Revelation 18:7

KJV

How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

KJV (with Strong's)

How much {G3745} she hath glorified {G1392} herself {G1438}, and {G2532} lived deliciously {G4763}, so much {G5118} torment {G929} and {G2532} sorrow {G3997} give {G1325} her {G846}: for {G3754} she saith {G3004} in {G1722} her {G846} heart {G2588}, I sit {G2521} a queen {G938}, and {G2532} am {G1510} no {G3756} widow {G5503}, and {G2532} shall see {G1492} no {G3364} sorrow {G3997}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Give her as much torment and sorrow
as the glory and luxury she gave herself!
For in her heart she says, ‘I sit a queen —
I am not a widow, I will never see sorrow.’

Berean Standard Bible

As much as she has glorified herself and lived in luxury, give her the same measure of torment and grief. In her heart she says, ‘I sit as queen; I am not a widow and will never see grief.’

American Standard Version

How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:7 delivers a profound divine judgment against "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of a global system characterized by spiritual apostasy, economic exploitation, and arrogant self-sufficiency. This verse declares that the measure of her impending torment and sorrow will directly correspond to the extent of her self-glorification and lavish indulgence, culminating in her defiant declaration of perpetual sovereignty and immunity from suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader prophetic vision of Revelation, specifically within the detailed pronouncements concerning the fall of "Babylon the Great" in [Revelation 17-18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17-18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Chapter 17 introduces Babylon as the "great harlot" seated on many waters, symbolizing her widespread influence and corrupting power, in league with the beast. Chapter 18 then vividly describes her sudden and catastrophic destruction, lamentations from those who profited from her, and a call for God's people to separate from her. Verse 7 specifically articulates the *reason* for her judgment, detailing her internal boast and external display of pride and luxury, which directly precedes the lamentations of kings, merchants, and mariners over her demise. It serves as a theological justification for the severity of the impending divine retribution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Babylon in Revelation draws heavily from the historical city of Babylon, notorious in the Old Testament for its idolatry, arrogance, and oppressive rule over 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 the Roman imperial context of John's writing, "Babylon" became a veiled reference to Rome, the dominant world power of the time, known for its immense wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and persecution of Christians. The phrase "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow" echoes the boasts of ancient cities and empires, particularly those found in [Isaiah 47:8](/isaiah/47-8 "Isaiah 47:8 - Babylon's Boast of Security") concerning literal Babylon, where she similarly declared herself a queen who would never know loss. This cultural context highlights the hubris of powerful entities that believe themselves invincible and self-sufficient, oblivious to divine judgment.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:7 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Retribution and Poetic Justice**, demonstrating that God's judgment is precise and proportional to sin, particularly pride and self-exaltation. Babylon's torment and sorrow are a direct consequence of her self-glorification and luxurious living. Secondly, it highlights the danger of **Materialism and Worldly Indulgence**, portraying excessive wealth and pleasure as a spiritual snare that blinds one to impending judgment. The "living deliciously" is not merely a lifestyle but a spiritual posture of disregard for God. Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **False Security and Spiritual Blindness**. Babylon's self-assured declaration of being "a queen" and "no widow" reveals a profound spiritual delusion, a belief in her own invulnerability that stands in stark contrast to the reality of God's sovereign power. This theme is echoed in other biblical warnings against trusting in earthly riches or power, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Before Destruction") or [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorified (Greek, _doxázō_):** (G1392) This verb means "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to magnify," or "to honor." When used reflexively with "herself" (G1438, _heautoû_), it signifies self-exaltation, giving glory to oneself rather than to God. Babylon is not merely proud; she actively ascribes honor and majesty to her own being and achievements, a direct usurpation of God's unique prerogative to receive glory. This self-glorification is the root of her defiance.
* **lived deliciously (Greek, _strēniáō_):** (G4763) This word describes living in wanton luxury, sensuality, and unrestrained indulgence, often implying arrogance and disdain for moral restraint or the suffering of others. It suggests a life characterized by excessive pleasure, opulence, and a lack of self-control, indicative of a spiritual state that prioritizes worldly comforts and desires over divine principles. It's not just about wealth, but the attitude accompanying it.
* **sorrow (Greek, _pénthos_):** (G3997) This noun denotes deep grief, mourning, or lamentation. It signifies the profound emotional pain and distress that will befall Babylon, directly contrasting her earlier boast that she "shall see no sorrow." The use of this word emphasizes the complete reversal of her perceived state of invulnerability and perpetual joy, highlighting the severity and emotional impact of her judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her:"** This clause establishes the principle of divine retribution, a direct correlation between Babylon's sin and her punishment. The "how much... so much" (Greek: _hósos... tosoûtos_) emphasizes a precise, proportional justice. Her self-exaltation (_doxázō heautoû_) and wanton luxury (_strēniáō_) are identified as the specific transgressions that warrant an equal measure of "torment" (_basanismós_, G929) and "sorrow" (_pénthos_, G3997). This is a divine imperative, a command for justice to be executed.
* **"for she saith in her heart,"** This phrase reveals the internal disposition and the underlying motivation for Babylon's outward behavior and eventual judgment. Her sin is not merely external actions but stems from a deep-seated attitude of the "heart" (_kardía_, G2588), signifying her innermost thoughts, intentions, and core identity. This internal declaration underscores her spiritual arrogance and self-deception.
* **"I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."** This is Babylon's boast, a threefold declaration of her perceived invincibility and self-sufficiency. "I sit a queen" (_káthēmai basílissa_, G2521 G938) implies a stable, reigning authority, a position of unchallenged power and sovereignty. "And am no widow" (_ou chḗra eimí_, G3756 G5503 G1510) is a powerful statement of self-sufficiency and immunity from loss. In ancient societies, a widow was often vulnerable, dependent, and subject to hardship; Babylon's assertion means she believes herself immune to vulnerability, loss, or external control. The final phrase, "and shall see no sorrow" (_ou mḗ eídō pénthos_, G3364 G1492 G3997), uses a strong double negative in Greek ("not at all see"), emphatically denying any future experience of grief or suffering. This complete denial of future pain seals her delusion and highlights the extent of her spiritual blindness.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:7 is rich with **Symbolism**, where "Babylon the Great" is not merely a literal city but a symbolic representation of all systems, powers, and cultures that oppose God and embody human pride, materialism, and rebellion. Her "glorifying herself" and "living deliciously" are symbolic of the spiritual corruption and moral decay inherent in such a system. The verse also employs striking **Irony**, as Babylon's confident boast of being "a queen" and "no widow" who "shall see no sorrow" directly foreshadows the exact opposite outcome: her utter desolation, abandonment, and overwhelming grief. This dramatic contrast emphasizes the certainty of divine judgment and the folly of human arrogance. Furthermore, there is a clear use of **Poetic Justice** or **Lex Talionis** (law of retaliation), where the punishment precisely fits the crime. The "how much... so much" structure highlights this principle, ensuring that the torment and sorrow she receives are directly proportional to the self-glorification and luxury she indulged in.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:7 serves as a powerful theological statement on the nature of divine justice and the consequences of human rebellion. It underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that pride, self-sufficiency, and materialism are an affront to His glory, inevitably leading to judgment. The verse illustrates that true security is not found in wealth, power, or self-exaltation, but in humble dependence on God. It warns against the seductive allure of the world system that promises security and pleasure but ultimately delivers torment and sorrow. This principle of proportional judgment and the downfall of the arrogant is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, reinforcing God's righteous character and His ultimate victory over all forms of evil.

* [Isaiah 47:8-9](/isaiah/47-8-9 "Isaiah 47:8-9 - Babylon's Boast and Sudden Loss")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:7 calls believers to a profound self-examination regarding our allegiances and values. It challenges us to consider where our confidence and security truly lie: in fleeting earthly possessions and status, or in the eternal God. The "Babylon" of this verse, while a grand symbol, also represents the spirit of the world that can subtly infiltrate our hearts, tempting us to glorify ourselves, live for pleasure, and believe we are immune to life's sorrows or God's judgment. This verse serves as a stark reminder that true spiritual health involves humility, detachment from excessive materialism, and a sober recognition of our dependence on God. It encourages us to cultivate a counter-cultural lifestyle that prioritizes heavenly treasures over earthly ones, recognizing that pride precedes a fall and that genuine joy and peace are found not in self-sufficiency, but in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prone to self-glorification or taking credit for what God has done?**
* **How might the "delicious living" of our modern culture subtly draw me away from spiritual vigilance and dependence on God?**
* **What false securities or illusions of self-sufficiency do I sometimes cling to, rather than fully trusting in God's provision and sovereignty?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of humility and gratitude that resists the spirit of Babylon in my daily life?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: "Babylon the Great" is a multifaceted symbol in Revelation, primarily representing a global system of spiritual apostasy, economic exploitation, and political oppression that stands in defiance of God. While it likely had contemporary relevance to Rome in John's time, its symbolic nature extends beyond any single historical entity to encompass any and all human systems, empires, or cultures that embody pride, materialism, and the persecution of God's people. It embodies the anti-God spirit of the world, characterized by self-exaltation and a rejection of divine authority, as seen in its boast in [Revelation 18:7](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7 - Babylon's Boast").

**Why is Babylon's punishment proportional to her sins?**

Answer: Babylon's punishment being proportional to her sins ("How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her") illustrates the biblical principle of divine justice, often referred to as *lex talionis* or poetic justice. This concept, evident throughout Scripture (e.g., [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")), emphasizes that God's judgments are righteous and perfectly calibrated to the nature and extent of the transgression. Babylon's self-glorification and indulgent lifestyle directly provoked a corresponding measure of torment and sorrow, demonstrating that God's justice is not arbitrary but perfectly equitable, ensuring that sin receives its just recompense.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 18:7 directly addresses the judgment of "Babylon the Great," its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the stark contrast between Babylon's self-glorification and Christ's ultimate humility, and between her false security and His true and eternal reign. Babylon's boast, "I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow," epitomizes the pride and self-sufficiency of a fallen world that rejects its need for a Savior. In direct opposition, Jesus Christ, "who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")), glorified not Himself but the Father, even to the point of death on a cross. Babylon seeks to avoid sorrow, but Christ willingly embraced the deepest sorrow and suffering for the sake of humanity's redemption ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ, a Man of Sorrows")). Her claim of being "no widow" speaks of her perceived invulnerability, yet the Church, the true bride of Christ, though experiencing earthly trials, awaits her ultimate union with the Lamb at the marriage supper ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), a security far surpassing any worldly boast. Thus, Babylon's downfall serves as a powerful testament to the futility of human pride and the ultimate triumph of Christ's humble, self-sacrificial reign, which alone brings true and lasting peace, joy, and security to His people, free from the sorrow and torment that await those who reject Him.

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

Isaiah 47:7

¶ And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: [so] that thou didst not lay these [things] to thy heart, neither didst remember the latter end of it.

Isaiah 47:9

But these two [things] shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, [and] for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Zephaniah 2:15

This [is] the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I [am], and [there is] none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, [and] wag his hand.

Lamentations 1:1

¶ How doth the city sit solitary, [that was] full of people! [how] is she become as a widow! she [that was] great among the nations, [and] princess among the provinces, [how] is she become tributary!

Ezekiel 28:2

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

Ezekiel 28:10

Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken [it], saith the Lord GOD.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.