Revelation 18:6
Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπέδωκεν
Reward
G591
ἀπέδωκεν
Reward
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
1 of 23
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 23
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
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
3 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 23
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
ἀπέδωκεν
Reward
G591
ἀπέδωκεν
Reward
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
6 of 23
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 23
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
κατὰ
according to
G2596
κατὰ
according to
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 23
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
14 of 23
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτῇ
her
G846
αὐτῇ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 23
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποτηρίῳ
the cup
G4221
ποτηρίῳ
the cup
Strong's:
G4221
Word #:
18 of 23
a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate
ᾧ
which
G3739
ᾧ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κεράσατε
fill
G2767
κεράσατε
fill
Strong's:
G2767
Word #:
20 of 23
to mingle, i.e., (by implication) to pour out (for drinking)
κεράσατε
fill
G2767
κεράσατε
fill
Strong's:
G2767
Word #:
21 of 23
to mingle, i.e., (by implication) to pour out (for drinking)
Cross References
Psalms 137:8O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.Jeremiah 50:29Call together the archers against Babylon: all ye that bend the bow, camp against it round about; let none thereof escape: recompense her according to her work; according to all that she hath done, do unto her: for she hath been proud against the LORD, against the Holy One of Israel.Jeremiah 50:15Shout against her round about: she hath given her hand: her foundations are fallen, her walls are thrown down: for it is the vengeance of the LORD: take vengeance upon her; as she hath done, do unto her.Revelation 16:19And 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.Revelation 14:10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:Jeremiah 51:24And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the LORD.Revelation 17:4And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:Jeremiah 17:18Let them be confounded that persecute me, but let not me be confounded: let them be dismayed, but let not me be dismayed: bring upon them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.Jeremiah 16:18And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.Zechariah 9:12Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;
Historical Context
Ancient conquest often involved reciprocal treatment—invaders suffered what they inflicted. Double recompense appeared in Exodus 22:4 (theft restitution). This command, echoing Old Testament judgment oracles against Babylon and other nations, assured persecuted believers that Rome's apparent invincibility would end in just judgment. God's justice, though delayed, would be thorough.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the promise of just recompense ('double unto her double') satisfy your longing for justice when you see evil apparently prospering?
- What does this judgment teach about God's perfect memory—He doesn't forget any sin or any suffering of His people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The command 'Reward her even as she rewarded you' invokes lex talionis—just recompense (Psalm 137:8, Jeremiah 50:29). 'Double unto her double' emphasizes complete retribution, not mathematical exactness. This represents perfect justice—Babylon receives punishment proportionate to her sins. Reformed theology affirms that God's justice is both retributive (punishing sin) and restorative (vindicating victims). The double portion may allude to Isaiah 40:2 or Jeremiah 16:18, where Israel received double for sins. Here, Babylon (representing worldly systems opposing God) faces comprehensive judgment for persecuting saints.