New Testament
Revelation 18:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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!"
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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.
What Revelation 18:2 means
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.
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.
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Keep studying Revelation 18:2
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At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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.
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