Revelation 18:1

KJV

¶ And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} after {G3326} these things {G5023} I saw {G1492} another {G243} angel {G32} come down {G2597} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, having {G2192} great {G3173} power {G1849}; and {G2532} the earth {G1093} was lightened {G5461} with {G1537} his {G846} glory {G1391}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After these things, I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority, the earth was lit up by his splendor.

Berean Standard Bible

After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory.

American Standard Version

After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:1 introduces a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, immediately following the detailed description of "Babylon the Great" in the preceding chapter. This verse presents the dramatic appearance of a mighty angel descending from heaven, distinguished by immense authority and a radiant glory that illuminates the entire earth. His arrival signals the imminent and undeniable judgment upon the corrupt system symbolized by Babylon, emphasizing the divine origin, power, and righteousness behind the impending pronouncement of its downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:1 serves as a crucial transition point in John's prophetic narrative. It directly follows the detailed exposition of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast"), which unveils her identity as a harlot riding the beast, symbolizing a corrupt religious and political system that has seduced the nations and persecuted the saints. The phrase "after these things" (Greek: _meta tauta_) indicates a chronological and thematic progression from the description of Babylon's character and alliances to the unfolding of her inevitable destruction. This verse sets the stage for the pronouncement of Babylon's fall, which immediately follows in [Revelation 18:2-3](/revelation/18-2-3 "Revelation 18:2-3 - The Fall of Babylon"), underscoring the divine certainty and finality of this judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a powerful angel descending from heaven with illuminating glory draws upon Old Testament prophetic traditions, where divine messengers often appear with overwhelming splendor to deliver God's decrees (e.g., [Daniel 10:5-6](/daniel/10-5-6 "Daniel 10:5-6 - Appearance of a Heavenly Being")). In the Roman world of John's time, imperial power and glory were often displayed through grand processions and magnificent architecture, designed to impress and intimidate. The angel's glory, however, eclipses any earthly display, serving as a divine counter-narrative that asserts God's ultimate sovereignty over all human empires, including the oppressive Roman Empire which many early Christians would have associated with the symbolic "Babylon." The "earth being lightened" would have evoked images of divine revelation and the breaking in of heavenly truth, contrasting with the moral and spiritual darkness of the pagan world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Revelation. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, asserting God's absolute control over history and His unwavering commitment to justice against all forms of evil. The angel's "great power" (Greek: _exousía_) underscores the irresistible force of God's decrees. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Revelation and Illumination** is prominent, as the earth is "lightened with his glory." This not only signifies the angel's divine origin but also suggests that God's truth and righteous judgment are being made undeniably clear to all, leaving no room for ignorance or excuse. This foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's light over darkness, culminating in the New Jerusalem where [the glory of God will be its light](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God Illuminates the New Jerusalem"). Finally, it reinforces the **Certainty of Babylon's Fall**, presenting the angel's arrival as the definitive sign that the time for this long-prophesied event has arrived, fulfilling the warnings found throughout the prophetic literature, such as in [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50-51 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Angel (Greek, _ángelos'_):** From G32, meaning "a messenger; especially an 'angel'; by implication, a pastor." In this context, the term denotes a divine messenger, a celestial being dispatched from God's presence. The emphasis here is on the angel's role as an emissary bearing a message of ultimate divine judgment, distinguishing him as "another" (G243, _állos_) from previous angels in Revelation, suggesting a unique and particularly significant commission.
* **Power (Greek, _exousía'_):** From G1849, meaning "privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence." This word signifies not merely strength, but inherent authority and the right to act. The angel's "great power" (G3173, _mégas_ + G1849, _exousía_) indicates that he is endowed with immense, delegated divine authority, making his pronouncement undeniable and his actions irresistible. This power is derived from God Himself, underscoring the divine origin and inevitability of Babylon's judgment.
* **Glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391, meaning "glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):--dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship." When applied to God or His heavenly agents, _dóxa_ refers to a visible manifestation of divine splendor, majesty, and inherent brightness. The earth being "lightened" (G5461, _phōtízō_) with this glory implies a pervasive, undeniable illumination, making the angel's divine nature and the truth of his message unmistakably clear, leaving no room for doubt or obscurity regarding the impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after these things I saw another angel":** This phrase establishes the continuity of John's visions, indicating a new, distinct phase following the revelations concerning Babylon in the preceding chapter. The term "another angel" (Greek: _allos angelos_) suggests a unique and particularly significant messenger, distinct from those previously seen, who is about to deliver a momentous divine decree. John's act of "seeing" (Greek: _eídō_) emphasizes the visionary nature of the revelation, confirming its divine origin and direct communication to the prophet.
* **"come down from heaven,":** This detail immediately establishes the angel's divine origin and the celestial source of his message. His descent "from heaven" (Greek: _ek ouranou_) signifies that the authority and message he carries are not earthly or human, but directly from God's throne, making the impending judgment an act of divine will and not a mere earthly event. This underscores the unchallengeable nature of what is to follow.
* **"having great power;":** This clause highlights the extraordinary authority and might vested in this particular angel. The "great power" (Greek: _megas exousia_) indicates that he is not merely a messenger but an agent endowed with the capacity and right to execute divine judgment. This power is a direct reflection of God's own omnipotence, ensuring the effectiveness and certainty of the angel's mission. It signals that the forces of evil will be utterly overwhelmed.
* **"and the earth was lightened with his glory.":** This is a profound visual and symbolic statement. The "glory" (Greek: _dóxa_) radiating from the angel is a visible manifestation of divine presence, purity, and truth. The fact that "the earth was lightened" (Greek: _ephōtisthe hē gē_) by this glory implies a pervasive, undeniable illumination that dispels all darkness and deception. It signifies that God's truth, righteousness, and imminent judgment are being made manifest to all inhabitants of the earth, leaving no one in ignorance of the divine verdict against Babylon.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:1 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Imagery**. The "angel" is not merely a physical being but a symbolic representation of divine agency and the direct intervention of God's will in human affairs. His descent "from heaven" symbolizes the divine origin and unchallengeable authority of the message he carries, contrasting with the earthly and corrupt nature of Babylon. The phrase "great power" is a symbol of God's omnipotence, delegated to His messenger, indicating the irresistible force of the impending judgment. Most powerfully, the "earth was lightened with his glory" employs vivid **Imagery** of light. This light symbolizes divine truth, purity, and the undeniable manifestation of God's presence and righteous judgment. It stands in stark contrast to the spiritual darkness and deception associated with Babylon, signifying that God's verdict will be revealed in full clarity, leaving no room for doubt or obscurity. This **Contrast** between divine light and earthly darkness is a recurring motif throughout Revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:1 underscores the profound theological truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. The appearance of this mighty angel, imbued with divine power and glory, serves as a powerful declaration that no earthly power, however entrenched or seemingly invincible, can stand against the righteous judgment of God. This verse reminds believers that despite the apparent triumph of evil in the world, God remains in control, and His divine will for justice will inevitably be executed. It offers immense comfort and assurance to those who have suffered under oppressive systems, knowing that their vindication will come from a just and powerful God.

* [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth")
* [Isaiah 60:1-3](/isaiah/60-1-3 "Isaiah 60:1-3 - The Future Glory of Zion")
* [Matthew 24:27](/matthew/24-27 "Matthew 24:27 - The Coming of the Son of Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:1 invites believers to contemplate the profound reality of God's divine justice and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil. In a world often characterized by injustice, corruption, and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees, God knows, and God will act. The angel's descent with "great power" and illuminating "glory" assures us that God's judgment is not arbitrary or hidden, but a clear, powerful, and righteous intervention that will expose and dismantle all that opposes Him. For us today, this means we can live with confident hope, trusting that our God is sovereign over all circumstances, and that His light will ultimately dispel every shadow. It calls us to align ourselves with His truth and justice, living as beacons of His light in a world that desperately needs it, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of an angel descending with "great power" and "glory" impact your understanding of God's sovereignty and His approach to justice?**
* **In what ways does the "lightening" of the earth by the angel's glory offer hope or challenge to your personal walk of faith?**
* **How might the certainty of God's judgment on "Babylon" encourage you to live a life distinct from the values and systems of the world?**
* **What specific areas in your life or in society do you long to see God's light and justice prevail?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "another angel" in Revelation 18:1?**

Answer: The phrase "another angel" (Greek: _allos angelos_) is significant because it distinguishes this particular messenger from the numerous other angels mentioned throughout Revelation. While many angels deliver messages or execute judgments, this angel is presented as unique in his authority and the visible manifestation of his glory. He is not just _an_ angel, but _another_ angel of particular importance, specifically commissioned to announce the final, decisive judgment upon Babylon, a task of immense theological and eschatological weight. His distinct appearance underscores the gravity and finality of the message he is about to deliver, marking a new, climactic phase in God's unfolding plan.

**How does the "lightening of the earth with his glory" relate to other biblical passages about God's glory?**

Answer: The "lightening of the earth with his glory" in [Revelation 18:1](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18:1 - The Earth Lightened with Glory") is a powerful visual that connects to numerous biblical themes of divine manifestation. In the Old Testament, God's glory often appeared as a radiant light (e.g., the Shekinah glory in the tabernacle and temple, as seen in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle") and [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). Prophets like Isaiah foresaw a time when the earth would be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord (e.g., [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - The Whole Earth is Full of His Glory") and [Habakkuk 2:14](/habakkuk/2-14 "Habakkuk 2:14 - The Earth Filled with the Knowledge of the Glory of the Lord")). In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the "radiance of God's glory" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory")), and the New Jerusalem will have no need for sun or moon because "the glory of God gives it light" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God Illuminates the New Jerusalem")). Thus, the angel's glory in Revelation 18:1 is a temporary, yet powerful, manifestation of this divine light breaking into the earthly realm to reveal God's truth and execute His judgment, foreshadowing the ultimate and eternal reign of God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 18:1 focuses on an angel's role in announcing judgment, its deeper Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate authority and glory of Jesus Christ, who is the true agent of God's final judgment and the source of all divine illumination. The "great power" (Greek: _exousía_) wielded by this angel is a delegated authority that ultimately belongs to Christ, who declared that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Just as the earth is "lightened with his glory," so too is Christ the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), whose glory illuminates the truth and exposes darkness. The judgment against Babylon, announced by this angel, is a prefigurement of Christ's final triumph over all evil and His establishment of a kingdom of righteousness. He is the one who will return "with power and great glory" ([Matthew 24:30](/matthew/24-30 "Matthew 24:30 - The Son of Man Coming in Glory")) to execute judgment and bring about the new heavens and new earth, where His glory will be the perpetual light, fulfilling the promise that "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The Glory of God Illuminates the New Jerusalem")). Thus, this angel's powerful appearance serves as a vivid preview of the ultimate, glorious, and decisive intervention of Christ Himself.

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

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Luke 17:24

For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one [part] under heaven, shineth unto the other [part] under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

Revelation 10:1

¶ And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow [was] upon his head, and his face [was] as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Isaiah 60:1

¶ Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.

Isaiah 60:3

And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

2 Thessalonians 2:8

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

Revelation 17:1

¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: