What does Revelation 18:18 mean?

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! Revelation 18:18

Explanation

Revelation 18:18 speaks metaphorically of a scene of destruction. It is embedded in the larger context of Revelation 18, which describes the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of a corrupt, materialistic, and idolatrous system opposed to God. In this verse, those who have benefited from the wealth and commerce of the city (“the smoke of her burning” signifies its utter destruction) stand at a distance, perhaps for fear of being consumed by the same judgment. Their cry, “What city is like unto this great city!” is one of lamentation over the loss of a once powerful and seemingly invincible city, but it also reflects awe at the scope of its downfall. The verse captures both the shock at Babylon’s sudden ruin and the irreplaceable role it played in their lives economically and culturally.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, or the Apocalypse, was written by John of Patmos around 95 AD. The verse in question reflects the eschatological themes prevalent at the time, where apocalyptic literature was common. The description of Babylon in Revelation often parallels the historical city of Babylon, known for its luxury and decadence. Yet, the Babylon of Revelation serves as a symbol for Rome or any oppressive worldly power in opposition to God. At the time of writing, early Christians faced persecution from the Roman Empire, and the imagery of a fallen Babylon would resonate as a message of hope that tyranny and evil would not last.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse serves as a caution against placing one’s security in the material wealth or power structures of this world. From different viewpoints:

• Preterists may interpret “Babylon” as Ancient Rome and its literal fall in history.
• Futurists could see this as a prophecy regarding the end times, a future empire, or system that will crumble.
• Historicists might view it as representative of ongoing historical cycles of empires rising and falling due to moral decay.
• Idealists might see Babylon as a symbol for all worldly systems that oppose God’s kingdom, emphasizing the spiritual and moral implications rather than identifying a specific historical city.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a cautionary reminder not to become complacent or overly invested in worldly success or material possessions. It teaches that no matter how powerful or secure our civilizations or achievements may seem, they are temporary and susceptible to judgment. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to invest in their spiritual lives and align themselves with divine rather than worldly values.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 51:8 – “Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.”
• Isaiah 21:9 – “And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.”
• Revelation 14:8 – “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
• 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.”

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text is “μεγάλη” (megalē), translated as “great”. It denotes something of significant size, importance, or intensity. In the context of “this great city”, it suggests not only the physical immensity but also the vast influence and power of Babylon. The word “καπνὸς” (kapnos) translates to “smoke”, which can imply the results of a destructive fire and serves as a visible sign of the city’s downfall.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The fall of great cities and the lament over their destruction can be found in other cultural and religious traditions as well. For example, the Epic of Gilgamesh recounts the fall of the city of Uruk. Additionally, in Hinduism, the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world is a recurring theme. The fall of Babylon in Revelation can be compared to such stories, highlighting a universal theme of the impermanence of human constructs in the face of divine or cosmic forces.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse does not directly intersect with any scientific principles, as it deals with symbolic imagery and prophecies. However, it brings up interesting points of discussion regarding the rise and fall of civilizations, which can be studied through anthropology, history, and sociology, and natural disasters, which are studied within environmental sciences and geology.

Commentaries

Varied biblical scholars and commentators have different interpretations of Revelation 18:18.

• Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the lamentation of onlookers emphasizes the unexpectedness of Babylon’s fall and the world’s dependence on it for riches and pleasures.
• The MacArthur Bible Commentary emphasizes the symbolism of smoke as the aftermath of God’s judgment, serving as a warning to all who witness it.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament identifies the city’s metaphorical representation of any world system in rebellion against God and its inevitable doom. Each commentator agrees, however, on the central theme of the verse: the transient nature of worldly glory and the certainty of divine judgment.