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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.

Revelation 18:7 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the phrase "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously" refers to a metaphorical description of a wealthy and proud city or nation. The implication is that this entity has focused on self-indulgence and luxury, prioritizing material wealth and power above all else. The following phrase "so much torment and sorrow give her" serves as a warning that excessive pride and luxury will ultimately lead to pain and suffering. The verse goes on to describe how this entity arrogantly declares itself as a queen, asserting its status and power, and claiming that it will never experience any form of sorrow or loss. However, the message conveyed is that such arrogance and self-centeredness will lead to inevitable downfall and despair.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Revelation reveals the downfall of Babylon, a symbol of a powerful, wealthy, and influential world system that opposes God. The phrase "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously," illustrates Babylon's pride and extravagance as she revels in her own glory and material wealth. This excessive self-indulgence leads to her inevitable judgment, as she is warned that torment and sorrow will be her portion. The verse continues with Babylon declaring herself as a queen, secure in her power and status, believing she is immune to any suffering. However, this false sense of security is shattered as she is informed of the impending sorrow that will come upon her. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the dangers of pride, arrogance, and reliance on worldly treasures. It serves as a stark warning against putting one's trust in material possessions and self-centered ambitions, reminding believers to seek humility, dependence on God, and eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures.

Revelation 18:7 in other translations

American Standard Version

How much soever she glorified herself, and waxed wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall in no wise see mourning. [

World English Bible

However much she glorified herself, and grew wanton, so much give her of torment and mourning. For she says in her heart, ‘I sit a queen, and am no widow, and will in no way see mourning.’

Douay-Rheims

As much as she hath glorified herself and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her. Because she saith in her heart: I sit a queen and am no widow: and sorrow I shall not see.

Geneva Bible (1599)

In as much as she glorified her selfe, and liued in pleasure, so much giue ye to her torment and sorow: for she saith in her heart, I sit being a queene, and am no widowe, and shall see no mourning.