King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:2 Mean?

Revelation 18:2 in the King James Version says “And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:2 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

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.

3

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. abundance: or, power

4

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 ha... 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 18:2 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 · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἔκραξεν2 of 28

he cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐν3 of 28

with

G1722

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

ἰσχύϊ4 of 28

mightily

G2479

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

φωνῇ5 of 28

voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ6 of 28

a strong

G3173

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

λέγων,7 of 28

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

ἔπεσεν8 of 28

is fallen

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἔπεσεν9 of 28

is fallen

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

Βαβυλὼν10 of 28

Babylon

G897

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

11 of 28
G3588

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

μεγάλῃ12 of 28

a strong

G3173

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

καὶ13 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἐγένετο14 of 28

is become

G1096

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

κατοικητήριον15 of 28

the habitation

G2732

a dwelling-place

δαιμόνων16 of 28

of devils

G1142

a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)

καὶ17 of 28

And

G2532

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

φυλακὴ18 of 28

a cage

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

παντὸς19 of 28

of every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

πνεύματος20 of 28

spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἀκαθάρτου21 of 28

foul

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

καὶ22 of 28

And

G2532

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

φυλακὴ23 of 28

a cage

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

παντὸς24 of 28

of every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὀρνέου25 of 28

bird

G3732

a birdling

ἀκαθάρτου26 of 28

foul

G169

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

καὶ27 of 28

And

G2532

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

μεμισημένου28 of 28

hateful

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less


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 18:2 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 18:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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