Revelation 18:18

KJV

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} cried {G2896} when they saw {G3708} the smoke {G2586} of her {G846} burning {G4451}, saying {G3004}, What {G5101} city is like {G3664} unto this great {G3173} city {G4172}!

Complete Jewish Bible

and cried out when they saw the smoke as she burned, “What city was like the great city?”

Berean Standard Bible

and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim.

American Standard Version

and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:18 powerfully depicts the visceral reaction of those who had profited from "Babylon the Great" as they witness her catastrophic and fiery destruction. Overwhelmed by the sight of the smoke rising from her burning, they cry out in despair and disbelief, lamenting the unparalleled downfall of what was once the epitome of worldly power and commercial splendor, highlighting the sudden and irreversible nature of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:18 is situated within a sweeping prophetic vision detailing the complete destruction of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing a global system of economic, political, and spiritual corruption opposed to God. This chapter follows the declaration of Babylon's fall in [Revelation 14:8](/revelation/14-8 "Revelation 14:8 - The Fall of Babylon") and [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Babylon's Desolation"), expanding upon the reasons for her judgment and the reactions to it. The preceding verses (18:9-17) describe the lamentations of the "kings of the earth," "merchants," and "shipmasters" who mourn not out of repentance, but out of profound economic loss. Verse 18:18 specifically captures the immediate, shocked outcry of these observers as they see the physical manifestation of Babylon's demise. The "smoke of her burning" serves as the concrete evidence of the judgment, leading to their desperate question, which underscores the unprecedented nature of this destruction. The narrative then continues with further lamentations and a call for rejoicing from heaven.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While "Babylon" in Revelation is primarily symbolic, it draws heavily on the historical imagery of ancient Babylon, the opulent empire that oppressed Israel and was famously destroyed (e.g., [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Judgment on Babylon")). In John's time, Rome was the dominant imperial power, known for its wealth, military might, and pervasive idolatry, often seen as a contemporary "Babylon" by early Christians facing persecution. The language of a "great city" and its burning destruction would evoke images of real-world sieges and urban conflagrations, familiar to ancient readers. The lamentations of kings and merchants reflect the economic interdependencies of the Roman Empire, where trade and luxury goods flowed from all corners of the known world to its center. The shock expressed in the verse highlights the perceived invincibility of such empires and the devastating impact their fall would have on those whose livelihoods were intertwined with them.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's sovereign and decisive wrath against all forms of wickedness, rebellion, and systems that prioritize worldly gain and idolatry over righteousness. The "burning" signifies a final, irreversible judgment, a theme echoed in [Revelation 19:3](/revelation/19-3 "Revelation 19:3 - Smoke of Babylon's Torment"), where the smoke of her torment rises forever. Secondly, it highlights the **Fleeting Nature of Worldly Power and Wealth**. The lament of those who profited from Babylon's opulence reveals the transient nature of material riches and earthly empires. Their sorrow is for lost profits, not for lost souls or the pervasive injustice Babylon perpetuated, serving as a stark warning against placing ultimate trust in earthly prosperity, a concept found throughout wisdom literature like [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - Riches Take Flight"). Lastly, the exclamation "What [city is] like unto this great city!" emphasizes the **Uniqueness of Babylon's Fall**, signifying a judgment so complete and devastating that it stands alone in its magnitude, a testament to the severity of her sins and the absolute power of God's reckoning.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Greek, _krázō'_):** From G2896, a primary verb meaning "to croak (as a raven) or scream," generally "to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)." In this context, it denotes a loud, desperate wail or shriek of anguish and shock, not a cry of joy or a simple utterance. It conveys the raw, intense emotional response of those witnessing the unprecedented destruction.
* **smoke (Greek, _kapnós'_):** From G2586, referring simply to "smoke." Here, it is not just a byproduct but a visible, tangible sign of the complete and consuming fire that has engulfed Babylon. Smoke rising from a destroyed city was a common ancient image for utter desolation and irreversible ruin, signifying that the judgment was thorough and final.
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** From G3173, meaning "big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)." When applied to "city" (G4172, _pólis_), it emphasizes Babylon's immense size, power, influence, and perceived invincibility. The question, "What city is like unto this great city!", underscores the shock that such a mighty and influential entity could fall so completely and suddenly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning,"**: This clause describes the immediate, visceral reaction of the kings, merchants, and shipmasters (referenced in the preceding verses) as they visually confirm the destruction of Babylon. Their "crying" (G2896, _krázō_) signifies a loud, anguished lamentation, born of shock and despair over the loss of their economic partner and source of luxury. The "smoke of her burning" (G2586, _kapnós_ of G4451, _pýrōsis_) is the irrefutable evidence of the fiery, consuming judgment that has been executed upon Babylon, leaving nothing but desolation.
* **"saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!"**: This exclamation reveals the depth of their astonishment and the perceived uniqueness of Babylon's downfall. The question, posed rhetorically, implies that no other city, no matter how grand or powerful, has ever suffered such a comprehensive and devastating destruction. It highlights Babylon's unparalleled former glory and the unprecedented nature of her judgment, underscoring the finality and severity of God's wrath against her.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Imagery** is central, with "the smoke of her burning" creating a vivid, sensory picture of utter destruction and desolation. This image is a common biblical motif for divine judgment (e.g., [Genesis 19:28](/genesis/19-28 "Genesis 19:28 - Smoke of Sodom and Gomorrah")). The **rhetorical question**, "What [city is] like unto this great city!", functions as a form of **hyperbole** and **lament**, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of Babylon's fall. It expresses the profound shock and disbelief of the onlookers, highlighting the magnitude of the catastrophe. The repetition of "great city" throughout Revelation (e.g., [Revelation 17:18](/revelation/17-18 "Revelation 17:18 - The Great City")) and specifically in this verse contributes to **emphasis**, solidifying Babylon's identity as a powerful, yet ultimately vulnerable, entity destined for judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:18 serves as a stark reminder of the certainty and totality of God's judgment against all forms of human rebellion, idolatry, and economic systems built on injustice and exploitation. The lament of the onlookers, though born of self-interest rather than repentance, underscores the ultimate futility of placing trust in worldly power and material wealth. God's justice is not only inevitable but also comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned in its righteous reckoning. This verse affirms that no earthly power, no matter how "great" or seemingly invincible, can withstand the divine wrath when its measure of iniquity is full. It is a powerful declaration that God is sovereign over all nations and economies, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail over all opposing forces.

* [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Edom's Smoke Rises Forever") - The smoke of Edom's burning, a parallel image of perpetual desolation.
* [Jeremiah 51:64](/jeremiah/51-64 "Jeremiah 51:64 - Babylon Sinks and Rises No More") - Prophecy of Babylon's complete and irreversible destruction.
* [2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord and Burning Elements") - Describes the fiery end of the present heavens and earth, highlighting divine judgment by fire.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:18 compels us to critically examine our own allegiances and the foundations upon which we build our lives. The despair of those who mourn Babylon's fall, not for its wickedness but for their lost profits, serves as a sobering warning against the seductive power of materialism and worldly security. Are we investing our primary energy, time, and affections in perishable earthly treasures and systems, or in the eternal and unfading kingdom of God? This verse challenges us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, recognizing that all human achievements, empires, and economic gains, when pursued apart from God, are ultimately transient and subject to divine judgment. It calls us to detach our hearts from the fleeting allure of this world and to anchor our hope firmly in Christ, whose kingdom is unshakable and eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great cities" or worldly systems in my life or society might I be placing too much trust in, rather than in God?**
* **How does the "smoke of her burning" challenge my perception of earthly security and the permanence of material wealth?**
* **Am I lamenting the loss of worldly comforts more than I am rejoicing in God's justice and the coming of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What does "Babylon the Great" symbolize in Revelation?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" is a multifaceted symbol in Revelation, representing a global system of spiritual apostasy, economic exploitation, and political oppression that stands in opposition to God and His people. While it draws on the historical city of Babylon, which oppressed ancient Israel, it broadly symbolizes any powerful, idolatrous, and commercially dominant entity or system that embodies the world's rebellion against God. Many scholars interpret it as representing Rome in John's time, but its characteristics extend to any future or present system characterized by luxury, injustice, and persecution of believers, as described in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Prostitute and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

**Why do the kings and merchants lament Babylon's destruction?**

Answer: The kings and merchants lament Babylon's destruction not out of repentance for her sins or concern for justice, but purely out of self-interest and economic loss. Babylon was the source of their wealth, luxury, and power, as detailed in [Revelation 18:11-17](/revelation/18-11-17 "Revelation 18:11-17 - Merchants and Shipmasters Lament"). Her sudden and complete destruction means the end of their lucrative trade, their opulent lifestyles, and their political influence. Their cry in [Revelation 18:18](/revelation/18-18 "Revelation 18:18 - Lament Over Babylon's Smoke") is a lament over lost profits and a shattered economic system, highlighting the transient nature of worldly riches and the ultimate futility of placing one's hope in them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 18:18 describes the judgment of a worldly system, its ultimate significance points to the triumph of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The "smoke of her burning" is the visible sign of the complete overthrow of all powers that oppose God, a necessary precursor to the full revelation of Christ's reign. Just as Babylon represents the epitome of human rebellion and self-exaltation, Christ embodies divine humility, sacrifice, and perfect righteousness. His death on the cross was the decisive blow against the spiritual powers of darkness that fuel such worldly systems ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The judgment on Babylon, therefore, clears the way for the Lamb's wedding feast ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) and the establishment of the New Jerusalem, where Christ reigns supreme and there is no more curse, sorrow, or pain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). The despair of those who mourn Babylon contrasts sharply with the eternal joy of those who find their hope and salvation in Christ, the true King over all creation, whose kingdom is not of this world and will never be destroyed ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")).

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 13:4

And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

Isaiah 23:8

Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning [city], whose merchants [are] princes, whose traffickers [are] the honourable of the earth?

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.

Ezekiel 27:30

And shall cause their voice to be heard against thee, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust upon their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:

Ezekiel 27:32

And in their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for thee, and lament over thee, [saying], What [city is] like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

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.