King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:6 Mean?

Revelation 18:6 in the King James Version says “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The command 'Reward her even as she rewarded you' invokes lex talionis—just recompense (Psalm 137:8, Jeremiah 50:29). 'Double unto her double' emphasizes complete retribution, not mathematical exactness. This represents perfect justice—Babylon receives punishment proportionate to her sins. Reformed theology affirms that God's justice is both retributive (punishing sin) and restorative (vindicating victims). The double portion may allude to Isaiah 40:2 or Jeremiah 16:18, where Israel received double for sins. Here, Babylon (representing worldly systems opposing God) faces comprehensive judgment for persecuting saints.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient conquest often involved reciprocal treatment—invaders suffered what they inflicted. Double recompense appeared in Exodus 22:4 (theft restitution). This command, echoing Old Testament judgment oracles against Babylon and other nations, assured persecuted believers that Rome's apparent invincibility would end in just judgment. God's justice, though delayed, would be thorough.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise of just recompense ('double unto her double') satisfy your longing for justice when you see evil apparently prospering?
  2. What does this judgment teach about God's perfect memory—He doesn't forget any sin or any suffering of His people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀπέδωκεν1 of 23

Reward

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

αὐτῇ2 of 23

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

ὡς3 of 23

as

G5613

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

καὶ4 of 23

and

G2532

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

αὐτῇ5 of 23

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

ἀπέδωκεν6 of 23

Reward

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

ὑμῖν,7 of 23

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ8 of 23

and

G2532

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

διπλώσατε9 of 23

double

G1363

to render two-fold

αὐτῇ10 of 23

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

διπλοῦν11 of 23

double

G1362

two-fold

κατὰ12 of 23

according to

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὰ13 of 23
G3588

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

ἔργα14 of 23

works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτῇ15 of 23

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

ἐν16 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ17 of 23
G3588

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

ποτηρίῳ18 of 23

the cup

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

19 of 23

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κεράσατε20 of 23

fill

G2767

to mingle, i.e., (by implication) to pour out (for drinking)

κεράσατε21 of 23

fill

G2767

to mingle, i.e., (by implication) to pour out (for drinking)

αὐτῇ22 of 23

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

διπλοῦν23 of 23

double

G1362

two-fold


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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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