Revelation 18:7
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Original Language Analysis
ἐδόξασεν
she hath glorified
G1392
ἐδόξασεν
she hath glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
2 of 28
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ἑαυτὴν,
herself
G1438
ἑαυτὴν,
herself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 28
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοσοῦτον
so much
G5118
τοσοῦτον
so much
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
6 of 28
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
δότε
give
G1325
δότε
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
7 of 28
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 28
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 28
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
15 of 28
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 28
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
λέγει
she saith
G3004
λέγει
she saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
17 of 28
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κάθημαι
I sit
G2521
Κάθημαι
I sit
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
18 of 28
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χήρα
widow
G5503
χήρα
widow
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
21 of 28
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Zephaniah 2:15This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is she become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! every one that passeth by her shall hiss, and wag his hand.Lamentations 1:1How doth the city sit solitary, that was full of people! how is she become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary!
Historical Context
Rome's military might, economic dominance, and cultural influence created an illusion of permanence. The 'eternal city' claimed perpetual glory. Imperial propaganda portrayed Rome as invincible queen of nations. This vision warned that human empires, however impressive, face certain judgment for pride. The widow imagery recalled vulnerable status—what Rome denied became her reality.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Babylon's pride ('I sit a queen... shall see no sorrow') parallel modern secular confidence in human achievement and progress?
- What warnings does this give against personal pride and false security based on present prosperity?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Babylon's self-glorification and sensual living contrast her claim 'I sit a queen, and am no widow' with coming judgment. Her denial of widowhood represents presumed security and permanent prosperity. The boast 'shall see no sorrow' reveals pride and false confidence. This echoes Isaiah 47:7-9's judgment on historical Babylon. Reformed theology recognizes pride as the root sin—Babylon exalts herself, denying dependence on God. The punishment 'in one day' (v. 8) demonstrates sudden judgment despite apparent security. Self-glorification invites divine opposition; humility finds grace (James 4:6).