King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:5 Mean?

Revelation 18:5 in the King James Version says “For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 18:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.... 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 18:5 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 · 15 words
ὅτι1 of 15

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἠκολούθησαν2 of 15

“have reached”

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

αὐτῆς3 of 15

“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

αἱ4 of 15
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίαι5 of 15

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἄχρι6 of 15

“unto”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τοῦ7 of 15
G3588

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

οὐρανοῦ8 of 15

“heaven”

G3772

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

καὶ9 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἐμνημόνευσεν10 of 15

“hath remembered”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

ὁ11 of 15
G3588

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

θεὸς12 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

τὰ13 of 15
G3588

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

ἀδικήματα14 of 15

“iniquities”

G92

a wrong done

αὐτῆς15 of 15

“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 18:5 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 18:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 18:20-21Ezra 9:6Revelation 16:19Jeremiah 51:9Jonah 1:22 Chronicles 28:9

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