### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Babylṓn**, represented by `{{G897}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Babylon**, the capitol of Chaldæa. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses**. The term is used both literally to denote the historical city and figuratively as a powerful symbol of tyranny and rebellion against God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G897}}` appears in two primary contexts. Historically, it marks a pivotal point in Israel's narrative, the "carrying away into **Babylon**" [[Matthew 1:17]], which is a key generational marker in the genealogy of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:11-12]]. Figuratively, particularly in Revelation, **Babylon** represents a great, corrupt, and powerful world system. It is called "**Babylon** the great" [[Revelation 18:2]], a "mighty city" [[Revelation 18:10]] that made all nations drink the wine of its spiritual corruption [[Revelation 14:8]]. This symbolic city is ultimately destined for divine judgment and a complete fall.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which **Babylon** is mentioned:
* `{{G3350}}` **metoikesía** (expatriation): This word for being carried away is directly tied to the historical event of the exile to **Babylon**, structuring the genealogy of Jesus [[Matthew 1:17]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): This term is frequently used to describe **Babylon** in its figurative sense as a center of power and influence, as in "that great **city**" [[Revelation 14:8]] and "that mighty **city**" [[Revelation 18:10]].
* `{{G4204}}` **pórnē** (a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater): This term is fundamental to the symbolic identity of **Babylon**, which is named "THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS" [[Revelation 17:5]], signifying its role as the source of spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G897}}` is significant, representing a major theme of worldly opposition to God.
* **Historical Exile and Lineage:** The "carrying away into **Babylon**" serves as a crucial historical marker in the lineage of Christ, dividing the generations from David to the Messiah [[Matthew 1:17]]. It represents a period of judgment and chastisement for Israel.
* **Archetype of Worldly Rebellion:** In Revelation, **Babylon** becomes the ultimate symbol of a godless world system. It is given the title "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" [[Revelation 17:5]], embodying spiritual adultery and impurity.
* **Object of Divine Judgment:** The fall of **Babylon** is a central theme of divine judgment in the end times. God remembers **Babylon** to give it "the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath" [[Revelation 16:19]]. Its destruction is so absolute that it becomes "the habitation of devils" [[Revelation 18:2]] and is thrown down with violence like a great millstone cast into the sea, to be "found no more at all" [[Revelation 18:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G897}}` carries a dual meaning throughout the New Testament. It is both a literal, historical place tied to the exile of Israel and the genealogy of Jesus [[Matthew 1:17]] and a profound, figurative symbol for the pinnacle of worldly pride, corruption, and idolatry. In its figurative sense, **Babylon** stands as the great adversary of God's people, destined for spectacular and final judgment.
TRV