Revelation 19:3

KJV

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G1208} they said {G2046}, Alleluia {G239}. And {G2532} her {G846} smoke {G2586} rose up {G305} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And a second time they said,

“Halleluyah!
Her smoke goes up forever and ever!”

Berean Standard Bible

And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.”

American Standard Version

And a second time they say, Hallelujah. And her smoke goeth up for ever and ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:3 continues the triumphant heavenly chorus, reiterating the resounding "Alleluia" in response to God's righteous judgment upon "Babylon the Great." This verse specifically highlights the eternal and irreversible nature of this judgment, depicted through the vivid imagery of Babylon's smoke rising perpetually, signifying the complete and final desolation of all that opposed God and persecuted His people. It underscores the divine justice that brings about ultimate vindication and an unending celebration of God's sovereign power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a climactic section of Revelation, specifically following the detailed account of Babylon's fall in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). [Revelation 19:1-2](/revelation/19-1-2 "Revelation 19:1-2 - Heavenly Praise for God's Judgment") introduces the first "Alleluia" from a "great multitude in heaven," praising God for His true and righteous judgments, particularly in avenging the blood of His servants. Verse 3, with its "And again they said, Alleluia," signals a continuation and amplification of this heavenly worship, emphasizing the unanimity and fervor of the celestial response to God's decisive act against the oppressive system of Babylon. The subsequent verses (19:4-6) further expand this chorus of praise, involving the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures, culminating in the declaration of the Lord God Omnipotent's reign. Thus, [Revelation 19:3](/revelation/19-3 "Revelation 19:3 - Eternal Judgment on Babylon") serves as a pivotal reinforcement of the eternal nature of God's justice, bridging the initial outburst of praise with its full, heavenly endorsement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "smoke rising for ever and ever" draws heavily from Old Testament prophetic traditions concerning divine judgment and desolation. For ancient Near Eastern audiences, the destruction of a city by fire, often followed by smoke, was a common and terrifying reality of warfare and divine wrath. Prophets like Isaiah used similar imagery to describe the lasting desolation of condemned nations, as seen in [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Judgment on Edom"). The phrase "for ever and ever" (Greek: _eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn_) is a Hebraism, a superlative expression signifying absolute perpetuity and eternity, used frequently in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) to describe God's eternal nature or the unending consequences of His actions. The "Babylon" referenced here is not merely the historical Mesopotamian city but a symbolic representation of all worldly systems, empires, and spiritual forces that oppose God, persecute His people, and embody moral corruption. The historical Babylon's fall was a significant event, and its symbolic use in Revelation would have resonated with early Christian readers facing Roman persecution, offering assurance that even the most powerful earthly empires would ultimately face God's eternal judgment.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 19:3](/revelation/19-3 "Revelation 19:3 - Eternal Judgment on Babylon") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God is portrayed as the righteous Judge who meticulously avenges the wrongs committed against His saints and brings an end to all evil. The eternal nature of Babylon's destruction underscores the finality and completeness of God's judgment, ensuring that evil will never again rise to power. This leads to the theme of **Heavenly Acclamation and Worship**, as the celestial beings and the redeemed respond to God's just acts with unceasing praise, signified by the repeated "Alleluia." This demonstrates that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are causes for holy celebration in heaven because they uphold His character and establish His righteousness. Finally, the verse reinforces the **Permanence of God's Victory**, assuring believers that the triumph of good over evil is absolute and irreversible. The imagery of smoke rising "for ever and ever" signifies an eternal memorial to God's decisive victory, providing immense comfort and hope to those who endure persecution, knowing that God's ultimate reign will be one of perfect justice and peace, as seen in the promise of a [new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heaven and New Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Alleluia (Hebrew, _allēlouïa'_):** This word, transliterated directly from Hebrew into Greek, is a compound of "hallel" (praise) and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh, God's covenant name). As an "adoring exclamation," it means "Praise ye the LORD!" or "Praise Yah!" Its repeated use in [Revelation 19](/revelation/19 "Revelation 19 - Heavenly Worship and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb") marks the only occurrences of this specific word in the Greek New Testament, signifying a monumental and climactic moment of divine vindication and universal worship.
* **Smoke (Greek, _kapnós'_):** This term literally means "smoke." In the context of biblical judgment, smoke often symbolizes the aftermath of divine wrath and destruction, particularly by fire. It is not necessarily a literal physical smoke but a powerful visual metaphor for the enduring and irreversible consequences of God's judgment, serving as a perpetual reminder of desolation and ruin, as seen in other apocalyptic imagery like the [smoke of torment](/revelation/14-11 "Revelation 14:11 - Smoke of Torment").
* **Forever (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** Derived from a word meaning "always," _aiṓn_ denotes "an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world." When combined with the preposition _eis_ (G1519), meaning "to or into," and repeated as "for ever and ever" (_eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn_), it forms the strongest possible expression of eternity or unending duration in Greek. This phrase emphasizes the absolute, irreversible, and perpetual nature of Babylon's judgment, signifying that its destruction is not temporary but an eternal state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again they said, Alleluia."**: This clause indicates a renewed and sustained outburst of praise from the heavenly multitude. The repetition of "Alleluia" (first appearing in [Revelation 19:1](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1 - First Alleluia")) underscores the intensity, unanimity, and continuous nature of the worship. It signifies that the heavenly host's response to God's righteous judgment is one of profound adoration and joyful affirmation of His character and actions. The "they" refers to the "great multitude" mentioned in [Revelation 19:1](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1 - The Great Multitude in Heaven"), whose voices are now joined by others in subsequent verses.
* **"And her smoke rose up for ever and ever."**: This powerful imagery describes the eternal consequence of God's judgment upon "Babylon." "Her smoke" refers to the smoke of the burning city, Babylon, symbolizing its utter and complete destruction. The phrase "rose up" implies the visible, undeniable evidence of this judgment. The crucial addition "for ever and ever" signifies the absolute and unending nature of this desolation. It means that Babylon's ruin is not merely temporary but an eternal state, a perpetual monument to God's decisive victory over evil and a guarantee that this oppressive system will never rise again.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is central, with the reiteration of "Alleluia" from [Revelation 19:1](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1 - The First Alleluia") and its subsequent appearances in [Revelation 19:4](/revelation/19-4 "Revelation 19:4 - Elders and Living Creatures Praise") and [Revelation 19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Lord God Omnipotent Reigns"). This repetition creates a liturgical rhythm, amplifying the sense of universal and unending praise for God's righteous judgments. **Symbolism** is evident in "her smoke," which functions not as literal smoke but as a powerful symbol of eternal desolation and the irreversible consequences of divine wrath, drawing on Old Testament prophetic imagery (e.g., [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Smoke of Edom's Desolation")). The phrase "for ever and ever" is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, using a superlative expression to emphasize the absolute and unending nature of Babylon's destruction, ensuring that its evil will never resurface. This vivid **Imagery** of perpetually rising smoke serves as a stark, visual reminder of the finality of God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:3 powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. The heavenly acclamation of "Alleluia" in response to Babylon's eternal desolation underscores that God's judgments are not only just but also a cause for profound celebration in the divine economy. This verse reveals a God who is actively engaged in history, bringing about the ultimate triumph of righteousness over all forms of evil and oppression. The permanence of Babylon's judgment assures believers that the cosmic conflict has a definitive end, and God's victory is eternal, providing a foundation for hope amidst present suffering and injustice. It highlights that God's character demands the full and final eradication of all that opposes His holy will, leading to the establishment of His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells.

* [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Desolation of Edom")
* [Jude 1:7](/jude/1-7 "Jude 1:7 - Eternal Fire for Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Revelation 14:11](/revelation/14-11 "Revelation 14:11 - Smoke of Torment for Worshipers of the Beast")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:3 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder that despite the apparent triumph of evil and injustice in the world, God's justice is ultimately victorious and eternally secured. This truth should inspire unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, patience in suffering, and perseverance in faith, knowing that every tear will be wiped away and every wrong will be righted. It calls us to align our hearts and actions with God's righteous character, to long for His kingdom, and to join in the heavenly chorus of praise for His just judgments. For those who align themselves with systems of injustice, oppression, or rebellion against God, the verse stands as a stark and terrifying warning of the irreversible and eternal consequences of such choices. It compels all to examine their allegiance and to turn to the God who is both just and merciful, before the day of final reckoning. Ultimately, this verse invites us to live in light of eternity, with a deep reverence for God's holiness and a fervent hope in His coming kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "her smoke rose up for ever and ever" shape your understanding of the finality of God's judgment on evil?**
* **In what ways does the heavenly "Alleluia" encourage you to praise God, even when you don't fully understand His ways or when evil seems to prevail?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in alignment with God's justice and righteousness, knowing that all opposition to Him will ultimately be vanquished?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the repeated "Alleluia" in Revelation 19?**

Answer: The repeated "Alleluia" (found in [Revelation 19:1](/revelation/19-1 "Revelation 19:1 - The First Alleluia"), [19:3](/revelation/19-3 "Revelation 19:3 - Eternal Judgment on Babylon"), [19:4](/revelation/19-4 "Revelation 19:4 - Elders and Living Creatures Praise"), and [19:6](/revelation/19-6 "Revelation 19:6 - The Lord God Omnipotent Reigns")) is highly significant. It marks the only occurrences of this specific Hebrew word transliterated into the Greek New Testament, making its appearance in Revelation 19 climactic and unique. Its repetition signifies a unanimous, fervent, and sustained outburst of praise from the heavenly host—a "great multitude," elders, and living creatures—in response to God's righteous judgments, particularly the fall of "Babylon the Great." It underscores the profound joy and adoration in heaven for God's vindication of His people and the establishment of His just reign, serving as a powerful declaration of His sovereign power and holiness.

**Does "her smoke rose up for ever and ever" imply literal eternal burning for Babylon?**

Answer: While the imagery of "smoke rising for ever and ever" is vivid and draws from literal destruction by fire, it is primarily symbolic in Revelation, representing the eternal and irreversible consequences of God's judgment. It signifies that the spiritual and political system symbolized by "Babylon the Great" is utterly and permanently vanquished, with no possibility of resurgence. This imagery, rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 34:10](/isaiah/34-10 "Isaiah 34:10 - Desolation of Edom")), emphasizes the finality, completeness, and unending nature of divine retribution. It serves as a perpetual memorial to God's decisive victory over evil, rather than necessarily describing a literal, continuous burning entity. The focus is on the *result* of the judgment being eternal, not necessarily the *process* of burning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:3, with its triumphant declaration of God's righteous judgment and the eternal desolation of Babylon, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Alleluia" chorus is a direct response to the Lamb's victory, for it is Christ who, by His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, has conquered sin, death, and the powers of darkness that Babylon represents. He is the one who "made purification for sins" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ's Supremacy")) and holds "the keys of death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority")). The judgment upon Babylon is the outworking of Christ's kingly authority, demonstrating His power to dismantle all earthly systems that oppose God and persecute His people. As the returning King, He will execute perfect justice, as prophesied in passages like [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse"). The eternal nature of Babylon's destruction foreshadows the eternal reign of Christ in the new heavens and new earth, where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Sorrow")). Thus, the smoke rising forever is a testament to the absolute and final triumph of Christ's kingdom, ensuring that His redeemed people will dwell eternally in righteousness and peace, under the perfect reign of the Lamb of God.

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 34:10

It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

Revelation 18:18

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like unto this great city!

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 14:11

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Genesis 19:28

And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

Jude 1:7

Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.