What does Revelation 8:12 mean?

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. Revelation 8:12

Explanation

Revelation 8:12 describes the forth in a series of events marked by the sounding of trumpets by the seven angels in the eschatological vision of John of Patmos. Each trumpet heralds a different calamity. In this particular verse, the fourth angel sounds the trumpet, leading to the darkening of a third of the celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars. This is a highly symbolic event that carries with it literal implications of darkness and figurative meanings related to the dimming of spiritual enlightenment, upheaval, and judgment in the eschatological context of the Book of Revelation.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament. Its authorship is traditionally ascribed to John the Apostle, although scholarly consensus points to John of Patmos. It was written in the late 1st century AD during a time when Christians were facing persecution under Roman rule. The book contains apocalyptic literature that often uses vivid imagery and symbols to convey its message, which would have resonated with the contemporary audience familiar with Old Testament prophecy and current political turmoil.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this verse vary widely. Premillennialists may view this event as a literal future occurrence signaling the end of times. Amillennialists might interpret it as a symbolic representation of the historical struggle between good and evil and the eventual triumph of Christ. Postmillennialists could see it as a metaphor for the spread of the Gospel darkening due to the opposition before the final victory. Overall, the theological insights revolve around the concepts of divine judgment, the finitude of human power, and the sovereignty of God during the end times.

Practical Applications

While Revelation 8:12 describes a cosmic event in apocalyptic terms, its practical application can be seen in encouragements to maintain faith during periods of spiritual or societal darkness. It can serve as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast, vigilant, and hopeful, even when confronted with overwhelming challenges or moral decay, trusting in God’s ultimate plan and purpose.

Cross-References

• Revelation 6:12 – “And 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;”
• Revelation 9:2 – “And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.”
• Exodus 10:21-23 – “And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.”
• Joel 2:31 – “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the significant terms include:

• “smitten” (ἐπλήγη, eplēgē) – Struck or afflicted, indicating direct action causing the celestial bodies’ change.
• “darkened” (ἐσκοτώθη, eskotōthē) – To be obscured or made dark, implying a decrease or absence of light. Study of these terms helps to understand the intensity and severity of the actions being described as deliberate, pertaining to a cosmic change.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient myths and cultures, the biblical narrative of Revelation adopts the image of cosmic disturbances to symbolize significant earthly events. For instance, in various ancient mythologies, eclipses and celestial phenomena often represented divine displeasure or foretold significant changes. In this way, the biblical text aligns with a broader religious and cultural understanding that celestial events are momentous and portentous.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, certain phenomena such as solar and lunar eclipses could lead to the darkening of the sun and moon. However, the description in Revelation is not consistent with natural occurrences since it is a supernatural event involving a third of the celestial bodies. Therefore, the scientific community would view these events as metaphorical rather than literal cosmological occurrences.

Commentaries

Commentators offer diverse perspectives on Revelation 8:12. Some, like Matthew Henry, interpret the darkening of the celestial bodies as symbols for the fall of rulers and authorities. Others, such as Craig S. Keener, suggest that John’s use of celestial language was intended to signify the magnitude of divine judgment, drawing on Old Testament prophetic tradition. Contemporary scholars such as G.K. Beale might emphasize the symbolic representation of moral and spiritual decay rather than predicting specific astronomical events. Each of these interpretations enriches the understanding of the text by providing different lenses through which to view its symbolism and prophetic declarations.