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
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."
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.
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.
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