Revelation 18:7 - However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’
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What does "Revelation 18:7" mean?
This verse, Revelation 18:7, is a scathing indictment of "Babylon," which is often interpreted as a symbol of worldly power, wealth, and corruption that opposes God's kingdom. Let's break it down:
"However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning." This highlights a principle of divine justice: the punishment will match the sin. The more Babylon indulged in pride ("glorified herself") and luxurious excess ("grew wanton" implies unrestrained indulgence in pleasure, often with a sexual connotation), the more severe her suffering will be. This isn't simply about physical pain; it includes deep sorrow and anguish.
"For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’" This reveals the root of Babylon's sin: hubris (excessive pride or self-confidence).
"I sit a queen" This expresses a belief in her absolute power and authority. She sees herself as unassailable and in control.
"and am no widow" In biblical times, a widow was a vulnerable figure, lacking protection and security. Babylon's statement denies any possibility of vulnerability. She believes she is self-sufficient and independent of any higher power (including God).
"and will in no way see mourning" This shows her complete denial of any potential for suffering or loss. She is so confident in her power and prosperity that she cannot conceive of any possibility of hardship.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a power that is arrogant, self-indulgent, and believes itself to be invulnerable. The verse predicts that this arrogance will be met with a corresponding level of suffering.
Symbolic Interpretations:
The "Babylon" in Revelation is widely understood as a symbolic representation of:
Imperial Rome: Historically, many scholars believe the verse referred to the Roman Empire, which was persecuting Christians at the time the book was written. Rome was known for its wealth, power, and moral decay.
Any powerful, oppressive, and corrupt worldly system: More broadly, it can represent any nation, empire, or system that is characterized by materialism, idolatry (worship of things other than God), and injustice.
The spirit of worldliness itself: Some interpret Babylon as the spirit of the world, that turns people away from God and towards the pursuit of material possessions and selfish pleasures.
Key takeaway:
The verse serves as a warning against pride, self-reliance, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures at the expense of spiritual values. It emphasizes that those who exalt themselves and reject God's authority will ultimately face judgment. The magnitude of suffering they will face will match the level of arrogance and sin they have committed.
Revelation 18:7 - However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’
What does "Revelation 18:7" mean?
This verse, Revelation 18:7, is a scathing indictment of "Babylon," which is often interpreted as a symbol of worldly power, wealth, and corruption that opposes God's kingdom. Let's break it down:
"However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning." This highlights a principle of divine justice: the punishment will match the sin. The more Babylon indulged in pride ("glorified herself") and luxurious excess ("grew wanton" implies unrestrained indulgence in pleasure, often with a sexual connotation), the more severe her suffering will be. This isn't simply about physical pain; it includes deep sorrow and anguish.
"For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’" This reveals the root of Babylon's sin: hubris (excessive pride or self-confidence).
"I sit a queen" This expresses a belief in her absolute power and authority. She sees herself as unassailable and in control.
"and am no widow" In biblical times, a widow was a vulnerable figure, lacking protection and security. Babylon's statement denies any possibility of vulnerability. She believes she is self-sufficient and independent of any higher power (including God).
"and will in no way see mourning" This shows her complete denial of any potential for suffering or loss. She is so confident in her power and prosperity that she cannot conceive of any possibility of hardship.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a power that is arrogant, self-indulgent, and believes itself to be invulnerable. The verse predicts that this arrogance will be met with a corresponding level of suffering.
Symbolic Interpretations:
The "Babylon" in Revelation is widely understood as a symbolic representation of:
Imperial Rome: Historically, many scholars believe the verse referred to the Roman Empire, which was persecuting Christians at the time the book was written. Rome was known for its wealth, power, and moral decay.
Any powerful, oppressive, and corrupt worldly system: More broadly, it can represent any nation, empire, or system that is characterized by materialism, idolatry (worship of things other than God), and injustice.
The spirit of worldliness itself: Some interpret Babylon as the spirit of the world, that turns people away from God and towards the pursuit of material possessions and selfish pleasures.
Key takeaway:
The verse serves as a warning against pride, self-reliance, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures at the expense of spiritual values. It emphasizes that those who exalt themselves and reject God's authority will ultimately face judgment. The magnitude of suffering they will face will match the level of arrogance and sin they have committed.