New Testament
Revelation 18:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 18:6, the call for retribution against Babylon symbolizes divine justice.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
"Pay her back the way she paid others. Give her double for everything she has done. Fill her cup twice as full as she filled it for others."
Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 18:6, the call for retribution against Babylon symbolizes divine justice. The verse emphasizes that the punishment should match the sins committed, suggesting a principle of proportionality in judgment. Babylon, representing corrupt systems and practices, is to receive double the consequences for her actions, reflecting the severity of her wrongdoings. This imagery of filling a cup twice as full indicates that the measure of her sins is so great that her punishment must be equally significant. The verse serves as a reminder that actions have consequences, and those who exploit and harm others will ultimately face divine retribution. It highlights the theme of justice in God's economy, where the scales are balanced, and the wicked will not go unpunished. This serves as both a warning and a comfort to believers, affirming that God sees injustice and will act against it in His timing.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others. It reminds us that we will be held accountable for how we treat others. In our daily lives, we should strive to act with integrity and kindness, knowing that our choices matter and will have lasting effects.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:6 mean?
Revelation 18:6 calls for retribution against Babylon, symbolizing divine justice. It emphasizes that the punishment should match the sins committed, indicating that those who have harmed others will face significant consequences.
What is the meaning of 'double' in Revelation 18:6?
The term 'double' in Revelation 18:6 signifies that Babylon's punishment will be proportional to her wrongdoings, reflecting the severity of her actions. It illustrates the principle that the consequences of sin are serious and must be adequately addressed.
How does Revelation 18:6 relate to accountability?
Revelation 18:6 underscores the idea of accountability by reminding us that we will face consequences for our actions. It encourages individuals to act with integrity and kindness, knowing that their choices impact others.
What themes are present in Revelation 18:6?
Key themes in Revelation 18:6 include divine justice, retribution, and the proportionality of judgment. The verse highlights the consequences of corruption and the assurance that God will address injustice.

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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