King James Version

What Does Revelation 14:8 Mean?

Revelation 14:8 in the King James Version says “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations dr...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

Revelation 14:8 · KJV

Context

6

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Read Revelation 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.... This verse from Revelation's vision of lamb and 144,000 - redeemed firstfruits, three angels' messages, harvest judgment 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 14:8 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἄλλος2 of 24

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἄγγελος3 of 24

“angel”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἠκολούθησεν4 of 24

“there followed”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

λέγων,5 of 24

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ἔπεσεν6 of 24

“is fallen”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἔπεσεν7 of 24

“is fallen”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

Βαβυλὼν8 of 24

“Babylon”

G897

babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))

ἡ9 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλις10 of 24

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἣ11 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλη12 of 24

“that great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ὅτι13 of 24

“because”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ14 of 24

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ15 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἴνου16 of 24

“the wine”

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ17 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυμοῦ18 of 24

“of the wrath”

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τῆς19 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πορνείας20 of 24

“fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

αὐτῆς21 of 24
G846

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

πεπότικεν22 of 24

“drink”

G4222

to furnish drink, irrigate

πάντα23 of 24

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἔθνη24 of 24

“nations”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 14:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 14:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 21:9Revelation 18:2-3Jeremiah 51:7-8Revelation 16:19Revelation 11:8Revelation 18:18-21

Places in This Verse

Babylon 3Settlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E6 verses across 1 book
View all places in Revelation 14 →

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