Revelation Chapter 18 Explained: The Fall of Babylon the Great

Revelation Chapter 18-Introduction

Revelation chapter 18 follows all of the drama from chapter 17 and brings it to a satisfying conclusion. Chapter 18 is about the destruction of Babylon, an important, and troublesome, city to Israel, during Bible times. Since the Book of Revelation is prophetic, it is unclear where the ancient city of Babylon will be rebuilt, which may become the global capital city. The name Babylon may refer to a different entity altogether.

But in Revelation chapter 18, using figurative language, Babylon is described both as an immoral woman and as a great city. In this chapter, there are various references to immorality, specifically fornication. If Babylon is a city, the immorality may represent godlessness, including Babylon as a whole, introducing, and even enforcing, a worldwide religion based on worship of someone or something else other than God. It is possible that this religion may include worship of the entity of Babylon itself. This could explain the personification of Babylon as a woman.

Revelation 18:1-The Angel

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.(KJV)

The phrase “after these things” relates back to previous chapters, but also to the action and the effects of the seventh vial judgment. The events that John saw and recorded in this chapter is a continuation of the seventh vial judgment. Again, he saw a heavenly messenger, an angel, who may have been visible to the entire world.

Revelation 18:2-Past Tense of God’s Judgement

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. (KJV)

The angel proclaimed this statement in the past tense, because God’s judgement was as good as done. What will be left of the ruins of this city will only be inhabited by devils and grotesque birds. This verse reflects the prophecy in Jeremiah 50:35-40.

Revelation 18:3-God’s Judgement Explained

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. (KJV)

In this verse, the angel explains why God will so severely punish Babylon. Babylon’s ungodly reach is worldwide, corrupting governments (kings) of the earth.

Revelation 18:4-The Warning

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (KJV)

God warns His people of the coming judgment to flee from Babylon. If there were any of God’s people still lingering in this vicinity, God wants them out so they will be spared His judgement on this wicked city.

Revelation 18:5-God Remembered

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. (KJV)

Unrepented sin has consequences, and God will not excuse sin. Since Babylon did not repent, God will bring judgement. 

Revelation 18:6-Consequences of Sin

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. (KJV)

Since this verse is addressing God’s people, which began in verse 4, it seems that Babylon persecuted God’s people when the Scripture says “reward her even as she rewarded you.” Now it is time for God to bring vengeance on those who hurt His people.

Revelation 18:7-The Pride of Babylon

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. (KJV)

This ungodly capital city, personified as a woman, proudly lived for pleasure. The woman Babylon was content in the religion in which she made herself queen, and as such she thought she was untouchable.

Revelation 18:8-God’s Judgement

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. (KJV)

The very things Babylon thought could not happen to her, God will do to her and much more. Despite her strength, she will find herself no match for the God Who she thought to replace and influenced others to do as well.

Revelation 18:9-Mourning For Babylon

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, (KJV)

If fornication in this sense has the idea of a godless religion, the benefits of such a religion seem to be focused on the pleasures of sexual immorality. The great rulers of the earth were partakers of the pleasures of this godless religion. But God, in His righteous judgment on Babylon, will suddenly destroy all of it.

Revelation 18:10-Fear of Babylon’s Judgement

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. (KJV)

The world will watch in horror and will mourn for Babylon as God destroys it.

Revelation 18:11-Loss of Revenue

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: (KJV)

The grief of the merchants who will watch the destruction of Babylon is not for all those who will lose their lives, but because their source of revenue will be destroyed. This verse reveals that the merchants who used Babylon for gain will mourn their economic losses, rather than grieve over the loss of human lives.

Revelation 18:12-Merchandise of Babylon

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,(KJV)

This verse begins the list of rich goods that were bought and sold, not only in Babylon, but may have been obtained there and sold elsewhere.

Revelation 18:13-Merchandise of Babylon Continued

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. (KJV)

The list of goods bought and sold in Babylon are common items, except for the last one — the souls of men. This mysterious reference and word choice of “souls of men” may refer to the buying and selling of organs, embryos, or sperm and egg cells. This mysterious reference is placed in verse 13 of chapter 18 which has an ominous undertone. Thirteen is the number of rebellion, while many Bible scholars associate the number of eighteen with bondage (See Revelation 13:18, the antichrist and mark of the beast).

For humans to sell “souls of men” indicates rebellion against God Who alone can give a soul. Sin, including rebellion, brings bondage. What’s also interesting is the word “slaves.” Slaves at this time have become a commodity, but that is not surprising, considering the condition of the world during the Great Tribulation, that men and women will willing become slaves just to eat and live another day.

Revelation 18:14-No More Goodies

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. (KJV)

All commerce of every type will be totally destroyed.

Revelation 18:15-The Sorrow of the Merchants

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,(KJV)

The businesspeople who bought and sold through Babylonian economic system will not be able to come near to this terrible destruction. Not only will Babylon be destroyed, but its commerce, too.

Revelation 18:16-City Like a Woman

And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! (KJV)

Even the merchants who profited by the commerce of Babylon allude to this city as a woman who was richly clothed in fine material and jewels.

Revelation 18:17-A Single Hour of Judgement

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, (KJV)

The reference to ships, sailors, and the sea in this verse may indicate that the city of Babylon will be a seaport.

Revelation 18:18-The Sorrow of the Mariners

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! (KJV)

The answer to this question is that there is none like Babylon. Wherever this city will be, it will be the greatest city in the entire world.

Revelation 18:19-They Considered Suicide

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate. (KJV)

The practice of covering oneself with dust in times of great grief is an indication of death and burial. Those who will watch the destruction of Babylon will think about killing themselves since the source of their great wealth will suddenly cease to exist.

Revelation 18:20-Heavenly Rejoicing

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her. (KJV)

The grief of the Earth dwellers is in stark contrast to the rejoicing of those watching from heaven. This destruction of Babylon will be a source of great satisfaction to all those who lost their lives either directly or indirectly because of this evil city and its one-world religion. The destruction of Babylon will bring righteous satisfaction to those in heaven, since they will rejoice with those who have been directly affected.

Revelation 18:21-The Violence of God’s Judgement on Babylon

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (KJV)

A millstone is a huge stone used in crushing grain to make flour. As an object lesson, an angel will take a huge stone and cast this boulder-like object into the sea, illustrating the suddenness and the completeness of Babylon’s destruction.

Revelation 18:22-Babylon’s Good Times Remembered

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; (KJV)

This verse reflects on the good times that were had in Babylon. It was a place of arts, crafts. and food production. But nothing will be left after God finishes His judgment on it.

Revelation 18:23-Desolate Babylon

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (KJV)

This verse continues to describe the good things that happened in Babylon, including light and marriages. The Greek word which is translated as “sorceries” here is pharmakeia. This word is related to the English word “pharmacy,” but the indication is not a place of health, but rather, evil. It most likely describes the heavy use of narcotics to control the world’s population. The use of deadly narcotics would bring great financial gain while putting those who use it under Babylon’s seducing power.

Revelation 18:24-Innocent Blood in Babylon

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth. (KJV)

The dirty secret and true sinister character of Babylon is revealed in this last verse. Despite the good things that did occur, Babylon was responsible for killing the men and women of God, not only in Babylon, but throughout the world.

Revelation Chapter 18-Bible Study Questions

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Revelation Chapter 18-Personal Reflection Question

Other than the personal grief of the complete loss of their livelihood, what, in your opinion, should be a natural response seeing the complete and utter destruction of Babylon?

Revelation Chapter 18-Behind the Scenes Stuff

This is a very enigmatic chapter since the true identity of Babylon is not exactly known at this present time. In the Old Testament, there are several prophecies concerning the city of Babylon. Isaiah 13:19 calls Babylon “the glory of kingdoms,” even while he foretells its eventual downfall. Today, the ancient city of Babylon is a place of ruins. I don’t know if ancient Babylon will be rebuilt as some Bible teachers seem to believe. It may, and it may not. But here is an interesting article by Joel Rosenberg about the possibility of the future rise of Babylon. Side note: I love Joel Rosenberg’s fiction books!

What is more important than trying to figure out the exact identity of Babylon is to realize that God will judge sin, and will punish those who persecute His people. It is OK to rejoice when God brings His righteous punishment of sin. At the same time, it is up to us to daily keep a “clean slate” with God by confessing and forsaking our own sins so we will not be the recipient of God’s righteous judgment on us.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible Study chapter by chapter summary chart here.

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