Revelation 18:6

KJV

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

KJV (with Strong's)

Reward {G591} her {G846} even {G2532} as {G5613} she {G846}{G3778} rewarded {G591} you {G5213}, and {G2532} double {G1363} unto her {G846} double {G1362} according to {G2596} her {G846} works {G2041}: in {G1722} the cup {G4221} which {G3739} she hath filled {G2767} fill {G2767} to her {G846} double {G1362}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Render to her as she rendered to others!
Pay her back double for what she has done!
Use the cup in which she has brewed
to brew her a double-sized drink!

Berean Standard Bible

Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.

American Standard Version

Render unto her even as she rendered, and double unto her the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:6 pronounces a command for the divine retribution against "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing the culmination of worldly rebellion against God and His people. It calls for a just and complete recompense, emphasizing a double measure of judgment proportionate to Babylon's accumulated works of sin, oppression, and idolatry, ensuring that the cup of suffering she inflicted upon others is now filled to her own brim, and beyond, with divine wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:6 is situated within the climactic pronouncements of judgment against "Babylon the Great," which spans chapters 17 and 18. Chapter 17 introduces Babylon as a harlot riding a scarlet beast, revealing her spiritual depravity and political alliances. Chapter 18 then details her economic and social collapse, portraying her as a global commercial hub whose destruction elicits lamentation from kings, merchants, and mariners who profited from her. Immediately preceding verse 6, a mighty angel announces Babylon's utter desolation, proclaiming her fall and transformation into a dwelling place for demons and unclean spirits [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon"). This sets the stage for the divine command for retribution, which is then followed by a call for God's people to "come out of her" to avoid sharing in her sins and plagues [Revelation 18:4](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Come Out of Babylon"). Verse 6, therefore, serves as the direct command for the execution of the judgment that has been declared and justified by Babylon's extensive wickedness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "Babylon" in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly those concerning the historical city of Babylon, which famously conquered Judah and exiled its people. This historical Babylon became a symbol of oppressive world empires, idolatry, and arrogance against God (e.g., [Isaiah 13](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Oracle Against Babylon"), [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). In John's day, "Babylon the Great" likely served as a coded reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power that persecuted Christians and demanded emperor worship. The Roman Empire was known for its vast wealth, intricate trade networks, and pervasive idolatry, all of which resonate with the description of Babylon in Revelation 18. The concept of "double" recompense or punishment also has roots in Old Testament legal and prophetic literature, where it could signify either a full, complete measure of payment or punishment, or an intensified, overwhelming judgment, often reflecting the severity of the offense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting God's unwavering commitment to righteous judgment against all forms of evil and oppression. Babylon's fall is not arbitrary but a direct, deserved consequence of her actions, demonstrating that God sees, remembers, and will ultimately repay every injustice. The emphasis on "double" judgment highlights the **Proportionality and Completeness of God's Wrath**, signifying a full and overwhelming measure of divine recompense that perfectly fits the magnitude of Babylon's sin and her persecution of God's saints [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Rejoice Over Babylon's Fall"). Furthermore, the imagery of "the cup" reinforces the biblical theme of **God's Wrath as a Consummated Reality**, where the wicked are forced to drink the bitter consequences of their own deeds, a motif seen in passages like [Jeremiah 25:15-16](/jeremiah/25-15-16 "Jeremiah 25:15-16 - The Cup of God's Wrath") and [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - The Cup of Trembling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Double (Greek, _diplous'_ / _diplóō'_):** The word _diplous_ (G1362) means "two-fold," while _diplóō_ (G1363) means "to render two-fold" or "double." Their repeated use in Revelation 18:6 ("double unto her double") is highly emphatic, underscoring the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of Babylon's judgment. It signifies not merely a tit-for-tat, but a full, decisive, and final reckoning that leaves no room for escape or mitigation. This "double" measure represents a complete and overwhelming divine wrath, proportionate to Babylon's immense evil, luxury, and oppression. It is a judgment that fully satisfies the demands of justice.
* **Works (Greek, _érgon'_):** The term _érgon_ (G2041) refers to toil, effort, or an act. In this context, "according to her works" (κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῆς, _kata ta erga autēs_) stresses that the judgment is entirely merited and based on Babylon's accumulated deeds of sin, oppression, and rebellion against God. This phrase connects the punishment directly to her actions, emphasizing divine justice and accountability. It highlights that God's judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to the totality of her wicked endeavors, including her persecution of the saints and prophets [Revelation 18:24](/revelation/18-24 "Revelation 18:24 - Blood of Saints in Babylon").
* **Cup (Greek, _potḗrion'_):** The word _potḗrion_ (G4221) denotes a drinking-vessel, its contents, or figuratively, a lot or fate. In biblical imagery, a cup frequently symbolizes destiny, suffering, or divine wrath. Here, "the cup which she hath filled" refers to the measure of wickedness, persecution, and idolatry that Babylon has meted out to others and accumulated for herself. The command to "fill to her double" from this very cup signifies that she will be forced to drink the full, intensified consequences of her own actions. It is a powerful metaphor for poetic justice, where the instrument of her sin becomes the instrument of her judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Reward her even as she rewarded you":** This clause establishes the foundational principle of divine retribution: lex talionis, or "an eye for an eye." God's judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly tailored to the actions of the wicked. Babylon's punishment will directly mirror the suffering, oppression, and injustice she inflicted upon God's people and the world. It signifies a just and equitable recompense.
* **"and double unto her double according to her works":** This expands upon the initial principle, intensifying the judgment. The repetition of "double" (from _diplóō_ and _diplous_) underscores the completeness and overwhelming nature of the recompense. It is a full measure, perhaps even amplified, of divine wrath that is precisely proportionate to the totality of her accumulated "works"—her deeds of sin, rebellion, and persecution. This ensures that the punishment is not merely equivalent but decisively conclusive.
* **"in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double":** This final phrase employs powerful metaphorical language. The "cup" symbolizes the destiny or fate, specifically the measure of wickedness and suffering that Babylon has "filled" or prepared for others. The command to "fill to her double" from this very cup means that Babylon will be forced to drink the full, intensified consequences of her own actions. It is a vivid image of poetic justice, where the instrument of her sin becomes the instrument of her judgment, ensuring a complete and inescapable reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:6 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey the certainty and severity of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Repetition**, particularly with the word "double" (Greek, _diplous_ and _diplóō_). Its threefold appearance ("double unto her double... fill to her double") creates a powerful rhetorical emphasis, underscoring the absolute certainty, completeness, and overwhelming nature of the judgment. This is not a partial or negotiable punishment but a full, intensified reckoning. **Parallelism** is also evident in the structure, where the command to "reward her even as she rewarded you" is echoed and amplified by the subsequent clauses concerning the "double" measure and the "cup." This reinforces the principle of just retribution. Furthermore, the verse utilizes potent **Metaphor** through the imagery of "the cup." The cup is a well-established biblical symbol for destiny, suffering, or divine wrath, and here it vividly portrays Babylon being forced to consume the very consequences of her own wickedness. This powerful imagery contributes to the dramatic and final pronouncements against the oppressive world system.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:6 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering commitment to justice, a theme woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It assures believers that no act of sin, oppression, or rebellion against God and His people will go unpunished. This verse highlights the principle of divine accountability, where judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly commensurate with the deeds committed. It underscores that God is sovereign over history, and though evil may seem to triumph for a season, His ultimate and complete justice will prevail, bringing full recompense to those who oppose Him and vindication to His suffering saints.

* [Psalm 62:12](/psalm/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God Rewards According to Works")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [2 Timothy 4:14](/2_timothy/4-14 "2 Timothy 4:14 - Alexander the Coppersmith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:6 offers profound comfort and a sobering warning for believers today. In a world often characterized by injustice, where the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is ultimately just. It assures us that every tear shed, every act of persecution endured, and every sin committed against God's kingdom is seen and recorded by Him. This divine promise of ultimate justice provides hope and strengthens our faith, encouraging us to persevere even when circumstances seem bleak. It also calls us to self-examination: if God's justice is so precise and comprehensive, how much more should we strive for righteousness in our own lives, living in light of His coming judgment and rewards? Furthermore, this passage reinforces the call to spiritual discernment and separation from worldly systems that oppose God's values. Just as ancient Israel was called to separate from Babylon, believers are urged to avoid entanglement with the corrupting influences of the world, lest they partake in its sins and its judgment. It's a call to live distinctly, guided by eternal principles rather than fleeting worldly allurements.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's perfect justice, as described in Revelation 18:6, impact your perspective on current injustices in the world?**
* **In what ways might you be subtly entangled with "Babylonian" values or systems, and how can you actively "come out" of them?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's timing and method for bringing about justice, even when it seems delayed?**

### FAQ

**What does "double unto her double" mean in the context of Babylon's judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "double unto her double" (and "fill to her double") signifies a complete, overwhelming, and decisively comprehensive measure of judgment. While some interpretations suggest a literal doubling of suffering, the primary theological meaning is that Babylon will receive the full, intensified recompense that perfectly fits the magnitude of her sins and her persecution of God's people. It's not merely a tit-for-tat, but a final, unmitigated outpouring of divine wrath that leaves no room for escape or mitigation, ensuring that justice is fully satisfied according to her accumulated "works" [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Revelation 18:5 - Her Sins Have Reached Heaven").

**Does this verse encourage believers to seek revenge against their oppressors?**

Answer: No, Revelation 18:6 is a divine pronouncement of God's own justice, not a command for human vengeance. While it assures believers that God will ultimately repay those who harm His people, the New Testament consistently teaches believers to love their enemies [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), bless those who persecute them [Romans 12:14](/romans/12-14 "Romans 12:14 - Bless Those Who Persecute"), and leave vengeance to God [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine"). This verse provides comfort and assurance that God will right all wrongs in His perfect timing, removing the burden of revenge from His followers and allowing them to focus on their mission of love and reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:6, with its resounding declaration of divine justice against the ultimate expression of worldly evil, finds its profoundest Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While this verse speaks of judgment, it implicitly points to Christ as the one through whom all judgment is executed, for the Father "has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man" [John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus Given Authority to Judge"). The ultimate "reward" for sin, which is death [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"), was taken upon Himself by Christ on the cross, as He became sin for us, bearing the full cup of God's wrath that we deserved [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). Thus, for those who are in Christ, the "double" measure of judgment is not for them, but for the world system that rejected Him. Conversely, through His atoning sacrifice, Christ offers a "double" portion of grace and blessing to His redeemed, fulfilling prophecies of restoration and comfort for His people who had suffered "double for all her sins" [Isaiah 61:7](/isaiah/61-7 "Isaiah 61:7 - Double for Your Shame"). Ultimately, the judgment pronounced in Revelation 18:6 is a testament to the righteous reign of the Lamb, who will ultimately conquer all evil and establish His eternal kingdom of justice and peace [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as the Rider on the White Horse").

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 50:29

Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 137:8

O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy [shall he be], that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.

Jeremiah 50:15

Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it [is] the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.

Jeremiah 51:24

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 16:19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Jeremiah 17:18

Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.