Revelation 18:4

KJV

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} I heard {G191} another {G243} voice {G5456} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}, saying {G3004}, Come {G1831} out of {G1537} her {G846}, my {G3450} people {G2992}, that {G3363} ye be {G4790} not {G3363} partakers {G4790} of her {G846} sins {G266}, and {G2532} that {G3363} ye receive {G2983} not {G3363} of {G1537} her {G846} plagues {G4127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I heard another voice out of heaven say:

“My people, come out of her!
so that you will not share in her sins,
so that you will not be infected by her plagues,

Berean Standard Bible

Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues.

American Standard Version

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come forth, my people, out of her, that ye have no fellowship with her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:4 delivers a profound and urgent divine summons from heaven, calling God's faithful people to separate themselves distinctly from "Babylon the Great." This command is issued with a dual purpose: to prevent their complicity in Babylon's pervasive sins and to shield them from the devastating judgments, or "plagues," that are destined to be poured out upon this corrupt system. It underscores a timeless biblical principle of spiritual purity and divine protection for those who heed God's call to holiness amidst a fallen world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:4 is situated within the climactic prophetic narrative detailing the fall and destruction of "Babylon the Great," a central antagonist in the book of Revelation. Chapter 17 vividly portrays Babylon as a "great harlot" seated on many waters, symbolizing its widespread influence and corrupting power, in league with the beast and its kings. Chapter 18 then shifts to announcing her utter destruction, lamentations from those who benefited from her wealth, and rejoicing in heaven over God's righteous judgment. The voice in [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - The Call to Come Out of Babylon") serves as a crucial interjection, a merciful warning embedded within the pronouncements of judgment, specifically addressing God's people before the final cataclysm unfolds. It provides a divine rationale for separation, emphasizing the consequences of remaining entangled with a system marked for divine wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The symbolic "Babylon" in Revelation would have resonated deeply with its original audience, who understood it as a coded reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power of their day. Rome, like ancient Babylon, was a center of immense wealth, political power, and pervasive idolatry, often persecuting Christians. The call to "come out" echoes Old Testament prophetic warnings for Israel to separate from literal Babylon ([Jeremiah 50:8](/jeremiah/50-8 "Jeremiah 50:8 - Flee from Babylon") and [Jeremiah 51:6](/jeremiah/51-6 "Jeremiah 51:6 - Depart from Babylon")), which was a historical oppressor and a symbol of spiritual corruption. This historical precedent established a pattern of divine expectation for God's people to maintain distinctiveness from pagan cultures and their idolatrous practices. For early Christians, this meant resisting the pervasive pressures of Roman imperial cult worship, economic entanglement, and moral decay, often at great personal cost.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **Divine Separation**, emphasizing God's imperative for His people to maintain holiness and distinctiveness from worldly systems that oppose Him. This separation is not merely physical but deeply spiritual and moral, reflecting God's desire for a pure bride. It also highlights the theme of **God's Justice and Judgment**, as Babylon's fall demonstrates that sin and rebellion will ultimately face divine reckoning. Simultaneously, it underscores **God's Mercy and Protection** for His faithful, offering a way of escape from the impending wrath. The verse also touches on **Corporate Responsibility and Individual Accountability**, as entanglement with a corrupt system leads to shared culpability, while separation ensures individual deliverance from its consequences. The call to "come out" is a foundational principle for believers navigating a fallen world, echoing the sentiment found in [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Be Separate from the Unclean").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** This word denotes a sound, tone, or articulate utterance. Here, it signifies a divine communication, a clear and authoritative declaration from heaven. The source of this voice is "another" (G243, _állos_), implying it is distinct from previous angelic announcements or laments, lending it particular weight and urgency as a direct message to God's people.
* **Come out (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** A compound verb formed from _ek_ (out of) and _érchomai_ (to come/go), this is a strong imperative, a direct command for immediate and decisive action. It implies a physical, moral, and spiritual exodus, a complete disassociation from the entity of "Babylon." This is not an invitation but a divine mandate for separation.
* **partakers (Greek, _synkoinōnéō'_):** Derived from _syn_ (with) and _koinōnéō_ (to share, have fellowship), this verb means "to share in company with" or "to co-participate in." The warning is against becoming complicit in Babylon's "sins" (G266, _hamartía_), indicating that continued association or involvement would lead to a shared guilt and moral defilement, making one liable for the consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying,"**: John, the revelator, hears a distinct, authoritative voice originating from heaven, signifying its divine origin and absolute authority. This voice is "another," emphasizing its unique message and importance, separate from previous angelic proclamations concerning Babylon's fall. The heavenly source underscores the urgency and divine imperative of the message that follows.
* **"Come out of her, my people,"**: This is the core command, a direct and urgent call from God to His "people" (G2992, _laós_), those who belong to Him. The imperative "Come out" (G1831, _exérchomai_) demands a decisive and complete separation from "her," referring to Babylon the Great. This is a call to spiritual and moral exodus, to disengage from any system, ideology, or lifestyle that aligns with Babylon's corrupt nature.
* **"that ye be not partakers of her sins,"**: This clause reveals the first crucial reason for the divine command to separate. God's desire is to prevent His people from becoming "partakers" (G4790, _synkoinōnéō_), or co-participants, in Babylon's extensive sins (G266, _hamartía_). This implies that remaining within or associated with the corrupt system inevitably leads to complicity in its unrighteousness, whether through active participation, passive acceptance, or benefiting from its illicit gains.
* **"and that ye receive not of her plagues."**: The second reason for separation is to protect God's people from the impending divine judgments. "Plagues" (G4127, _plēgḗ_) refer to the devastating calamities and punishments that God will pour out upon Babylon. By "coming out," believers are spared from suffering the consequences of Babylon's sin, demonstrating God's mercy and His desire to deliver His faithful from the wrath justly meted out upon the ungodly system.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with "Babylon" serving as a multifaceted symbol not only for historical Rome but also for any worldly system characterized by idolatry, materialism, and opposition to God. The "voice from heaven" symbolizes divine authority and intervention, a direct communication from God Himself. The "plagues" symbolize God's righteous and comprehensive judgment. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Come out" (ἐξέλθετε) conveys the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the divine command, demanding immediate and decisive action. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Antithesis** presented: the choice between being "partakers of her sins" and thereby receiving "her plagues," versus separating and thus avoiding both. This stark contrast highlights the critical nature of the decision and the profound consequences of spiritual allegiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:4 encapsulates a fundamental theological truth woven throughout Scripture: God's call for His people to be distinct and separate from the world's corrupting influences. This divine imperative stems from God's holy character and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness. The "Babylon" of Revelation represents the culmination of all human systems that rebel against God, prioritize earthly gain over divine truth, and persecute the righteous. The warning to "come out" is a demonstration of God's protective love and mercy, offering a path to avoid both moral complicity and the just retribution that awaits such systems. It underscores the principle that fellowship with darkness inevitably leads to sharing in its condemnation, while obedience to God's call for separation ensures divine preservation and purity.

* [Leviticus 18:3](/leviticus/18-3 "Leviticus 18:3 - Do Not Follow Customs of Egypt or Canaan")
* [2 Corinthians 6:17](/2_corinthians/6-17 "2 Corinthians 6:17 - Come Out and Be Separate")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:4 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless call to spiritual discernment and non-conformity. While "Babylon" may no longer be a literal city, its spirit—characterized by materialism, consumerism, moral relativism, and any ideology that diminishes God's sovereignty—is ever-present in the world. The command to "come out" challenges us to critically examine our allegiances and ensure that our lives are not entangled with systems or values that oppose God's kingdom. This involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's truth over cultural trends, eternal values over temporal gains, and spiritual purity over worldly acceptance. It calls for a lifestyle of intentional holiness, where our choices in media, finances, relationships, and aspirations reflect our commitment to Christ rather than the patterns of this fallen world. Ultimately, it is a call to live distinctly, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel and preparing ourselves for God's coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Babylonian" systems or values in contemporary society might God be calling me to "come out of" in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I unknowingly be "partaking of her sins" through my associations, consumption habits, or unexamined beliefs?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a clear separation from worldly values and a commitment to Christ's kingdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual discernment and align my priorities more fully with God's will?**

### FAQ

**What does "Babylon" symbolize in Revelation 18:4?**

Answer: In Revelation, "Babylon" is a rich and complex symbol. Historically, it refers to the oppressive empire of ancient Babylon, which enslaved God's people, and by extension, it is a coded reference to Rome, the imperial power persecuting Christians in John's day. Theologically and prophetically, "Babylon the Great" symbolizes any and all human systems, whether political, economic, religious, or cultural, that are characterized by rebellion against God, idolatry, materialism, moral corruption, and the persecution of God's people. It represents the antithesis of God's kingdom, a global system that seeks to draw humanity away from the true God and into its own self-serving and ultimately destructive embrace. The call to "come out of her" is therefore a call to separate from any pervasive worldly influence that stands in opposition to God's truth and righteousness, as described throughout [Revelation chapters 17 and 18](/revelation/17-18 "Revelation 17-18 - The Fall of Babylon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:4, while a call to separation from a corrupt world system, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "voice from heaven" that commands God's people to "come out" is a divine echo of the ultimate separation Christ accomplished for us. He, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came out of the very system of sin and death by His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, offering Himself as the [atoning sacrifice for our sins](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, the Atoning Sacrifice"). Through faith in Him, believers are supernaturally "called out" of darkness into His marvelous light ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness")). We are no longer "partakers of her sins" because Christ bore the full weight of sin and its judgment on the cross, freeing us from its dominion ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Free from Sin's Dominion")). Moreover, by being "in Christ," we are delivered from the "plagues" of divine wrath, for there is now [no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus"). Our separation from the world is not merely an act of human will but a spiritual reality made possible by our union with Christ, who is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). He is the ultimate Deliverer, enabling His people to live a life set apart for God's glory, awaiting the establishment of His [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth") where Babylon's corruption will be no more.

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

2 Corinthians 6:17

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

Jeremiah 51:6

Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul: be not cut off in her iniquity; for this [is] the time of the LORD'S vengeance; he will render unto her a recompence.

Jeremiah 51:45

My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.

Isaiah 52:11

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

Jeremiah 50:8

Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks.

Isaiah 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.