (apethanon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 599: To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

bitter
ἐπικράνθησαν (epikranthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4087: To make bitter, embitter; pass: I grow angry or harsh. From pikros; to embitter.

waters.
ὑδάτων (hydatōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5204: Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 8:11 The name of the star is called (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 8:10
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