Revelation 16:19

Authorized King James Version

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο

G1096

was divided

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλεις

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλη

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τρία

G5140

three

"three"

μέρη

G3313

parts

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

αἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

πόλεις

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#13

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

ἐθνῶν

G1484

of the nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

#15

ἔπεσον·

G4098

fell

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

Βαβυλὼν

G897

Babylon

babylon, the capitol of chaldaea (literally or figuratively (as a type of tyranny))

#18

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

μεγάλη

G3173

great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#20

ἐμνήσθη

G3415

came in remembrance

to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish

#21

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#22

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

θεοῦ

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#24

δοῦναι

G1325

to give

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

#25

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto her

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

#26

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#27

ποτήριον

G4221

the cup

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

#28

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

οἴνου

G3631

of the wine

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

#30

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#31

θυμοῦ

G2372

of the fierceness

passion (as if breathing hard)

#32

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

ὀργῆς

G3709

wrath

properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati

#34

αὐτοῦ

G846

unto her

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

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 divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on judgment and justice particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the judgment and justice theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?