King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:8 Mean?

Revelation 18:8 in the King James Version says “Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire:...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Revelation 18:8 · KJV

Context

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,

10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... 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 18:8 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 · 26 words
διὰ1 of 26
G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 26

“Therefore”

G5124

that thing

ἐν3 of 26

“in”

G1722

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

μιᾷ4 of 26
G1520

one

ἡμέρᾳ5 of 26

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἥξουσιν6 of 26

“come”

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

ὁ7 of 26

“who”

G3588

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

πληγαὶ8 of 26

“plagues”

G4127

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

αὐτήν9 of 26

“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

θάνατος10 of 26

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

πένθος12 of 26

“mourning”

G3997

grief

καὶ13 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

λιμός14 of 26

“famine”

G3042

a scarcity of food

καὶ15 of 26

“and”

G2532

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

ἐν16 of 26

“in”

G1722

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

πυρὶ17 of 26

“fire”

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

κατακαυθήσεται18 of 26

“she shall be utterly burned”

G2618

to burn down (to the ground), i.e., consume wholly

ὅτι19 of 26

“for”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἰσχυρὸς20 of 26

“strong”

G2478

forcible (literally or figuratively)

κύριος21 of 26

“is the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὁ22 of 26

“who”

G3588

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

θεὸς23 of 26

“God”

G2316

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

ὁ24 of 26

“who”

G3588

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

κρίνων25 of 26

“judgeth”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

αὐτήν26 of 26

“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 18:8 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 18:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 50:31Jeremiah 50:34Revelation 18:9-10Revelation 17:16Isaiah 47:9-11Jeremiah 51:58

Test Your Knowledge

Revelation 18 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRevelation Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Revelation 18 with CommentaryAll Revelation ChaptersComplete Revelation QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes