New Testament
Revelation 18:2
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, a powerful proclamation is made about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing a great city or system that has turned away from God.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
He shouted with a powerful voice: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a home for demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and detestable bird!"
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a powerful proclamation is made about the fall of Babylon, symbolizing a great city or system that has turned away from God. The repetition of 'fallen' emphasizes the certainty and finality of its downfall. Babylon is depicted as a place overrun by evil, filled with demons and unclean spirits, indicating moral and spiritual corruption. This imagery serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from divine principles. The mention of 'unclean and detestable birds' suggests that what was once a thriving place has now become a refuge for all that is vile and corrupt. This verse highlights the stark contrast between the glory of God and the desolation of a society that rejects Him, urging readers to reflect on the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and avoiding the pitfalls of moral decay. Explore related judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own lives and communities for signs of moral and spiritual corruption. It serves as a reminder to stay vigilant against influences that lead us away from God. By fostering a strong spiritual foundation, we can resist the temptations that lead to decay and destruction.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:2 mean?
Revelation 18:2 announces the fall of Babylon, symbolizing a corrupt system or city that has turned away from God. The verse emphasizes the certainty of its downfall and depicts it as a place filled with evil spirits and moral decay.
What is the significance of Babylon in Revelation 18:2?
In Revelation 18:2, Babylon represents a powerful entity or society that has rejected divine principles, leading to its ultimate destruction. It serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
What does 'fallen' mean in Revelation 18:2?
The term 'fallen' in Revelation 18:2 signifies the complete and irreversible downfall of Babylon, highlighting the finality of its judgment and the moral corruption that has taken over.
What does 'unclean and detestable birds' refer to in Revelation 18:2?
The phrase 'unclean and detestable birds' in Revelation 18:2 symbolizes the vile and corrupt elements that now inhabit Babylon, illustrating the extent of its moral decay and spiritual corruption.

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.
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