King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:3 Mean?

Revelation 18:3 in the King James Version says “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornic... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 18:3 · 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.

5

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 abunda... 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 18:3 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 · 33 words
ὅτι1 of 33

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐκ2 of 33

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ3 of 33
G3588

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

οἴνου4 of 33

the wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 33
G3588

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

θυμοῦ6 of 33

of the wrath

G2372

passion (as if breathing hard)

τῆς7 of 33
G3588

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

πορνείας8 of 33

fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

αὐτῆς9 of 33

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

πέπωκεν10 of 33

have drunk

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

πάντα11 of 33

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ12 of 33
G3588

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

ἔθνη13 of 33

nations

G1484

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

καὶ14 of 33

and

G2532

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

οἱ15 of 33
G3588

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

βασιλεῖς16 of 33

the kings

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς17 of 33
G3588

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

γῆς18 of 33

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

μετ'19 of 33

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῆς20 of 33

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

ἐπόρνευσαν21 of 33

have committed fornication

G4203

to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry

καὶ22 of 33

and

G2532

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

οἱ23 of 33
G3588

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

ἔμποροι24 of 33

the merchants

G1713

a (wholesale) tradesman

τῆς25 of 33
G3588

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

γῆς26 of 33

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἐκ27 of 33

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς28 of 33
G3588

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

δυνάμεως29 of 33

the abundance

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

τοῦ30 of 33
G3588

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

στρήνους31 of 33

delicacies

G4764

a "straining", "strenuousness" or "strength", i.e., (figuratively) luxury (voluptuousness)

αὐτῆς32 of 33

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

ἐπλούτησαν33 of 33

are waxed rich

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)


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 18:3 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 18:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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