Revelation 18:21

KJV

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a {G1520} mighty {G2478} angel {G32} took up {G142} a stone {G3037} like {G5613} a great {G3173} millstone {G3458}, and {G2532} cast {G906} it into {G1519} the sea {G2281}, saying {G3004}, Thus {G3779} with violence {G3731} shall {G906} that great {G3173} city {G4172} Babylon {G897} be thrown down {G906}, and {G2532} shall be found {G2147} no more {G3364} at all {G2089}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a great millstone, and hurled it into the sea, saying,

“With violence like this
will the great city Bavel
be hurled down,
never to be found again!

Berean Standard Bible

Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.

American Standard Version

And a strong angel took up a stone as it were a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with a mighty fall shall Babylon, the great city, be cast down, and shall be found no more at all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:21 dramatically depicts the swift and irreversible judgment upon "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing all systems and powers that oppose God's righteous rule and exploit humanity. Through the powerful imagery of a mighty angel casting a great millstone into the sea, the verse pronounces the absolute and final demise of this oppressive city, declaring that it will vanish completely and forever. This act serves as a definitive statement of divine justice and the certainty of evil's ultimate overthrow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:21 marks the culmination of the prophetic pronouncements against "Babylon the Great," which began in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Harlot and the Beast") with the identification of the harlot Babylon and continues through [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") with a detailed lament over its destruction. Preceding this verse, the angel's voice in [Revelation 18:4-8](/revelation/18-4-8 "Revelation 18:4-8 - Call to Come Out of Babylon") calls God's people to separate from Babylon, followed by a series of laments from kings, merchants, and mariners who mourn the loss of their economic and political partner ([Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Laments over Babylon's Fall")). The symbolic act of the millstone, therefore, serves as a final, visual, and undeniable declaration of Babylon's permanent desolation, reinforcing the preceding textual descriptions of its sudden and complete ruin. It is a prophetic sign-act, similar to those found in Old Testament prophets, solidifying the certainty of the spoken judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "great millstone" would have been immediately understood by John's audience. Millstones were essential for daily life, used to grind grain for bread. A "great millstone" (Greek: *mylos onikos*, literally "ass-millstone") was a massive stone, often turned by a donkey or ox, signifying immense weight and an object that, once submerged, would be utterly irretrievable. This imagery resonates with the ancient practice of executing criminals by tying a heavy stone to them and casting them into the sea, ensuring a complete and irreversible drowning. The "great city Babylon" would have been understood by many early Christians as a veiled reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power of their time, known for its immense wealth, idolatry, persecution of Christians, and moral corruption. The prophecy thus spoke to the cultural experience of living under an oppressive empire, promising its certain downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical eschatology. The most prominent theme is **Irreversible Judgment**, emphasizing the absolute finality of God's righteous wrath against evil. Just as the millstone will never resurface, so too will Babylon never be rebuilt or regain its power. This underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God is in ultimate control, and no earthly power, however formidable, can withstand His judgment. The destruction is not random but a deliberate, powerful act orchestrated by a "mighty angel," highlighting the divine agency behind the collapse of wicked systems. Furthermore, the "violence" of its overthrow speaks to the **Decisive Nature of God's Intervention**, contrasting Babylon's perceived stability with its sudden and catastrophic demise, a theme echoed in other prophetic judgments against proud nations, such as the destruction of Tyre in [Ezekiel 26:21](/ezekiel/26-21 "Ezekiel 26:21 - Tyre's Final Desolation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mighty (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** From *ischys*, meaning strength or power. This word describes the angel, emphasizing that the messenger delivering this judgment is not weak or ordinary, but possesses formidable power, underscoring the divine authority and irresistible force behind Babylon's destruction. It highlights that the judgment is not accidental or merely human, but divinely empowered.
* **Millstone (Greek, _mýlos'_):** Refers to a grinding stone, specifically a large one, often turned by an animal. The use of "great millstone" (G3173 *mégas* combined with G3458 *mýlos*) signifies an object of immense weight, ensuring that anything to which it is attached will sink irretrievably. This imagery conveys the absolute and permanent nature of Babylon's downfall, an irreversible plunge into oblivion.
* **Violence (Greek, _hórmēma'_):** Derived from *hormē*, meaning an impulse, a violent motion, or a rushing. This term denotes a sudden, impetuous, and forceful action. It conveys the idea that Babylon's destruction will not be a slow decline but a swift, overwhelming, and decisive act of divine power, emphasizing the suddenness and intensity of its collapse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone,"**: This clause introduces the divine agent of judgment—a powerful angel, indicating that the ensuing act is divinely ordained and executed with immense authority. The "great millstone" is a visual metaphor for utter weight and finality, preparing the audience for an irreversible event.
* **"and cast [it] into the sea, saying,"**: The act of casting the millstone into the sea is the central symbolic action. The sea, often a symbol of chaos or the abyss in biblical literature, becomes the recipient of this doomed entity. The act is accompanied by a verbal declaration, making the symbolic action a prophetic utterance.
* **"Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down,"**: This is the direct pronouncement of judgment. "Thus" connects the symbolic act to the literal outcome. "With violence" emphasizes the sudden, forceful, and decisive nature of Babylon's overthrow. "That great city Babylon" explicitly names the object of judgment, confirming its identity as the powerful, oppressive system.
* **"and shall be found no more at all."**: This final phrase declares the absolute and permanent annihilation of Babylon. The double negative "no more at all" (Greek: *ou mē eti*) intensifies the denial, ensuring that Babylon will not merely be defeated or diminished, but utterly removed from existence, never to rise again.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:21 is rich in **Symbolism**, using the concrete image of a "great millstone" cast into the "sea" to represent the absolute and irreversible destruction of "Babylon the Great." The millstone, a tool for grinding, here becomes an instrument of crushing judgment, its immense weight signifying an inescapable doom. The sea, often associated with chaos and the abyss, becomes the place of permanent oblivion. The verse also employs **Prophetic Action**, where the angel's physical act of casting the stone serves as a visual, tangible prophecy, making the future event of Babylon's fall certain and immediate in the mind of the audience. The phrase "shall be found no more at all" is an example of **Hyperbole** used for emphasis, underscoring the completeness of the destruction beyond any possibility of recovery. The contrast between Babylon's former "greatness" and its sudden, violent demise also creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**, highlighting the futility of earthly power when confronted by divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:21 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His righteous judgment against all forms of evil, oppression, and rebellion. It affirms that no human system, however powerful or entrenched, can ultimately withstand the divine decree. This judgment is not arbitrary but is a just response to Babylon's spiritual idolatry, economic exploitation, and persecution of God's people. The finality of its destruction serves as a powerful assurance to believers that God will indeed bring an end to all suffering and injustice, establishing His perfect kingdom. It also serves as a warning against complicity with worldly systems that stand in opposition to God's values.

* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Millstone Warning")
* [Jeremiah 51:63-64](/jeremiah/51-63-64 "Jeremiah 51:63-64 - Prophetic Act Against Babylon")
* [Ezekiel 26:21](/ezekiel/26-21 "Ezekiel 26:21 - Tyre's Utter Ruin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:21 offers a profound message of hope and a sobering call to discernment for believers today. In a world often dominated by powerful, seemingly unshakeable systems that promote materialism, injustice, or spiritual compromise, this verse reminds us that their reign is temporary and their end is certain. It encourages us not to be intimidated or swayed by the allure or apparent strength of such "Babylonian" influences. Instead, it calls us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in God's kingdom values rather than aligning ourselves with transient earthly powers. We are prompted to examine our own lives and ensure we are not inadvertently participating in or benefiting from systems that exploit, oppress, or deny God's truth. This verse provides immense comfort, assuring us that God sees the suffering of His people and will ultimately bring perfect justice, vindicating the righteous and eliminating all evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylonian" systems or influences in my own life or society might I be inadvertently aligning with, and how can I separate myself from them?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against evil empower my faith and encourage me to persevere in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways can I actively participate in God's kingdom work, which stands in stark contrast to the values of "Babylon"?**
* **How does the irreversible nature of Babylon's fall inform my understanding of God's justice and His ultimate victory?**

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

Answer: "Babylon the Great" in Revelation is primarily a symbolic representation rather than a literal city in John's time. It embodies all systems, powers, and spiritual forces that stand in opposition to God, His people, and His righteous rule. While it likely drew heavily on the historical Babylon's reputation for idolatry, pride, and oppression, and could have been understood by early Christians as a veiled reference to the Roman Empire, its ultimate meaning transcends any single historical entity. It represents the culmination of human rebellion against God, characterized by spiritual harlotry (idolatry), economic exploitation, political tyranny, and the persecution of God's saints. Its destruction signifies the definitive end of all such evil systems.

**Why is a "millstone" used as the symbol of destruction?**

Answer: The "great millstone" is a powerful and culturally resonant symbol for complete and irreversible destruction. In the ancient world, a millstone was incredibly heavy, often requiring an animal to turn it. To cast such a massive object into the sea meant it would sink irretrievably, never to resurface. This imagery conveys the absolute finality and permanence of Babylon's downfall. It's a vivid picture of something being utterly lost and beyond recovery, emphasizing that Babylon's destruction will be so complete that it will "be found no more at all." This symbolism also appears in [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warning Against Causing Sin"), where Jesus uses the image of a millstone tied around one's neck and cast into the sea to describe the severe judgment awaiting those who cause others to stumble.

**Is the destruction of Babylon a literal event or purely symbolic?**

Answer: While the imagery in Revelation is highly symbolic, the destruction of "Babylon the Great" points to a real and literal outcome: the definitive end of all evil and oppressive systems that stand against God. The "great city" may not be a single geographical location in the future, but rather the culmination of all anti-God structures and ideologies throughout history that will face God's ultimate judgment. The "casting into the sea" is a symbolic act representing complete annihilation, but the reality of God's final triumph over evil and the establishment of His righteous kingdom is a literal and certain future event. Thus, it is a symbolic portrayal of a literal, eschatological reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:21, though depicting a scene of intense judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of Jesus over all forces of evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The "mighty angel" casting the millstone into the sea foreshadows the decisive authority of Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, has already disarmed the powers and authorities of this world ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The complete and irreversible downfall of "Babylon the Great" is a prophetic echo of Christ's ultimate victory over sin, death, and all rebellion against God. He is the one who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority Over Death")), and to whom all judgment has been committed by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge")). The finality of Babylon's destruction assures believers that the Lamb of God will indeed reign supreme, bringing an end to all injustice and suffering, and ushering in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells and evil "shall be found no more at all" ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens and New Earth")). This verse, therefore, is not merely about destruction, but about the glorious and complete victory of Christ, making way for His eternal reign of peace and justice.

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

Jeremiah 51:63

And it shall be, when thou hast made an end of reading this book, [that] thou shalt bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of Euphrates:

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.

Ezekiel 26:21

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

Revelation 5:2

And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Daniel 11:19

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Revelation 12:8

And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

Revelation 16:20

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.