Revelation 14:8

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἄλλος
G243
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#3
ἄγγελος
G32
angel
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
#4
ἠκολούθησεν
G190
there followed
properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)
#5
λέγων,
G3004
saying
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#6
ἔπεσεν
G4098
is fallen
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#7
ἔπεσεν
G4098
is fallen
to fall (literally or figuratively)
#8
Βαβυλὼν
G897
Babylon
babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))
#9
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πόλις
G4172
city
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
#11
ἣ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#12
μεγάλη
G3173
that great
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
#13
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#14
ἐκ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#15
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
οἴνου
G3631
the wine
"wine" (literally or figuratively)
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θυμοῦ
G2372
of the wrath
passion (as if breathing hard)
#19
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πορνείας
G4202
fornication
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
#21
αὐτῆς
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#22
πεπότικεν
G4222
drink
to furnish drink, irrigate
#23
πάντα
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#24
ἔθνη
G1484
nations
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

The judgment and justice theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood covenant community. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection