Revelation 18:2

Authorized King James Version

And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

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

ἔκραξεν

G2896

he cried

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

ἐν

G1722

with

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἰσχύϊ

G2479

mightily

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

φωνῇ

G5456

voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μεγάλῃ

G3173

a strong

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

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

ἔπεσεν

G4098

is fallen

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἔπεσεν

G4098

is fallen

to fall (literally or figuratively)

#10

Βαβυλὼν

G897

Babylon

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

#11

ἡ

G3588

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

#12

μεγάλῃ

G3173

a strong

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

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

ἐγένετο

G1096

is become

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

#15

κατοικητήριον

G2732

the habitation

a dwelling-place

#16

δαιμόνων

G1142

of devils

a daemon or supernatural spirit (of a bad nature)

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#18

φυλακὴ

G5438

a cage

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

#19

παντὸς

G3956

of every

all, any, every, the whole

#20

πνεύματος

G4151

spirit

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#21

ἀκαθάρτου

G169

foul

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

#22

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#23

φυλακὴ

G5438

a cage

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

#24

παντὸς

G3956

of every

all, any, every, the whole

#25

ὀρνέου

G3732

bird

a birdling

#26

ἀκαθάρτου

G169

foul

impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic))

#27

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#28

μεμισημένου

G3404

hateful

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the kingdom of God 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 revelation 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 revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?