New Testament

Revelation 18:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 18:10, the scene depicts the fall of Babylon, a symbol of great power and corruption.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

They will stand far away, terrified by her torment, and cry out, "How terrible! How terrible for you, great city of Babylon, you mighty city! In a single hour your judgment has come!"

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 18:10, the scene depicts the fall of Babylon, a symbol of great power and corruption. Those who witness its destruction are filled with fear and sorrow, standing at a distance as they lament the city's fate. The phrase 'in a single hour' emphasizes the suddenness and totality of God's judgment against this once-mighty city. Babylon represents not just a physical place but also the systems of greed, immorality, and idolatry that oppose God. The reaction of the onlookers highlights the stark reality of divine justice, where even the most powerful can be brought low in an instant. This verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly power and the ultimate authority of God over all nations and cities. It calls believers to reflect on the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful amidst a corrupt world.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 18:10 to your life

This verse encourages us to evaluate our own lives and the systems we support. It reminds us that worldly power is fleeting and that we should prioritize our relationship with God over material success. Staying faithful in a corrupt world is essential.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 18:10 mean?

Revelation 18:10 describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the sudden judgment of God against a powerful and corrupt city. The onlookers express their fear and sorrow from a distance, highlighting the swift nature of divine justice.

What is the significance of 'in a single hour' in Revelation 18:10?

The phrase 'in a single hour' emphasizes the rapidity and totality of God's judgment on Babylon, illustrating how quickly worldly power can be dismantled.

What themes are present in Revelation 18:10?

Key themes in Revelation 18:10 include judgment, destruction, fear, corruption, divine justice, and the transient nature of power.

How does Revelation 18:10 apply to our lives today?

This verse encourages reflection on our values and the systems we support, reminding us that worldly power is temporary and urging us to prioritize our relationship with God.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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