New Testament

Revelation 18:21

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 18:21, a powerful angel symbolizes the destruction of Babylon, representing a corrupt and sinful system.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying, "Just like this, the great city of Babylon will be violently thrown down and never be seen again."

KJVKing James Version

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 18:21, a powerful angel symbolizes the destruction of Babylon, representing a corrupt and sinful system. The act of throwing a large stone into the sea illustrates the totality and permanence of this destruction. Just as the stone sinks and disappears, so too will Babylon be eradicated from existence. This imagery emphasizes that the judgment against Babylon is not only severe but also irreversible. The passage serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and indulging in worldly temptations. The angel's proclamation signifies that God's justice will prevail, and those who oppose Him will face dire consequences. This verse encapsulates the theme of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, reminding believers of the importance of remaining faithful and vigilant against moral decay.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 18:21 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the systems we support. It serves as a reminder to avoid the temptations of worldly values that lead to spiritual decay. By staying true to our faith and values, we can resist the pull of modern-day 'Babylons' in our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does the great city of Babylon represent in Revelation 18:21?

In Revelation 18:21, Babylon symbolizes a corrupt and sinful system, often interpreted as representing worldly values, materialism, and opposition to God. The destruction of Babylon signifies God's judgment against these corrupt systems and serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from divine principles.

Why is the imagery of a millstone significant in this verse?

The imagery of a millstone in Revelation 18:21 is significant because it illustrates the totality and permanence of Babylon's destruction. Just as a heavy stone sinks into the sea and disappears, the verse emphasizes that Babylon will be eradicated completely and will never be seen again, highlighting the severity of God's judgment.

What can we learn from the destruction of Babylon in this verse?

The destruction of Babylon in Revelation 18:21 teaches us about the consequences of indulging in worldly temptations and turning away from God. It serves as a reminder to remain faithful to our values and resist the influences of modern-day 'Babylons' that can lead to spiritual decay and moral compromise.

How does Revelation 18:21 relate to the theme of divine judgment?

Revelation 18:21 relates to the theme of divine judgment by illustrating that God will ultimately bring justice against evil and corruption. The violent destruction of Babylon signifies that those who oppose God will face dire consequences, reinforcing the idea that divine retribution is both severe and irreversible.

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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