Revelation 18:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Standing {G2476} afar {G3113} off {G575} for {G1223} the fear {G5401} of her {G846} torment {G929}, saying {G3004}, Alas {G3759}, alas {G3759}, that great {G3173} city {G4172} Babylon {G897}, that mighty {G2478} city {G4172}! for {G3754} in {G1722} one {G3391} hour {G5610} is {G2064} thy {G4675} judgment {G2920} come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Standing at a distance, for fear of her torment, they will say,

“Oh no! The great city!
Bavel, the mighty city!
In a single hour
your judgment has come!”

Berean Standard Bible

In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

American Standard Version

standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:10 vividly portrays the immediate aftermath of the symbolic "Babylon the Great's" catastrophic fall, capturing the horrified reaction of those who had benefited from its power and prosperity. This verse depicts onlookers standing at a safe distance, paralyzed by fear of its torment, and uttering a profound lament over the sudden, decisive judgment that has befallen the once-invincible "great city" and "mighty city," emphasizing the swiftness and completeness of its destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:10 is situated within a pivotal section of John's apocalyptic vision, specifically [Revelation chapters 17 and 18](/revelation/17-18 "Revelation 17-18 - The Judgment of Babylon"), which detail the judgment and ultimate destruction of "Babylon the Great." Chapter 17 introduces this enigmatic figure as a harlot riding a beast, symbolizing a corrupt system that opposes God. Chapter 18 then elaborates on her economic and political downfall. Verses 1-8 announce the divine decree of her complete and irreversible ruin, while verses 9-19 describe the widespread lamentations of the kings, merchants, and shipmasters who had grown wealthy and powerful through their association with this global entity. Verse 10 serves as the initial, concise expression of this lament, setting the stage for the more detailed cries of sorrow that follow, highlighting the immediate shock and fear among those who witnessed or learned of the sudden collapse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Babylon" in Revelation is widely understood not as the literal ancient city, but as a profound **symbol** representing a global system of spiritual corruption, economic oppression, and moral decadence that stands in opposition to God and persecutes His people. While the imagery draws heavily from the historical Babylon, a notorious oppressor of Israel, many scholars also see it as an allegorical representation of Rome, the dominant imperial power in John's era, known for its immense wealth, idolatry, and persecution of Christians. The "fear of her torment" reflects the awe and terror inspired by divine judgment, a common motif in apocalyptic literature and ancient Near Eastern prophecies, where the fall of a great empire was met with both lament from its allies and rejoicing from its victims. The lamentations of kings, merchants, and shipmasters underscore the deep economic interconnectedness of the ancient world and the profound disruption caused by the collapse of such a powerful commercial and political center.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, showcasing God's righteous, decisive, and ultimately triumphant action against all forms of wickedness, rebellion, and oppression. The phrase "in one hour is thy judgment come" dramatically emphasizes the **Suddenness of Judgment**, conveying that what seemed invincible can be utterly destroyed in an instant, often unexpectedly. The posture of "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment" highlights the theme of **Separation and Fear**, illustrating the danger of entanglement with worldly systems and the wisdom of maintaining spiritual distance to avoid sharing in their inevitable doom. Furthermore, the lament itself, expressed as "Alas, alas," reveals a profound **Lamentation Over Loss**, but crucially, it is a sorrow rooted in the loss of economic and political power, not in repentance for their participation in Babylon's sins, thereby exposing the misplaced values inherent in **Materialism versus Spirituality**. Ultimately, this verse underscores the **Sovereignty of God**, affirming that despite the apparent power and influence of worldly systems, God remains in ultimate control and will bring about His perfect justice. This judgment stands in stark contrast to the eternal stability and glory of the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), which is the ultimate destination for God's faithful people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Standing (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** This word (G2476) means to stand, either transitively or intransitively, and is used in various applications, literally or figuratively. Here, it signifies a deliberate posture of observation and distance. The onlookers are not caught in the destruction but are positioned away from it, indicating a self-preserving fear that prevents them from drawing near, even in their lament.
* **Alas (Greek, _ouaí'_):** This exclamation (G3759) is a primary expression of deep grief, woe, or lamentation. Its repetition ("Alas, alas") in the text serves to intensify the profound sorrow, shock, and distress felt by those witnessing Babylon's downfall. It is a cry of despair over an irreversible loss, rather than a cry of repentance.
* **hour (Greek, _hṓra'_):** This term (G5610) refers to an "hour" literally or figuratively. In this context, "in one hour" signifies not a literal sixty-minute period, but an incredibly short, decisive, and sudden span of time. It emphasizes the swiftness, unexpectedness, and completeness of the divine judgment, highlighting how quickly an apparently unassailable power can be utterly destroyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Standing afar off for the fear of her torment":** This clause describes the posture and motivation of those who observe Babylon's destruction. They are not participants in its judgment, nor are they victims, but rather distant spectators. Their distance is driven by "fear of her torment," indicating a self-preserving terror that they might suffer a similar fate if they were too close or too deeply implicated. This highlights a fear of consequence rather than genuine sorrow or repentance.
* **"saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city!":** This captures the immediate, sorrowful outcry of the observers. The doubled "Alas" (Greek: _ouai_) is an intense expression of grief and lamentation, signifying profound distress over the loss. The descriptors "great city" and "mighty city" underscore the immense power, influence, and grandeur that Babylon once possessed, making its sudden collapse all the more shocking and lamentable from the perspective of those who benefited from it.
* **"for in one hour is thy judgment come":** This final clause provides the reason for their lament and fear. The phrase "in one hour" powerfully conveys the extreme suddenness and completeness of the divine judgment. It signifies that what seemed like an impregnable and eternal power was brought to ruin with astonishing swiftness, leaving no time for escape, mitigation, or recovery. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and the decisive nature of His justice.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "Babylon" serving as a powerful **symbol** for a global system of spiritual corruption, economic oppression, and rebellion against God, drawing on Old Testament imagery of the historical Babylon as an archetype of evil empires. The repeated "Alas, alas" (Greek: _ouai, ouai_) is a striking example of **repetition** (specifically, epizeuxis), a rhetorical device that intensifies the expression of grief and lamentation, emphasizing the profound shock and sorrow experienced by those witnessing Babylon's fall. Furthermore, the phrase "in one hour" functions as **hyperbole** or **figurative language**, emphasizing the extreme suddenness and completeness of the destruction rather than a literal sixty-minute period. This exaggerated expression conveys the overwhelming speed and decisiveness of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the transience of all earthly power that opposes God. It underscores the biblical truth that no empire, however "great" or "mighty," can ultimately stand against the sovereign will of God. The judgment against Babylon is not arbitrary but a righteous response to its pervasive sin, idolatry, and oppression of God's people, echoing prophetic warnings throughout scripture. This swift and decisive downfall demonstrates God's ultimate control over human history and His unwavering commitment to justice, offering both a warning to the unrighteous and assurance to the persecuted. It highlights that worldly systems built on materialism, pride, and injustice are inherently unstable and destined for collapse, contrasting sharply with the eternal and unshakeable kingdom of God.

* [Jeremiah 51:8](/jeremiah/51-8 "Jeremiah 51:8 - Babylon's Sudden Fall"): "Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed."
* [Isaiah 13:19-22](/isaiah/13-19-22 "Isaiah 13:19-22 - Prophecy of Babylon's Desolation"): "And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation..."
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Comes Suddenly"): "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:10 offers a sobering yet ultimately hopeful message for believers today. It serves as a powerful warning against aligning oneself, either subtly or overtly, with systems of worldly power, wealth, and corruption that stand in opposition to God's values. The "fear of her torment" felt by the distant observers should prompt us to examine our own lives: are we truly separate from the allure of materialism, unjust gain, or spiritual idolatry that characterizes "Babylon"? This verse reminds us of the temporary and fleeting nature of all earthly kingdoms and the inevitable, decisive judgment awaiting all that defies God's will. For us, it encourages spiritual discernment to identify and detach from influences that foster greed, injustice, or self-sufficiency apart from God. It calls us to invest our lives, resources, and affections in the eternal kingdom of God, which alone is unshakable. Furthermore, it offers profound assurance that despite the apparent power and influence of worldly systems, God remains sovereign, and His justice will ultimately prevail, bringing an end to all evil and establishing His righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be subtly aligning myself with "Babylonian" values of materialism, power, or self-sufficiency, rather than God's kingdom values?**
* **How does the suddenness of Babylon's judgment challenge my perception of worldly stability and security, and where do I truly place my trust?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and detachment from the fleeting systems of this world, prioritizing eternal values?**

### FAQ
**Is the "Babylon" in Revelation 18 a literal city that will be destroyed?**

Answer: No, the "Babylon" in Revelation 18 is widely understood by biblical scholars as a powerful **symbol** rather than a literal city. It represents a global system of spiritual corruption, economic oppression, and moral decadence that stands in opposition to God and persecutes His people. While the imagery draws on historical cities like ancient Babylon (which oppressed Israel) and Rome (which persecuted early Christians), its primary meaning is broader, encompassing any and all human systems characterized by idolatry, luxury, injustice, and rebellion against God. Its destruction symbolizes God's ultimate judgment on all forms of evil in the world.

**What does the phrase "in one hour" signify regarding Babylon's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "in one hour" (found in [Revelation 18:10](/revelation/18-10 "Revelation 18:10 - The Lament Over Babylon's Fall"), [Revelation 18:17](/revelation/18-17 "Revelation 18:17 - The Lament of the Shipmasters"), and [Revelation 18:19](/revelation/18-19 "Revelation 18:19 - The Lament of the Merchants")) is a figurative expression emphasizing the extreme suddenness, swiftness, and completeness of divine judgment. It does not refer to a literal sixty-minute period, but rather signifies that when God's judgment comes upon this corrupt system, it will be decisive, overwhelming, and leave no time for escape or recovery. It underscores the unexpected and absolute nature of God's justice, demonstrating that what seemed invincible can be brought to ruin in an instant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic judgment of "Babylon" in Revelation 18:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Babylon, representing all human systems that rebel against God and oppress His people, stands condemned by the very righteousness embodied in Christ. His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, a kingdom not of this world, which stands in stark contrast to the transient, materialistic kingdom of Babylon. Through His death and resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over the spiritual powers that empower such worldly systems, disarming them on the cross as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities"). The "judgment come" upon Babylon foreshadows the final, comprehensive judgment that Christ, as the righteous King and Judge, will execute at His second coming. He is the one who "judges and makes war in righteousness" ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")), bringing an end to all injustice and rebellion. The lamentations of those who profited from Babylon's corruption stand in stark contrast to the joyous celebration of the heavenly host and the saints who rejoice over God's righteous judgment and the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:1-9](/revelation/19-1-9 "Revelation 19:1-9 - Heavenly Rejoicing and the Marriage Supper")). Ultimately, the destruction of Babylon paves the way for the eternal establishment of the New Jerusalem, where Christ reigns supreme, and God dwells with His people forever, wiping away every tear ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Revelation 18:10 points to Christ as the victorious Lord who will bring all evil to account and establish His everlasting kingdom.

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 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

Revelation 18:8

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

Revelation 18:15

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

Revelation 18:17

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Revelation 14:8

And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Joel 1:15

Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD [is] at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Amos 5:16

¶ Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing [shall be] in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.