New Testament

Revelation 18:5

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

At a Glance

This verse from Revelation 18:5 highlights the severity of the sins committed by a symbolic entity often interpreted as Babylon, representing a corrupt system or society.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

For her sins have reached up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

KJVKing James Version

For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse from Revelation 18:5 highlights the severity of the sins committed by a symbolic entity often interpreted as Babylon, representing a corrupt system or society. The phrase 'reached up to heaven' signifies that these sins are not only numerous but also egregious enough to warrant divine attention. The mention of God remembering her iniquities indicates that there is a time of reckoning for these wrongdoings. In biblical terms, remembering often implies taking action, suggesting that judgment is imminent. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of persistent sin and moral decay, emphasizing that no wrongdoing goes unnoticed by God. It reflects the broader theme of divine justice, where the accumulated sins of a people or nation lead to inevitable judgment. The imagery of sins reaching heaven underscores the idea that God is aware of all actions, and there will be accountability for those who engage in such behaviors.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 18:5 to your life

This verse encourages individuals to reflect on their own lives and the impact of their actions. It serves as a reminder that persistent wrongdoing can lead to serious consequences. Striving for integrity and righteousness is essential, as God is aware of all our actions and will hold us accountable.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 18:5 mean?

Revelation 18:5 means that the sins of a corrupt entity, often seen as Babylon, have become so severe that they have drawn God's attention. It indicates that these wrongdoings are significant enough to lead to divine judgment.

What is the significance of 'reached up to heaven' in Revelation 18:5?

The phrase 'reached up to heaven' signifies that the sins are not only numerous but also serious, warranting God's notice. It emphasizes the idea that persistent wrongdoing accumulates to a point where divine action is inevitable.

How can I apply Revelation 18:5 to my life?

You can apply Revelation 18:5 by reflecting on your actions and striving for integrity. It serves as a reminder that all actions have consequences and that accountability is essential in your moral choices.

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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