Revelation 16:19

KJV

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the great {G3173} city {G4172} was divided {G1096} into {G1519} three {G5140} parts {G3313}, and {G2532} the cities {G4172} of the nations {G1484} fell {G4098}: and {G2532} great {G3173} Babylon {G897} came in remembrance {G3415} before {G1799} God {G2316}, to give {G1325} unto her {G846} the cup {G4221} of the wine {G3631} of the fierceness {G2372} of his {G846} wrath {G3709}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The great city was split into three parts, the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Bavel the Great and made her drink the wine from the cup of his raging fury.

Berean Standard Bible

The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.

American Standard Version

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 16:19 vividly portrays the catastrophic climax of God's judgment upon the rebellious world, focusing on the symbolic "great city" identified as Babylon. Following an unprecedented earthquake, this verse describes the fragmentation of the world's dominant anti-God system and the collapse of all nations' cities, culminating in God's definitive remembrance of Babylon's accumulated sins and the pouring out of the full measure of His fierce wrath upon her. It marks the decisive end of human rebellion and the triumph of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pouring out of the seventh and final bowl judgment, which is announced by a voice from the temple proclaiming, "It is done!" ([Revelation 16:17](/revelation/16-17 "Revelation 16:17 - The Seventh Bowl Judgment")). This judgment unleashes an unparalleled, global earthquake, described as "such a mighty earthquake, and so great, as was not since men were upon the earth" ([Revelation 16:18](/revelation/16-18 "Revelation 16:18 - The Great Earthquake")). Revelation 16:19 details the immediate, devastating consequences of this seismic event, particularly on the urban centers of the world and, most prominently, on "great Babylon." It serves as the narrative culmination of the bowl judgments, setting the stage for the detailed exposition of Babylon's identity and destruction in subsequent chapters ([Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Harlot and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "great city" and "Babylon" carries significant historical and cultural weight. Historically, Babylon was the powerful capital of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, known for its immense wealth, idolatry, and its role in the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of Judah. In the context of Revelation, "Babylon" is widely understood as a symbolic representation. While some interpret it as a literal city, many scholars view it as a cipher for Rome, the dominant imperial power of John's day, or more broadly, as the embodiment of all human systems that oppose God, characterized by arrogance, economic exploitation, spiritual harlotry, and persecution of the saints. The "cities of the nations" falling signifies the collapse of all human-constructed power structures and economies that have defied divine authority, reflecting a universal judgment on human civilization in rebellion against God.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 16:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation. First, it underscores the theme of **Universal Judgment and Destruction**, illustrating that God's wrath is comprehensive, affecting not just a single entity but all nations and their established systems. The division of the "great city" and the fall of "cities of the nations" signify a complete and utter collapse of human power. Second, the verse highlights the **Remembrance and Fall of Babylon**. This symbolic entity, representing the culmination of human rebellion and opposition to God, reaches its appointed time for divine reckoning. Her sins, accumulated over history, are brought "in remembrance before God," echoing Old Testament prophecies of judgment against wicked empires and affirming God's perfect justice. Finally, the imagery of "the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath" reinforces the theme of **Divine Retribution**, a potent biblical metaphor for the full, undiluted measure of God's righteous anger poured out on those who have defied Him, ensuring that justice is fully served, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury") and [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15-16 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of Wrath for the Nations").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divided (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to cause to be" or "to become," indicates a radical transformation or occurrence. Here, in the passive voice, it signifies that the "great city" did not merely break apart but was actively caused to be divided into three parts by an external force—God's judgment—demonstrating the divine agency behind its destruction.
* **remembrance (Greek, _mnáomai'_):** This term means "to bear in mind" or "to recollect," but it carries the implication of remembering with a view to action, specifically reward or punishment. When "great Babylon came in remembrance before God," it is not merely that God recalled her existence, but that her accumulated deeds, particularly her sins and persecution of His people, had reached their full measure, prompting Him to execute the long-awaited judgment.
* **fierceness (Greek, _thymós'_):** This word describes a passionate outburst, a strong emotion, often associated with indignation or hot anger. When combined with "wrath" (orgē), it emphasizes the intense, unbridled, and righteous indignation of God against sin and rebellion, indicating that the judgment administered is not merely corrective but a full expression of His holy fury.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the great city was divided into three parts":** This phrase describes the immediate and devastating impact of the great earthquake on "the great city," which is universally understood to be symbolic Babylon. The division "into three parts" signifies a complete and utter fragmentation, perhaps indicating total destruction, a comprehensive breakdown of its political, economic, and spiritual power, or even a symbolic representation of a tri-partite structure (e.g., political, commercial, religious) that collapses entirely. It implies a precise, divinely orchestrated dismantling rather than random chaos.
* **"and the cities of the nations fell":** This clause broadens the scope of the judgment beyond just "the great city." It signifies that the divine wrath is not confined to one symbolic entity but extends to all human cities and nations that have aligned themselves with the anti-God system represented by Babylon. The "falling" indicates their collapse, ruin, and utter destruction, demonstrating the universal and comprehensive nature of God's final judgment on all rebellious human structures.
* **"and great Babylon came in remembrance before God":** This is a pivotal statement, revealing the reason for the judgment. "Babylon" here is personified as an entity whose actions have been meticulously recorded by God. Her "coming in remembrance" signifies that the full measure of her iniquity—her idolatry, immorality, persecution of saints, and opposition to God—has been completed, and the time for divine reckoning has finally arrived. It underscores God's perfect justice and His unfailing memory of all deeds, both good and evil.
* **"to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath":** This powerful metaphor, drawn from Old Testament prophetic imagery (e.g., [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of God's Fury")), illustrates the nature and intensity of the judgment. The "cup" represents the full portion of suffering and punishment appointed by God. The "wine" signifies the intoxicating and overwhelming nature of this judgment. The "fierceness of his wrath" emphasizes the undiluted, intense, and righteous anger of God being poured out without mercy, ensuring that Babylon receives the full, just recompense for her rebellion and wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 16:19 is rich with **Symbolism**. "The great city" and "Babylon" are not merely geographical locations but powerful symbols representing the totality of human rebellion against God, encompassing political, economic, and spiritual systems that have opposed His kingdom. The "three parts" into which the city is divided is also symbolic, likely signifying complete and utter destruction or a comprehensive breakdown of its various facets. The "cities of the nations" symbolize all human power structures and civilizations that have rejected divine authority. The most prominent **Metaphor** is "the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath," which vividly portrays divine judgment as a bitter draught that must be fully consumed, signifying the full measure of God's righteous indignation. The phrase "came in remembrance before God" employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like memory and judicial action to God, emphasizing His active engagement in bringing justice. The scale of destruction, with the "great city" divided and "cities of the nations" falling, also employs **Hyperbole** to convey the unparalleled and comprehensive nature of this final, cataclysmic judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 16:19 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. It demonstrates that no human system, no matter how powerful or entrenched, can ultimately defy the divine will. The "remembrance" of Babylon's sins before God underscores the principle that God is a righteous judge who sees and records every act of injustice, oppression, and rebellion, and that there will be a day of reckoning for all who have rejected His authority and persecuted His people. This verse serves as a profound theological statement that evil will not triumph indefinitely; rather, it will meet its just and decisive end at the hand of a holy and righteous God. It affirms the certainty of divine retribution and the ultimate vindication of God's people.

* [Psalm 9:7-8](/psalms/9-7-8 "Psalm 9:7-8 - God Judges the World")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - God's Vengeance")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:6-8](/2_thessalonians/1-6-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 - God's Righteous Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 16:19 offers both a stark warning and a profound comfort. For those who align themselves with systems of rebellion, injustice, and self-sufficiency apart from God, it serves as a solemn reminder that all such human constructs, no matter how grand or seemingly invincible, are ultimately fragile and destined for collapse under the weight of divine judgment. This should prompt a serious examination of where our loyalties lie and what foundations we are building our lives upon. For believers, this verse provides immense comfort and assurance. It reaffirms God's perfect justice and His unwavering commitment to right all wrongs. In a world often marked by apparent injustice and the triumph of evil, Revelation 16:19 declares that God is not passive; He remembers, He sees, and He will act decisively to bring about His righteous kingdom. This truth should inspire patience, perseverance in faith, and renewed confidence in the ultimate victory of Christ. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in God's kingdom rather than in the transient systems of this world, and to share the urgent message of repentance and salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great cities" or systems in our world today might embody the characteristics of symbolic Babylon (e.g., economic exploitation, spiritual idolatry, opposition to God's truth)?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as described in this verse, impact your understanding of divine justice and your response to injustice in the world?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to place your trust or security in human systems rather than solely in God's eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What is the "great city" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the "great city" is not explicitly named in this specific verse, the broader context of Revelation, particularly [Revelation 17:18](/revelation/17-18 "Revelation 17:18 - Babylon the Great City") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), clearly identifies it with "Babylon." This "Babylon" is widely understood not as a literal historical city but as a powerful symbol. It represents the totality of human rebellion against God, encompassing all anti-God political, economic, and religious systems throughout history, often seen as a symbolic representation of imperial Rome in John's day, but also applicable to any global system that opposes God and persecutes His people.

**Why is God described as "remembering" Babylon? Does God forget?**

Answer: The phrase "came in remembrance before God" does not imply that God literally forgot Babylon and then suddenly recalled her. Instead, it is an anthropomorphic expression, attributing human characteristics to God to convey a profound theological truth. In biblical terms, for God to "remember" often means that He is now acting decisively based on what He has observed and recorded. In Babylon's case, it signifies that her accumulated sins, injustices, and acts of rebellion have reached their full measure, and the appointed time for divine judgment and retribution has arrived. It emphasizes God's perfect knowledge, His unwavering justice, and His active intervention in history to bring about His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 16:19, with its depiction of the ultimate judgment upon rebellious human systems, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one through whom all things were created, and by whom all things will be judged ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"); [John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Entrusted All Judgment to the Son")). The "fierceness of his wrath" poured out upon Babylon is not arbitrary but is the righteous indignation of God against sin, which Jesus Himself bore on the cross for those who believe ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Him")). His sacrifice on Calvary absorbed the full "cup of wrath" that humanity deserved, offering a path to salvation from this very judgment for all who trust in Him ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Ultimately, this judgment on Babylon foreshadows Christ's final victory as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will utterly defeat all opposing powers and establish His eternal kingdom, where righteousness dwells and there is no more rebellion ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"); [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, the destruction of Babylon highlights the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate reign.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 18:5

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

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 17:18

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Revelation 18:21

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.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Revelation 17:5

And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

Revelation 18:2

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.