King James Version

What Does Revelation 16:19 Mean?

Revelation 16:19 in the King James Version says “And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembran... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Revelation 16:19 · KJV


Context

17

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

18

And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

20

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21

And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wra... This verse from Revelation's vision of seven bowls of wrath - final judgments, battle of armageddon, babylon's fall announced 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 16:19 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 · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο2 of 34

was divided

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

3 of 34
G3588

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

πόλεις4 of 34

city

G4172

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

5 of 34
G3588

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

μεγάλη6 of 34

great

G3173

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

εἰς7 of 34

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τρία8 of 34

three

G5140

"three"

μέρη9 of 34

parts

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

καὶ10 of 34

And

G2532

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

αἱ11 of 34
G3588

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

πόλεις12 of 34

city

G4172

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

τῶν13 of 34
G3588

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

ἐθνῶν14 of 34

of the nations

G1484

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

ἔπεσον·15 of 34

fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

καὶ16 of 34

And

G2532

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

Βαβυλὼν17 of 34

Babylon

G897

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

18 of 34
G3588

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

μεγάλη19 of 34

great

G3173

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

ἐμνήσθη20 of 34

came in remembrance

G3415

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

ἐνώπιον21 of 34

before

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ22 of 34
G3588

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

θεοῦ23 of 34

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

δοῦναι24 of 34

to give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ25 of 34

unto her

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

τὸ26 of 34
G3588

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

ποτήριον27 of 34

the cup

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

τοῦ28 of 34
G3588

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

οἴνου29 of 34

of the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ30 of 34
G3588

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

θυμοῦ31 of 34

of the fierceness

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τῆς32 of 34
G3588

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

ὀργῆς33 of 34

wrath

G3709

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

αὐτοῦ34 of 34

unto her

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


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 16:19 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 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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