King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:10 Mean?

Revelation 18:10 in the King James Version says “Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 18:10 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

8

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.

9

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,

10

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.

11

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

12

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, thyine: or, sweet

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of fall of babylon - economic, political, religious system destroyed, god's people called out 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 18:10 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 · 29 words
ἀπὸ1 of 29

“off”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

μακρόθεν2 of 29

“afar”

G3113

from a distance or afar

ἑστηκότες3 of 29

“Standing”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

διὰ4 of 29

“for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν5 of 29
G3588

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

φόβον6 of 29

“the fear”

G5401

alarm or fright

τοῦ7 of 29
G3588

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

βασανισμοῦ8 of 29

“torment”

G929

torture

αὐτῆς9 of 29

“of 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

λέγοντες10 of 29

“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

οὐαί11 of 29

“Alas”

G3759

woe

οὐαί12 of 29

“Alas”

G3759

woe

ἡ13 of 29
G3588

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

πόλις14 of 29

“city”

G4172

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

ἡ15 of 29
G3588

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

μεγάλη16 of 29

“that great”

G3173

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

Βαβυλὼν17 of 29

“Babylon”

G897

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

ἡ18 of 29
G3588

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

πόλις19 of 29

“city”

G4172

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

ἡ20 of 29
G3588

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

ἰσχυρά21 of 29

“that mighty”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι22 of 29

“! for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν23 of 29

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μιᾷ24 of 29
G1520

one

ὥρᾳ25 of 29

“hour”

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἦλθεν26 of 29

“come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἡ27 of 29
G3588

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

κρίσις28 of 29

“judgment”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

σου29 of 29

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 18:10 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 18:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:19Revelation 18:8Revelation 18:15-17Revelation 14:8Joel 1:15Amos 5:16

Places in This Verse

Babylon 3Settlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E6 verses across 1 book
View all places in Revelation 18 →

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