King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:7 Mean?

Revelation 18:7 in the King James Version says “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her he... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Babylon's self-glorification and sensual living contrast her claim 'I sit a queen, and am no widow' with coming judgment. Her denial of widowhood represents presumed security and permanent prosperity. The boast 'shall see no sorrow' reveals pride and false confidence. This echoes Isaiah 47:7-9's judgment on historical Babylon. Reformed theology recognizes pride as the root sin—Babylon exalts herself, denying dependence on God. The punishment 'in one day' (v. 8) demonstrates sudden judgment despite apparent security. Self-glorification invites divine opposition; humility finds grace (James 4:6).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rome's military might, economic dominance, and cultural influence created an illusion of permanence. The 'eternal city' claimed perpetual glory. Imperial propaganda portrayed Rome as invincible queen of nations. This vision warned that human empires, however impressive, face certain judgment for pride. The widow imagery recalled vulnerable status—what Rome denied became her reality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Babylon's pride ('I sit a queen... shall see no sorrow') parallel modern secular confidence in human achievement and progress?
  2. What warnings does this give against personal pride and false security based on present prosperity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ὅσα1 of 28

How much

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἐδόξασεν2 of 28

she hath glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ἑαυτὴν,3 of 28

herself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

καὶ4 of 28

and

G2532

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

ἐστρηνίασεν5 of 28

lived deliciously

G4763

to be luxurious

τοσοῦτον6 of 28

so much

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

δότε7 of 28

give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῆς8 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

βασανισμὸν9 of 28

torment

G929

torture

καὶ10 of 28

and

G2532

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

πένθος11 of 28

sorrow

G3997

grief

ὅτι12 of 28

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν13 of 28

in

G1722

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

τῇ14 of 28
G3588

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

καρδίᾳ15 of 28

heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

αὐτῆς16 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

λέγει17 of 28

she saith

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

Κάθημαι18 of 28

I sit

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

βασίλισσα19 of 28

a queen

G938

a queen

καὶ20 of 28

and

G2532

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

χήρα21 of 28

widow

G5503

a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively

οὐ22 of 28

no

G3756

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

εἰμί23 of 28

am

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

καὶ24 of 28

and

G2532

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

πένθος25 of 28

sorrow

G3997

grief

οὐ26 of 28

no

G3756

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

μὴ27 of 28
G3361

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

ἴδω28 of 28

shall see

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl


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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study