King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:9 Mean?

Revelation 18:9 in the King James Version says “And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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,”

Revelation 18:9 · KJV

Context

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.

11

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,... 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 18:9 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 · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

κλαύσονται2 of 24

“shall bewail”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

αὐτῆς3 of 24

“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

καὶ4 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

κόψονται5 of 24

“lament”

G2875

to "chop"; specially, to beat the breast in grief

ἐπ'6 of 24

“for”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῆς7 of 24

“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

τῆς8 of 24

“who”

G3588

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

βασιλεῖς9 of 24

“the kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς10 of 24

“who”

G3588

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

γῆς11 of 24

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

τῆς12 of 24

“who”

G3588

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

μετ'13 of 24

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῆς14 of 24

“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

πορνεύσαντες15 of 24

“have committed fornication”

G4203

to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry

καὶ16 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

στρηνιάσαντες17 of 24

“lived deliciously”

G4763

to be luxurious

ὅταν18 of 24

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

βλέπωσιν19 of 24

“they shall see”

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

τῆς20 of 24

“who”

G3588

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

καπνὸν21 of 24

“the smoke”

G2586

smoke

τῆς22 of 24

“who”

G3588

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

πυρώσεως23 of 24

“burning”

G4451

ignition, i.e., (specially), smelting (figuratively, conflagration, calamity as a test)

αὐτῆς24 of 24

“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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 18:3Revelation 19:3Revelation 18:18Revelation 17:2Ezekiel 26:16-17Revelation 14:11

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