Revelation 18:8

KJV

Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G5124}{G1223} shall {G2240} her {G846} plagues {G4127} come {G2240} in {G1722} one {G3391} day {G2250}, death {G2288}, and {G2532} mourning {G3997}, and {G2532} famine {G3042}; and {G2532} she shall be utterly burned {G2618} with {G1722} fire {G4442}: for {G3754} strong {G2478} is the Lord {G2962} God {G2316} who {G3588} judgeth {G2919} her {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Therefore, her plagues will come in a single day —
death, sorrow and famine;
and she will be burned with fire,
because Adonai, God, her Judge, is mighty”

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore her plagues will come in one day— death and grief and famine— and she will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

American Standard Version

Therefore in one day shall her plagues come, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire; for strong is the Lord God who judged her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:8 pronounces the swift, comprehensive, and divinely ordained judgment upon "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing the world's corrupt systems, economic exploitation, and spiritual rebellion against God. This verse declares that a series of devastating plagues—death, mourning, and famine—will descend upon her in a single day, culminating in her utter destruction by fire, all because the Lord God, who judges her, is mighty and just in His retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:8 is situated within the climactic prophetic narrative of Babylon's fall, which spans [Revelation chapters 17 and 18](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17-18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Chapter 17 introduces "Babylon the Great" as a harlot riding a scarlet beast, symbolizing her spiritual fornication and political alliances. Chapter 18 then shifts to a lament over her economic and social ruin, detailing the grief of those who profited from her wickedness. Verse 8 specifically follows Babylon's arrogant boast of self-sufficiency and immunity from sorrow in [Revelation 18:7](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7 - Babylon's Boast"), setting up a stark contrast between her pride and her impending, sudden collapse. This verse serves as the divine pronouncement justifying and describing the immediate consequences of her judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Babylon in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament prophecies against historical Babylon, particularly those found in [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon") and [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Judgment on Babylon"). In John's time, "Babylon" likely served as a coded reference to Rome, the dominant imperial power that oppressed God's people and engaged in idolatry and economic exploitation. The "plagues" (death, mourning, famine) were common judgments in the ancient world, often associated with divine wrath, as seen in the plagues upon Egypt in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin"). The concept of a city being "utterly burned with fire" was a vivid image of complete destruction, familiar from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in [Genesis 19](/genesis/19 "Genesis 19 - Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed"), signifying divine judgment and purification.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Judgment and Justice**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to bringing righteous retribution against all forms of evil, oppression, and spiritual idolatry. The specified "plagues" are traditional biblical expressions of divine wrath, highlighting the severity of God's response to sin. Another crucial theme is the **Suddenness and Totality of Destruction**. The phrase "in one day" underscores the unexpected and complete nature of Babylon's downfall, demonstrating that what seemed impregnable will be destroyed in a remarkably short time, leaving no room for escape or recovery. This swiftness is a recurring motif in prophetic warnings, such as the [sudden destruction described in 1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction"). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's Unquestionable Power and Authority**. The concluding declaration, "for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her," serves as the ultimate justification and explanation for this devastating judgment, affirming God's irresistible might and righteous authority over all earthly powers and their rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **plagues (Greek, _plēgḗ'_):** G4127. From a root meaning "to strike," this word denotes a stroke, wound, or, figuratively, a calamity. In the context of Revelation, it frequently refers to the divine judgments or scourges poured out upon the earth, reminiscent of the plagues in Exodus. Here, it signifies the specific, divinely orchestrated calamities that will befall Babylon.
* **utterly burned (Greek, _katakaíō'_):** G2618. This compound verb, formed from _katá_ (down, completely) and _kaíō_ (to burn), means "to burn down (to the ground)" or "to consume wholly." It emphasizes the absolute and irreversible destruction by fire, leaving nothing behind. This is not merely damage but complete annihilation, signifying the finality of God's judgment.
* **strong (Greek, _ischyrós'_):** G2478. Derived from _ischýs_ (strength, might), this adjective describes someone or something as forcible, mighty, powerful, or valiant. When applied to God, as here, it underscores His supreme, irresistible power and ability to execute His decrees without hindrance. It is His inherent might that guarantees the certainty and effectiveness of Babylon's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore shall her plagues come in one day,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct consequence ("Therefore") of Babylon's pride and sin, as detailed in the preceding verses. The "plagues" are the divinely appointed judgments, and their arrival "in one day" emphasizes the suddenness, unexpectedness, and swiftness of the destruction. This immediate onset highlights the decisive nature of God's intervention.
* **"death, and mourning, and famine;"**: This triad specifies the nature of the plagues. "Death" signifies widespread loss of life, likely due to the judgment itself or its immediate aftermath. "Mourning" points to the profound grief and lamentation that will accompany this devastation, particularly from those who benefited from Babylon's prosperity. "Famine" indicates a severe lack of food, leading to widespread suffering and starvation, a common consequence of societal collapse and divine judgment in biblical prophecy. These three elements represent a comprehensive breakdown of life and societal order.
* **"and she shall be utterly burned with fire:"**: This clause describes the ultimate and final act of destruction. The phrase "utterly burned" (Greek _katakaíō_) denotes complete consumption and annihilation by fire, leaving nothing remaining. Fire in biblical imagery often symbolizes divine judgment, purification, and irreversible destruction. This signifies the total eradication of Babylon's power, influence, and very existence.
* **"for strong [is] the Lord God who judgeth her."**: This concluding clause provides the divine rationale and justification for the preceding judgment. The "for" (Greek _hóti_) introduces the cause. The declaration that "strong is the Lord God" affirms His omnipotence and absolute capacity to execute His righteous decrees. He is the one "who judgeth her," emphasizing His active, ongoing role as the righteous and sovereign Judge of all nations and systems, whose assessment culminates in this decisive act.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:8 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. **Symbolism** is central, with "Babylon" serving as a potent symbol not merely of a historical city but of any worldly system characterized by spiritual idolatry, economic exploitation, and rebellion against God. The "plagues" of death, mourning, and famine are symbolic of comprehensive divine judgment, while "fire" symbolizes complete, irreversible destruction and purification. The phrase "in one day" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the unexpected swiftness and totality of the judgment, rather than a literal 24-hour period. This dramatic timing underscores the suddenness of God's intervention. The listing of "death, and mourning, and famine" is a classic example of a **Triad** or **Climax**, a rhetorical device that builds intensity and completeness, indicating a multifaceted and devastating judgment. Finally, the concluding clause, "for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her," serves as a **Justification** or **Divine Rationale**, providing the theological underpinning for the entire pronouncement, affirming God's omnipotence and righteous authority as the ultimate Judge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:8 powerfully articulates the biblical truth of God's sovereign justice and His ultimate triumph over all forms of evil and rebellion. It underscores that no earthly power, however seemingly impregnable or prosperous, can ultimately defy the righteous judgment of the Almighty. This verse serves as a profound reminder that God is not indifferent to injustice, exploitation, or spiritual idolatry, and that His patience, while vast, will eventually culminate in decisive action. The suddenness and totality of Babylon's destruction highlight the certainty and severity of divine retribution, offering both a solemn warning to those who align with worldly systems and immense comfort to those who suffer under them, assuring them that their cries for justice will be answered.

* [Isaiah 13:9-10](/isaiah/13-9-10 "Isaiah 13:9-10 - The Day of the Lord's Wrath")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction for the Unprepared")
* [Revelation 19:2](/revelation/19-2 "Revelation 19:2 - God's True and Righteous Judgments")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:8 calls believers to a profound re-evaluation of their allegiances and priorities. In a world often dominated by systems that prioritize material gain, self-sufficiency, and power over righteousness and justice, this verse serves as a stark warning against entanglement with "Babylon." It challenges us to discern where our true loyalties lie and to avoid becoming complicit in or dependent upon systems that are ultimately destined for divine judgment. For those who feel oppressed, marginalized, or disheartened by the apparent flourishing of evil, this verse offers immense comfort and hope. It assures us that God sees every injustice, hears every cry, and will, in His perfect timing and with irresistible power, intervene to bring about His perfect justice. This truth should strengthen our faith, encourage perseverance in righteousness, and ignite a renewed trust in God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly affairs. It reminds us that while evil may seem triumphant for a season, God's final word is always one of righteous judgment and ultimate restoration for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "Babylon" manifest in our contemporary society, and how might we unknowingly be entangled with its values or systems?**
* **How does the suddenness and totality of Babylon's judgment in this verse impact your understanding of God's justice and His timing?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our allegiances are solely with God's Kingdom, rather than with the fleeting comforts or powers of this world?**
* **How does the assurance that "strong is the Lord God who judgeth her" provide comfort or challenge to your personal faith today?**

### FAQ

**What does "Babylon the Great" symbolize in Revelation 18:8?**

Answer: In Revelation, "Babylon the Great" is a complex and multifaceted symbol. While it draws imagery from the historical city of Babylon, known for its idolatry, luxury, and oppression of God's people, in Revelation it primarily symbolizes the global system of rebellion against God. This includes corrupt political powers, economic exploitation, spiritual idolatry, and moral depravity that pervades human society and stands in opposition to God's righteous rule. It represents the culmination of all worldly systems that entice humanity away from God and into sin, often through wealth, power, and false security, ultimately leading to the persecution of God's saints, as seen in [Revelation 17:6](/revelation/17-6 "Revelation 17:6 - Babylon Drunk with the Blood of Saints").

**Why does the verse emphasize that the plagues will come "in one day"?**

Answer: The phrase "in one day" (Greek _mía hēméra_) emphasizes the suddenness, unexpectedness, and decisive nature of God's judgment. It highlights that Babylon's destruction will not be a slow decline but a swift, overwhelming collapse. This serves to underscore the certainty of God's judgment and the futility of resistance. It also contrasts sharply with Babylon's boast of eternal security in [Revelation 18:7](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7 - Babylon's Boast"), demonstrating that her perceived invincibility is an illusion before the power of God. This swiftness is a common theme in prophetic warnings about divine retribution, emphasizing that when God's judgment comes, it will be decisive and inescapable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:8, while describing the judgment of a worldly system, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the righteous Judge and the Victor over all powers of darkness and rebellion. The "plagues" and "utter destruction by fire" of Babylon foreshadow the final and complete triumph of Christ over sin, death, and all opposing authorities. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), first bore the judgment for humanity's sin on the cross, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is also the one to whom [all judgment has been committed by the Father](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Jesus as Judge"), ensuring that the final reckoning with all unrighteousness will be perfectly just and true. The destruction of Babylon points forward to the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where there will be [no more death, mourning, crying, or pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow in the New Creation"), because the old order of sin and rebellion, symbolized by Babylon, will have passed away, replaced by the [New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity](/revelation/21-1-3 "Revelation 21:1-3 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). Thus, Babylon's fall is a necessary prelude to the full realization of Christ's redemptive work and the establishment of His righteous reign.

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 50:31

Behold, I [am] against thee, [O thou] most proud, saith the Lord GOD of hosts: for thy day is come, the time [that] I will visit thee.

Jeremiah 50:34

Their Redeemer [is] strong; the LORD of hosts [is] his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Revelation 18:19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?