King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:4 Mean?

Revelation 18:4 in the King James Version says “And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and tha...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 18:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 18:4 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

ἤκουσα2 of 28

“I heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἄλλην3 of 28

“another”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

φωνὴν4 of 28

“voice”

G5456

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

ἐκ5 of 28

“from”

G1537

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

τοῦ6 of 28
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ7 of 28

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

λέγουσαν8 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

Ἐξέλθετε9 of 28

“Come”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ10 of 28

“from”

G1537

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

αὐτῆς11 of 28

“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

ὁ12 of 28
G3588

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

λαός13 of 28

“people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

μου14 of 28

“my”

G3450

of me

ἵνα15 of 28
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ16 of 28
G3361

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

συγκοινωνήσητε17 of 28

“partakers”

G4790

to share in company with, i.e., co-participate in

ταῖς18 of 28
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαις19 of 28

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

αὐτῆς20 of 28

“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

καὶ21 of 28

“And”

G2532

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

ἵνα22 of 28
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ23 of 28
G3361

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

λάβητε24 of 28

“ye receive”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

ἐκ25 of 28

“from”

G1537

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

τῶν26 of 28
G3588

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

πληγῶν27 of 28

“plagues”

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

αὐτῆς28 of 28

“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

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 18:4 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 18:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 52:112 Corinthians 6:17Jeremiah 51:6Jeremiah 51:45Jeremiah 50:8Isaiah 48:20

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