New Testament
Revelation 18:20
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 18:20, the call to rejoice comes after the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and corruption.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 18:20, the call to rejoice comes after the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and corruption. Heaven, along with the holy apostles and prophets, is invited to celebrate because God has brought justice against those who have persecuted His people. This verse emphasizes the theme of divine retribution, where God avenges the wrongs done to His faithful servants. The joy expressed here is not just for the destruction of Babylon but also for the vindication of God's people, who have suffered under her influence. It highlights the belief that God will ultimately right the wrongs and that His justice will prevail. The rejoicing signifies hope and assurance for believers that their struggles are not in vain and that God is actively working to restore righteousness. This moment serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of good over evil, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst trials.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:20 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in God's justice, especially when facing persecution or injustice. It reminds us to maintain hope and faith, knowing that God will ultimately avenge wrongs and restore righteousness. Rejoicing in God's justice can strengthen our resolve in difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:20 mean?
Revelation 18:20 calls for rejoicing in heaven after the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the defeat of evil. It highlights God's justice in avenging the wrongs done to His people, encouraging believers to celebrate the ultimate victory of good over evil.
What is the significance of Babylon's fall in Revelation 18:20?
The fall of Babylon in Revelation 18:20 represents the end of corruption and evil. It signifies God's judgment and the vindication of His faithful servants, reminding believers that justice will prevail.
Who are the holy apostles and prophets mentioned in Revelation 18:20?
The holy apostles and prophets in Revelation 18:20 refer to those who have faithfully served God and proclaimed His message. Their inclusion in the call to rejoice emphasizes their vindication and the triumph of God's justice.
How does Revelation 18:20 relate to believers today?
Revelation 18:20 encourages believers to trust in God's justice amid persecution. It serves as a reminder that their struggles are not in vain and that God will ultimately restore righteousness.

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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