Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Revelation 18:10 · King James Version
Meaning
Revelation 18:10 describes a scene where those who were once part of the great city Babylon are now standing afar off in fear of her torment. The sorrowful cry of "Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come." illustrates the sudden and catastrophic fall of this once powerful city. The verse serves as a warning of the swift and inevitable judgment that will come upon those who engage in sinful behavior and turn away from God. The imagery used in this verse conveys the magnitude of Babylon's downfall and the shock and despair of those who witness it. As readers reflect on this verse, they are encouraged to consider the consequences of living a life disconnected from God and the importance of seeking repentance and forgiveness before it is too late.
Theological Overview
Within the context of theological interpretation, this verse from the book of Revelation provides a vivid picture of the destruction and judgment of the great city Babylon. The mention of standing afar off for the fear of her torment highlights the sense of awe and dread that the inhabitants and onlookers feel as they witness the city's downfall. The lamentation of "Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city!" emphasizes the suddenness and severity of the judgment that comes upon Babylon. The phrase "for in one hour is thy judgment come" further underscores the swiftness and inevitability of the city's demise, symbolizing the ultimate defeat of evil and the fulfillment of God's righteous judgment. Through word studies, one can explore the deeper meanings of terms such as "torment" and "judgment" to gain a richer understanding of the implications of Babylon's downfall in the broader theological narrative of Revelation.
Revelation 18:10 in other translations
American Standard Version
standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
World English Bible
standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.’
Douay-Rheims
Standing afar off for fear of her torments, saying: Alas! alas! that great city, Babylon, that mighty city: for in one hour is thy judgment come.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And shall stand a farre off for feare of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great citie Babylon, that mightie citie: for in one houre is thy iudgement come.