New Testament
Revelation 8:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The star's name was Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters because they were made bitter.
Compare translations
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.
What Revelation 8:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 8:11, a star named Wormwood falls from the sky, symbolizing a significant and devastating event. This star causes a third of the earth's waters to become bitter, making them undrinkable. The bitterness leads to the death of many people, highlighting the severe consequences of this calamity. The term 'Wormwood' is often associated with bitterness and sorrow, suggesting that this event brings not only physical death but also spiritual implications. The imagery of a star falling can represent divine judgment or a catastrophic event that disrupts the natural order. This passage serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting suffering that can ensue. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and the need to seek purity and life-giving sustenance from God rather than the bitterness of sin and rebellion.
How to apply Revelation 8:11 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual health and the dangers of allowing bitterness to take root in our lives. We should seek to purify our hearts and minds, avoiding the toxic influences that can lead to spiritual death. Staying close to God helps us find true sustenance and life.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 8:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 8:11
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 8:11 mean?
Revelation 8:11 describes a star named Wormwood that falls from the sky, causing a third of the waters on earth to become bitter and undrinkable. This event leads to the death of many people, symbolizing severe consequences and divine judgment.
What is the significance of Wormwood in Revelation 8:11?
Wormwood represents bitterness and sorrow, indicating that the event described brings not only physical death but also spiritual implications. It serves as a warning about the dangers of turning away from God.
What does the star falling in Revelation 8:11 symbolize?
The falling star in Revelation 8:11 symbolizes a catastrophic event or divine judgment that disrupts the natural order, leading to significant suffering and death.
How does Revelation 8:11 relate to spiritual health?
Revelation 8:11 highlights the importance of spiritual health by warning against the bitterness that can arise from sin and rebellion. It encourages believers to seek purity and life-giving sustenance from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.