King James Version
Revelation 18:20 in the King James Version says “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”
Revelation 18:20 · KJV
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
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.
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
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.
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 Study — Public Domain
“Rejoice”
G2165to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice
“over”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
“her”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“thou heaven”
G3772the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“ye holy”
G40sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
“apostles”
G652a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“prophets”
G4396a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“on”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“her”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Revelation 18:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Revelation 18:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge