What does Revelation 18:9 mean?

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 18:9

Explanation

Revelation 18:9 speaks of a scene of mourning and lamentation by earth’s leaders over the downfall of a metaphorical entity referred to as “Babylon the Great.” Babylon the Great is depicted as a city embodying luxury, sin, and corruption. The kings of the earth have participated in her immoralities and shared in her extravagant lifestyle, often interpreted as both literal and spiritual fornication. The “smoke of her burning” signifies divine judgment and the complete and sudden destruction of this city-system. The verse conveys the idea that those who benefited from their association with the corrupted system will grieve over its demise when they witness its catastrophic end.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was in exile on the island of Patmos, around the end of the first century A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian. The historical context often leads scholars to consider the city of Rome and the Roman Empire as the original reference for “Babylon the Great,” which at the time was synonymous with excess and persecution of Christians. The language in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament imagery and apocalyptic literature, and the mention of fornication and luxury likely alludes to the idolatrous and decadent practices associated with Rome.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Revelation 18:9 is rich with symbolism and points to God’s ultimate judgment on corrupt worldly systems. In Christian eschatology, the verse is often interpreted to refer to the end times when political and economic systems opposed to God will be judged and overthrown. From a preterist viewpoint, the verse may be seen as a past event, particularly the fall of Jerusalem or Rome. Futurists see it as a prophecy yet to be fulfilled. Historically, allegorists have read this as symbolic of the downfall of all evil systems throughout history, while literalists look for specific future fulfillment.

Practical Applications

Practically, Revelation 18:9 can serve as a reminder to individuals and societies about the dangers of indulgence in power, wealth, and moral compromise. It encourages believers to consider their partnerships and entanglements with worldly systems that are contrary to Christian values. It cautions against complacency and complicity with injustice and corruption, reminding that earthly empires and pleasures are temporary and ultimately accountable to divine judgment.

Cross-References

• Revelation 17:2, “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication…”
• Revelation 14:8, “…Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
• Jeremiah 51:7-8, “Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’s hand… suddenly is Babylon fallen and destroyed…”
• Isaiah 34:10, “It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever…”

Language Study

The key Greek words in the original text of Revelation 18:9 include:

• “basileis” (βασιλεῖς): usually translated as “kings,” reflects the rulers or significant leaders of the earth.
• “porneuo” (πορνεύω): often translated “have committed fornication,” refers to illicit sexual activity, metaphorically extended to idolatry or unfaithfulness to God.
• “straino” (στρηνιάω): rendered “lived deliciously,” literally means to live luxuriously or in wanton pleasure.
• “klausousin” (κλαύσουσιν): “shall bewail,” indicates a strong expression of grief or lamentation.
• “kopetousin” (κόπτονται): “lament,” means to beat the breast in mourning or express deep sorrow.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient Near East, Babylon was an archetype of luxury and decadence. Similar themes appear in other religious and mythological texts where cities or civilizations fall due to their arrogance and immorality. The biblical “Babylon” can be compared to the accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis and the city of Atlantis in Plato’s works, both of which fall due to their iniquity and corruption. Babylon’s fall also parallels the theme of hubris and nemesis in Greek mythology, where excessive pride leads to downfall.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the depiction of a city’s destruction by fire leading to smoke rising could be likened to the physical phenomena of intense conflagrations, such as the burning of cities in warfare or natural disasters like volcanic eruptions. However, the apocalyptic and symbolic nature of the text in Revelation does not lend itself to direct scientific analysis, as the primary intent is theological and moral rather than a description of a physical event.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Revelation 18:9 offer a range of interpretations, shaped by the commentators’ theological perspectives. Many agree that the intended message is that political power and wealth are transient and ultimately will be judged by God. Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes that the kings of the earth mourn for Babylon because they have shared in her sins. Albert Barnes notes the suddenness of the destruction and the purity of the divine justice served. The Pulpit Commentary discusses how the verse reflects the seriousness of sin and the righteous judgment of God. Contemporary scholars like Craig S. Keener and G.K. Beale may focus on the historical context and the way Revelation’s original audience would have understood the metaphoric language in light of their own cultural experiences with Rome.