Revelation 8:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄγγελος
angel
G32
ἄγγελος
angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
4 of 38
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἐσάλπισεν·
sounded
G4537
ἐσάλπισεν·
sounded
Strong's:
G4537
Word #:
5 of 38
to trumpet, i.e., sound a blast (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπλήγη
was smitten
G4141
ἐπλήγη
was smitten
Strong's:
G4141
Word #:
7 of 38
to pound, i.e., (figuratively) to inflict with (calamity)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
for a third part
G5154
τρίτον
for a third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
9 of 38
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
for a third part
G5154
τρίτον
for a third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
14 of 38
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
for a third part
G5154
τρίτον
for a third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
19 of 38
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀστέρων
of the stars
G792
ἀστέρων
of the stars
Strong's:
G792
Word #:
21 of 38
a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
for a third part
G5154
τρίτον
for a third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
25 of 38
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
αὐτῆς
of them
G846
αὐτῆς
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
26 of 38
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρα
the day
G2250
ἡμέρα
the day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
29 of 38
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
30 of 38
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φαίνῃ
shone
G5316
φαίνῃ
shone
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
31 of 38
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
32 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτον
for a third part
G5154
τρίτον
for a third part
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
33 of 38
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
αὐτῆς
of them
G846
αὐτῆς
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
34 of 38
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
35 of 38
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
36 of 38
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 13:10For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.Joel 2:31The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.Joel 2:10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:Revelation 6:12And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;Mark 13:24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,Matthew 24:29Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:Joel 3:15The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.Revelation 9:15And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.Revelation 9:18By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.Revelation 12:4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Revelation 8:12 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
- What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
- How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 n... 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.