Rev 8:7-12 | RWP | e4.org | Sounded ( εσαλπισεν ). First aorist active indicative of σαλπιζω , repeated with each angel in turn ( , , ; , ; ). Hail and fire mingled with blood ( χαλαζα κα πυρ μεμιγμενα εν αιματ ). Like the plague of hail and fire in . The first four trumpets are very much like the plagues in Egypt, this one like a semitropical thunderstorm (Swete) with blood like the first plague ( .; ). The old feminine word χαλαζα (hail) is from the verb χαλαω , to let down ( ), in N.T. only in ; ; . The perfect passive participle μεμιγμενα (from μιγνυμ , to mix) is neuter plural because of πυρ (fire). Were cast ( εβληθη ). First aorist passive singular because χαλαζα and πυρ treated as neuter plural. "The storm flung itself on the earth" (Swete). Was burnt up ( κατεκαη ). Second aorist (effective) passive indicative of κατακαιω , old verb to burn down (effective use of κατα , up, we say). Repeated here three times for dramatic effect. See about the trees and where the locusts are forbidden to injure the grass.

‏ Revelation of John 8:7-12

Sounded ( εσαλπισεν ). First aorist active indicative of σαλπιζω, repeated with each angel in turn (8:8, 10, 12; 9:1, 13; 11:15).

Hail and fire mingled with blood ( χαλαζα κα πυρ μεμιγμενα εν αιματ ). Like the plague of hail and fire in Ex 9:24. The first four trumpets are very much like the plagues in Egypt, this one like a semitropical thunderstorm (Swete) with blood like the first plague (Ex 7:17ff.; Ps 106:35). The old feminine word χαλαζα (hail) is from the verb χαλαω, to let down (Mr 2:4), in N.T. only in Re 8:7; 11:19; 16:21. The perfect passive participle μεμιγμενα (from μιγνυμ, to mix) is neuter plural because of πυρ (fire).

Were cast ( εβληθη ). First aorist passive singular because χαλαζα and πυρ treated as neuter plural. "The storm flung itself on the earth" (Swete).

Was burnt up ( κατεκαη ). Second aorist (effective) passive indicative of κατακαιω, old verb to burn down (effective use of κατα, up, we say). Repeated here three times for dramatic effect. See 7:1-3 about the trees and 9:4 where the locusts are forbidden to injure the grass.

As it were ( ως ). "As if," not a great mountain, but a blazing mass as large as a mountain.

Burning with fire ( πυρ καιομενον ). Present middle participle of καιω. Somewhat like Enoch 18:13, but perhaps with the picture of a great volcanic eruption like that of Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Strabo tells of an eruption B.C. 196 which made a new island (Palaea Kaumene).

Became blood ( εγενετο αιμα ). Like the Nile in the first plague (Ex 7:20ff.). Cf. also 16:3.

Of the creatures ( των κτισματων ). See 5:13 for this word κτισμα. Even they that had life ( τα εχοντα ψυχας ). Here the nominative articular participle is in apposition with the genitive κτισματων, as often in this book. See Ex 7:20 for the destruction of fish, and Zep 1:3.

Was destroyed ( διεφθαρησαν ). Second aorist passive indicative of διαφθειρω, old compound, to corrupt, to consume, to destroy (perfective use of δια ), also 11:18. The plural πλοιον just before the verb makes the idea plural.

Burning as a torch ( καιομενος ως λαμπας ). See 4:5; Mt 2:2, perhaps a meteor, striking at the fresh-water supply (rivers ποταμων, springs πηγας ) as in the first Egyptian plague also.

Wormwood ( ο Αψινθος ). Absinthe. Usually feminine ( η ), but masculine here probably because αστηρ is masculine. Only here in N.T. and not in LXX ( πικρια, bitterness, χολη, gall, etc.) except by Aquila in Pr 5:4; Jer 9:15; 23:15. There are several varieties of the plant in Palestine.

Became wormwood ( εγενετο εις αψινθον ). This use of εις in the predicate with γινομα is common in the LXX and the N.T. (16:19; Joh 16:20; Ac 5:36).

Of the waters ( εκ των υδατων ). As a result of ( εκ ) the use of the poisoned waters.

Were made bitter ( επικρανθησαν ). First aorist passive indicative of πικραινω. Old verb (from πικρος, bitter), as in 10:9f. In a metaphorical sense to embitter in Col 3:19.

Was smitten ( επληγη ). Second aorist passive indicative of πλησσω, old verb (like πληγη plague), here only in N.T.

That should be darkened ( ινα σκοτισθη ). Purpose clause with ινα and the first aorist passive subjunctive of σκοτιζω, from σκοτος (darkness) as in Mt 24:29, but σκοτοω in Re 9:2.

And the day should not shine ( κα η ημερα μη φανη ). Negative purpose clause with ινα μη and the first aorist active subjunctive of φαινω, to shed light upon, as in 18:23, not the second aorist passive subjunctive φανη with different accent. The eclipse here is only partial and is kin to the ninth Egyptian plague (Ex 10:21).