Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Rejoice {G2165} over {G1909} her {G846}, thou heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} ye holy {G40} apostles {G652} and {G2532} prophets {G4396}; for {G3754} God {G2316} hath avenged {G2917}{G2919} you {G5216} on {G1537} her {G846}.

Rejoice over her, heaven!
Rejoice, people of God,
emissaries and prophets!
For in judging her, God has vindicated you.

Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her.

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye saints, and ye apostles, and ye prophets; for God hath judged your judgment on her.

Commentary

Revelation 18:20 KJV is a powerful declaration of triumph and divine justice following the catastrophic fall of Babylon the Great, the symbolic representation of all worldly systems opposed to God.

Context

This verse stands in stark contrast to the preceding lamentations of earthly kings, merchants, and mariners who mourn the economic and political collapse of Babylon (Revelation 18:9-19). While the world grieves its loss, heaven is commanded to celebrate. The focus shifts from the material destruction to the spiritual vindication. The immediate context of Revelation 18 details the complete and irreversible destruction of this powerful, corrupt entity, often understood as a global system of spiritual idolatry, economic exploitation, and political oppression that has historically persecuted God's people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The primary message is God's unwavering commitment to justice. The destruction of Babylon is not random chaos but a deliberate act of God's righteous judgment against a system that has long oppressed and shed the blood of His servants. This theme resonates with God's judgments being true and righteous.
  • Heavenly Rejoicing: "Thou heaven" refers to the celestial beings and the redeemed who dwell with God, celebrating His righteous acts. This heavenly applause underscores the moral rightness of God's judgment, distinguishing it from human vindictiveness.
  • Vindication of God's People: The specific mention of "holy apostles and prophets" highlights that God remembers the suffering and martyrdom of His faithful witnesses. Their vindication is a central reason for heavenly rejoicing, affirming that God sees and will avenge the wrongs committed against His own, as seen in the cry of the martyrs under the altar.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "avenged" is ekdikēsis (ἐκδίκησις). This term signifies more than mere personal revenge; it denotes a righteous, judicial act of retribution that serves to uphold justice and set things right. It is divine vindication, executed by God as the ultimate judge, providing recompense for the suffering inflicted upon His people. This concept emphasizes God's perfect holiness and justice in His dealings with evil.

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 18:20 offers profound comfort and hope. It assures us that:

  • God Sees All Injustice: No act of oppression or persecution against His followers goes unnoticed by God. He is aware of every tear and every wrong committed against His saints.
  • God Will Act: This verse is a powerful reminder that there will be a day of reckoning for all evil. Though justice may seem delayed, God's timing is perfect, and His judgment is certain and comprehensive. This provides hope for those facing persecution or injustice in the present world, knowing that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • A Call to Alignment: It challenges us to examine our loyalties. Are we aligned with the temporary, fleeting systems of this world, or with the eternal, righteous kingdom of God? Our rejoicing should be with heaven, not with Babylon.

Ultimately, this verse is a triumphant declaration of God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to bringing ultimate justice and vindication to His faithful saints.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 6:10 (6 votes)

    And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

  • Revelation 12:12 (5 votes)

    ¶ Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

  • Revelation 19:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

  • Revelation 19:3 (5 votes)

    And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

  • Luke 18:7 (4 votes)

    And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

  • Luke 18:8 (4 votes)

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

  • Isaiah 26:21 (4 votes)

    For, behold, the LORD cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.