What does Revelation 18:6 mean?

Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double. Revelation 18:6

Explanation

Revelation 18:6 is a verse from the Bible’s New Testament, from the book of Revelation, which is often attributed to John of Patmos. This verse forms part of a larger section that is a pronouncement of judgment against Babylon, a symbol of evil and opposition to God. Babylon here is personified and possibly represents Rome or another corrupt city/nation/system that stands against divine principles.

In this specific verse, the call is for retributive justice: “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works.” It suggests that the same measure of punishment should be given to her—referring to Babylon—as she imposed on others. Furthermore, it specifies that this recompense should be doubled.

The mention of “the cup which she hath filled fill to her double” uses the metaphor of a cup, symbolizing the full measure of sins and iniquities, which is now to be filled with a double portion of punishment or wrath. The imagery indicates not just recompense but an intensified reciprocation for the actions of Babylon.

Historical Context

The book of Revelation was written during a time of significant persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. Many scholars date its writing to the late first century, around the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD). During this era, Rome epitomized wealth, power, and, to Christians, moral decay and persecution. In the highly symbolic language of Revelation, “Babylon” is seen as a code name for Rome or any anti-Christian power.

Given that Rome was the dominant power and known for its vices and persecution of Christians, the audience of Revelation would understand the imagery of Babylon being repaid for her deeds as a prophetic promise of divine justice.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 18:6 highlights several key insights:

• Divine Justice: This verse reinforces the concept of God’s ultimate judgment and justice, asserting that evil will be repaid and divine justice served.

• The Principle of Retribution: The idea that punishment will match the sin committed is rooted in the “lex talionis,” the law of retaliation, found in the Old Testament.

• Eschatology: The verse also reflects the eschatological belief that there will be an end-time judgment on all nations and powers that oppose God.

Different theological traditions may interpret the severity of this judgment and its application in varying ways. Some may view it as a historical event, while others may see it as an ongoing spiritual battle or a future apocalyptic event.

Practical Applications

For modern readers, Revelation 18:6 can offer several applications:

• Seeking Justice: This encourages individuals and societies to strive for justice and hold others accountable for their actions.

• Warning against Corruption: The verse serves as a warning against becoming like “Babylon,” indulging in corruption and injustice.

• Comfort in Persecution: For those facing oppression, the promise of divine justice offers comfort and hope that wrongs will be made right.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 50:29: “Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Israel.”

• Jeremiah 51:24: “And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the Lord.”

• Psalm 137:8: “O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Revelation 18:6, key words include:

• ἀπόδοτε (apodote): Translated as “reward” or “give back,” this imperatively suggests that actions be repaid in kind.

• διπλῶσατε (diplōsate): This verb, translated as “double,” indicates a doubling or multiplying, emphasizing the magnitude of retribution suggested.

• αὐτῆς (autēs): The feminine pronoun here likely personifies Babylon as a woman, commonly used in prophetic literature to symbolize a city/nation.

Exploring these Greek terms helps to understand the intensity and specificity of the call for retributive justice against Babylon.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a city or nation falling due to its transgressions is common in ancient cultures. For example, the fall of Troy is a narrative in Greek mythology wherein the city is sacked as a result of the pride and wrongdoings of its inhabitants.

In religious texts outside of Christianity, similar concepts of divine retribution exist. In Hinduism, the law of karma speaks to actions eventually returning to the doer, good or bad. Within Islam, the Quran also speaks of the idea that one will face consequences in accordance with their deeds.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse from Revelation is a religious proclamation and is not directly subject to scientific scrutiny. However, the themes of cause and effect, as well as justice and retribution, do have parallels in social sciences like psychology and sociology. Studies in these fields often explore how societal norms and laws are constructed to maintain order and how individuals perceive justice.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide diverse interpretations of Revelation 18:6:

• Historicist view: Some commentaries consider this verse as predicting a specific historical event when a corrupt entity that opposed the people of God would be punished with severe justice.

• Preterist view: Others may interpret this verse as referring to events that already occurred in the past, particularly the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD or the fall of the Roman Empire.

• Futurist view: Many take a futurist approach, seeing this as a prediction of end-time events yet to unfold.

• Idealist view: There’s an allegorical or symbolic interpretation understanding the verse as speaking to the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the church age.

Overall, the interpretations vary based on the overarching eschatological framework with which commentators approach the book of Revelation.