King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:21 Mean?

Revelation 18:21 in the King James Version says “And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall th... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:21 · KJV


Context

19

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.

20

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21

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.

22

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;

23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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.

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 18:21 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 · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἦρεν2 of 27

took up

G142

to lift up; by implication, to take up or away; figuratively, to raise (the voice), keep in suspense (the mind), specially, to sail away (i.e., weigh

εἷς3 of 27

a

G1520

one

ἄγγελος4 of 27

angel

G32

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

ἰσχυρὸς5 of 27

mighty

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

λίθον6 of 27

a stone

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ὡς7 of 27

like

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

μύλον8 of 27

millstone

G3458

a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)

μεγάλη9 of 27

a great

G3173

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

καὶ10 of 27

And

G2532

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

βληθήσεται11 of 27

be thrown down

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

εἰς12 of 27

it into

G1519

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

τὴν13 of 27
G3588

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

θάλασσαν14 of 27

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

λέγων,15 of 27

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

Οὕτως16 of 27

Thus

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ὁρμήματι17 of 27

with violence

G3731

an attack, i.e., (abstractly) precipitancy

βληθήσεται18 of 27

be thrown down

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

Βαβυλὼν19 of 27

Babylon

G897

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

20 of 27
G3588

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

μεγάλη21 of 27

a great

G3173

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

πόλις22 of 27

city

G4172

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

καὶ23 of 27

And

G2532

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

οὐ24 of 27
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ25 of 27
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὑρεθῇ26 of 27

shall be found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἔτι27 of 27

at all

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)


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 18:21 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 18:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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