Revelation 18:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he cried {G2896} mightily {G2479} with {G1722} a strong {G3173} voice {G5456}, saying {G3004}, Babylon {G897} the great {G3173} is fallen {G4098}, is fallen {G4098}, and {G2532} is become {G1096} the habitation {G2732} of devils {G1142}, and {G2532} the hold {G5438} of every {G3956} foul {G169} spirit {G4151}, and {G2532} a cage {G5438} of every {G3956} unclean {G169} and {G2532} hateful {G3404} bird {G3732}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He cried out in a strong voice,

“She has fallen! She has fallen!
Bavel the Great!
She has become a home for demons,
a prison for every unclean spirit,
a prison for every unclean, hated bird.

Berean Standard Bible

And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast.

American Standard Version

And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:2 delivers a profound prophetic declaration by a mighty angel, announcing the definitive and irreversible collapse of "Babylon the Great." This verse vividly portrays the spiritual desolation and demonic occupation that follow its fall, serving as a stark and solemn warning against all worldly systems that oppose God's sovereignty and righteousness. The pronouncement emphasizes the completeness of its judgment and its transformation into a realm of utter impurity and spiritual ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic pronouncement in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") immediately follows the initial, brief announcement of Babylon's fall in [Revelation 14:8](/revelation/14-8 "Revelation 14:8 - First Announcement of Babylon's Fall"). Chapters 17 and 18 together form a detailed account of Babylon's identity, its relationship with the beast, and its ultimate destruction. Chapter 17 describes Babylon as a harlot riding the beast, symbolizing its corrupting influence and alliance with anti-God powers, while chapter 18 focuses on the economic and social consequences of its sudden and catastrophic demise. The angel's "mighty cry" signals the beginning of the final phase of God's judgment, setting the stage for the lamentations of those who profited from Babylon's corruption and the rejoicing of God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** "Babylon" in Revelation is a symbolic entity, drawing heavily on the historical Old Testament city of Babylon, which epitomized pride, idolatry, and oppression of God's people (e.g., [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-14 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). In John's time, "Babylon" likely served as a coded reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power that persecuted Christians and embodied worldly corruption, idolatry, and economic exploitation. The imagery of a desolate city becoming a haunt for unclean animals and spirits was a common biblical motif for utter destruction and divine curse, found in prophecies against other wicked cities like Edom in [Isaiah 34:11-15](/isaiah/34-11-15 "Isaiah 34:11-15 - Desolation of Edom") or Babylon itself in [Jeremiah 50:39-40](/jeremiah/50-39-40 "Jeremiah 50:39-40 - Desolation of Babylon").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Revelation. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, emphasizing God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion. The repetition "is fallen, is fallen" underscores the certainty and finality of this judgment, echoing similar pronouncements in the Old Testament. Another crucial theme is **Spiritual Warfare and Demonic Activity**, as Babylon's fall reveals its true nature as a stronghold for malevolent spiritual forces, highlighting the unseen battle between good and evil. Finally, the imagery of desolation reinforces the theme of **Worldly Corruption vs. Godly Purity**, demonstrating that systems built on sin and opposition to God inevitably lead to spiritual ruin and are ultimately rendered uninhabitable by divine presence, serving as a stark contrast to the New Jerusalem described later in [Revelation 21-22](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21-22 - The New Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fallen (Greek, _píptō'_):** From G4098, meaning "to fall (literally or figuratively)." The emphatic repetition "is fallen, is fallen" (πεπτωκεν, πεπτωκεν - _peptōken, peptōken_) signifies the absolute certainty, completeness, and irreversible nature of Babylon's collapse. It is a perfect tense verb, indicating a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing that the fall is not merely imminent but has already occurred in God's sovereign decree, and its effects are permanent.
* **habitation (Greek, _katoikētḗrion'_):** From G2732, meaning "a dwelling-place." This word denotes a permanent residence. Its use here indicates that Babylon, once a place of human habitation and worldly splendor, is now permanently taken over by malevolent spiritual entities and unclean creatures. It underscores a complete reversal of its former status, transforming from a vibrant center of commerce and culture into a desolate, cursed, and spiritually polluted wasteland.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169, meaning "impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))." This term describes the "spirit" and "bird" that now inhabit fallen Babylon. It carries strong connotations of ritual impurity under Old Testament law, rendering something unfit for worship or human interaction. Here, it highlights the profound spiritual defilement of Babylon, indicating that it is utterly devoid of holiness and has become a breeding ground for all that is anathema to God, a place of profound moral and spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying":** This phrase introduces the divine authority and power behind the pronouncement. The "mighty angel" (implied from [Revelation 18:1](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18:1 - The Mighty Angel")) speaks with a voice of immense strength and volume, signifying the absolute certainty and universal significance of the message. It is not a whisper but a thunderous declaration, meant to be heard and understood by all.
* **"Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen":** This is the core declaration, a powerful and emphatic pronouncement of judgment. The repetition of "is fallen" (perfect tense in Greek) underscores the finality, completeness, and irreversible nature of Babylon's collapse. It is a divine decree that has been executed, symbolizing the end of its power, influence, and existence as a force opposing God.
* **"and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird":** This clause describes the immediate and devastating consequences of Babylon's fall, illustrating its utter spiritual desolation. It transforms from a center of worldly power into a desolate wasteland, a permanent dwelling place for demonic entities ("devils," "foul spirit") and a "cage" or prison for all that is impure and abhorrent ("unclean and hateful bird"). This imagery signifies a place utterly cursed, devoid of human life or divine presence, and given over to the forces of evil and impurity. The "foul spirit" and "unclean and hateful bird" further amplify the sense of defilement and abandonment, echoing Old Testament prophecies of desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:2 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of judgment and desolation. The most striking is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen." This doubling of the verb "fallen" serves to underscore the absolute certainty, finality, and completeness of the judgment, leaving no doubt about Babylon's irreversible doom. It functions as a rhetorical device to heighten the dramatic impact and ensure the message's resonance. **Symbolism** is central, with "Babylon the great" representing not merely a historical city but a comprehensive system of worldly power, idolatry, and rebellion against God. The subsequent imagery of "habitation of devils," "hold of every foul spirit," and "cage of every unclean and hateful bird" employs vivid **Imagery** and **Metaphor** to depict spiritual desolation. These are not literal creatures or spirits inhabiting a physical ruin but symbolic representations of profound spiritual corruption, impurity, and demonic occupation. The "foul spirit" and "unclean and hateful bird" are **metaphors** for the spiritual degradation and abandonment that accompany divine judgment, drawing on Old Testament prophetic traditions where such creatures signify cursed and uninhabitable places. This rich symbolic language communicates spiritual realities through tangible, albeit metaphorical, descriptions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:2 underscores the theological truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice over all earthly powers that oppose Him. It reveals that no matter how mighty or influential a worldly system may appear, its foundation is ultimately unstable if it stands in defiance of divine principles. The complete desolation of Babylon signifies that rebellion against God leads not merely to political or economic collapse, but to profound spiritual ruin, becoming a domain of evil and impurity. This serves as a powerful reminder that true flourishing and lasting peace are found only in alignment with God's will, not in the pursuit of worldly gain or power.

* [Isaiah 21:9](/isaiah/21-9 "Isaiah 21:9 - Prophecy of Babylon's Fall")
* [Jeremiah 51:37](/jeremiah/51-37 "Jeremiah 51:37 - Babylon's Desolation")
* [Matthew 12:43-45](/matthew/12-43-45 "Matthew 12:43-45 - The Return of Unclean Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:2 serves as a profound spiritual mirror, inviting believers to examine their own allegiances and priorities. In a world constantly tempting us with the allure of wealth, power, and self-sufficiency—the very characteristics of "Babylon the Great"—this verse issues a stark warning: any system or lifestyle built on rebellion against God's truth is ultimately destined for desolation and spiritual emptiness. It challenges us to discern the subtle ways "Babylon" might manifest in our own lives, whether through materialism, ungodly ambition, or compromising our values for worldly acceptance. Conversely, for those who feel oppressed or marginalized by the prevailing systems of the world, this verse offers immense comfort, affirming God's ultimate justice and His unwavering commitment to bringing down all that opposes His kingdom. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and aligning ourselves with the Lamb, rather than the fleeting glory of "Babylon."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "spirit of Babylon" manifest in my own life or in the cultural systems I participate in?**
* **How does the certainty of Babylon's fall encourage me when I feel overwhelmed by worldly injustice or corruption?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "come out of her" (as encouraged in [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Her, My People")) and align myself more fully with God's kingdom?**

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

Answer:In the book of Revelation, "Babylon the Great" is a complex and multifaceted symbol. While it draws on the historical city of Babylon, known for its pride, idolatry, and oppression of God's people, in Revelation it primarily represents a global system of economic, political, and religious corruption that stands in opposition to God. Many scholars interpret it as a symbolic representation of Rome in John's time, but its broader meaning encompasses any powerful, idolatrous, and oppressive worldly system that seduces humanity away from God and persecutes His followers. It embodies the epitome of human rebellion and self-sufficiency apart from God.

**Why is the phrase "is fallen, is fallen" repeated?**

Answer:The repetition of "is fallen, is fallen" (Greek: _peptōken, peptōken_) is a powerful rhetorical device used to emphasize the absolute certainty, completeness, and irreversible nature of Babylon's destruction. This literary technique, also found in Old Testament prophecies concerning the fall of historical Babylon (e.g., [Isaiah 21:9](/isaiah/21-9 "Isaiah 21:9 - Prophecy of Babylon's Fall")), signifies that the judgment is not merely imminent but has been divinely decreed and is as good as accomplished. It conveys the finality and decisiveness of God's action against this wicked system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 18:2 describes the judgment of a worldly system, its ultimate significance points to Christ's victory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The fall of Babylon, a symbol of all that opposes God, foreshadows the complete and final triumph of Christ over sin, death, and all demonic powers. Just as Babylon becomes a "habitation of devils" and "unclean spirits," Christ, through His atoning work and resurrection, decisively defeated the "ruler of this world" ([John 12:31](/john/12-31 "John 12:31 - The Judgment of the World")). He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")) and disarm the spiritual forces of evil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). The desolation of Babylon highlights the spiritual emptiness and demonic dominion that characterize life apart from Christ, contrasting sharply with the New Jerusalem, where God Himself dwells with His people ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")) and there is no more curse ([Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "Revelation 22:3 - No More Curse")). Thus, Babylon's fall is not merely an act of destruction but a necessary prelude to the full manifestation of Christ's righteous reign and the glorious, pure dwelling place He prepares for His redeemed.

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 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.

Jeremiah 51:8

Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

Jeremiah 51:37

And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwellingplace for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant.

Jeremiah 50:39

Therefore the wild beasts of the desert with the wild beasts of the islands shall dwell [there], and the owls shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited for ever; neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation.

Jeremiah 50:40

As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

Jeremiah 51:60

So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon, [even] all these words that are written against Babylon.

Jeremiah 51:64

And thou shalt say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring upon her: and they shall be weary. Thus far [are] the words of Jeremiah.