Revelation 14:8
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The verse doesn't just announce Babylon's fall; it reveals she made all nations drunk on the "wine of her sexual immorality." This isn't merely about individual sin, but a seductive, intoxicating system that corrupts entire cultures, making them complicit in her spiritual harlotry and thus bound to share in her judgment.
Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a proclamation of the everlasting gospel and the judgment on those who follow the beast, a second angel arrives to declare the catastrophic downfall of "Babylon the great." This powerful, corrupt entity is described as intoxicating all nations with the "wine" of her idolatry and immorality, which ultimately leads to her own divine judgment and destruction.
Why does the angel say 'Fallen, fallen' instead of just 'Fallen'? This repetition isn't just for emphasis; it's a powerful declaration of certainty.
The double declaration, 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great,' isn't merely for dramatic effect. It echoes prophetic language from the Old Testament (like Isaiah 21:9 and Jeremiah 51:8) to underscore the absolute certainty and finality of Babylon's judgment. It signifies that this fall is not a maybe, but a guarantee from God. It’s a divine verdict that cannot be appealed or avoided. This repetition assures God's people that justice will indeed prevail, and the forces that oppose God will ultimately be defeated.
Babylon made nations 'drink the wine of her passion.' What does this intoxicating influence represent, and why is it so destructive?
The 'wine' Babylon offered is a potent metaphor for her seductive corruptions – idolatry, false worship, immorality, and ultimately, opposition to God. This isn't literal wine, but a spiritual intoxicant that deceives and enslaves nations, leading them away from truth and righteousness. Just as wine can cloud judgment and incite reckless behavior, Babylon's influence leads people and nations into spiritual adultery, away from their faithful commitment to God. The phrase 'wine of the wrath of her fornication' highlights that this corruption ultimately leads to divine wrath, both for Babylon and for those who partake.
Is 'Babylon the great' just a reference to ancient history, or does it represent something more enduring and widespread?
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The commentators rightly point out that 'Babylon the great' is more than just a historical city. It serves as a powerful symbol for any system, empire, or ideology that opposes God, promotes idolatry, and seeks to dominate the world. While ancient Babylon and later, Rome, were historical examples, the spirit of Babylon – its pride, corruption, and rebellion against divine authority – reappears throughout history. Whether it’s political systems, cultural values, or religious institutions that exalt themselves against God, they all partake in the spirit of this 'great city' destined for judgment.
Understand the original words
Babylōn · Greek Noun
A symbolic city in Revelation representing the world system of rebellion, idolatry, and arrogance opposed to God. It is characterized by luxury, seduction, and the persecution of God's people.
oinos tou thymou tēs porneias · Greek Noun Phrase
A metaphor for the intoxicating and corrupting influence of sin, idolatry, or demonic deception that leads humanity away from God into moral and spiritual ruin.
The prophecy of Babylon's fall draws heavily on the historical fall of ancient Babylon and the oppressive power of Rome during John's time. It serves as a powerful warning against spiritual and political corruption that entangles nations, promising ultimate divine judgment and vindication for God's people.
c. 605 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's First Siege of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieges Jerusalem, leading to the first deportation of Judean exiles, including Daniel. This marks the rise of Babylon as a dominant world power oppressing God's people.
539 BC
Fall of Babylon to Persia
The ancient city of Babylon, a symbol of imperial power and idolatry, is conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia. This event serves as a historical precedent for divine judgment on powerful, corrupt empires.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to persecute Christians, blaming them for the disaster. This period intensifies Roman imperial hostility towards the early Church.
c. 95 AD— this verse
Writing of Revelation
The Book of Revelation is written by the Apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos. It addresses the persecuted churches in Asia Minor, warning them of future judgment and offering hope.
c. 313 AD
Edict of Milan
Emperor Constantine issues the Edict of Milan, granting religious tolerance throughout the Roman Empire. This marks a turning point for Christianity, moving from persecution to imperial favor, but also leading to later issues of church-state entanglement.
11th-12th Centuries AD
Rise of Waldensian and Albigensian Movements
Groups like the Waldensians and Albigensians begin to challenge the authority and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, identifying it with the 'Babylon' of Revelation. They herald the coming Reformation.
This passage from Jeremiah contains a very similar proclamation about ancient Babylon, describing it as a 'golden cup' that made nations drunk, directly paralleling Revelation's imagery of intoxicating wine and the repetition of 'fallen, fallen'.
Isaiah 21:9Isaiah prophesies the fall of ancient Babylon with the exact phrase 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon,' establishing a strong prophetic link and showing this theme echoes through Scripture.
Revelation 17:2This verse describes the 'great harlot' with whom the kings of the earth commit immorality, directly linking to the 'fornication' mentioned in Revelation 14:8 and identifying this 'Babylon' as a spiritual and moral corruptor.
Revelation 18:3This passage reiterates the idea that Babylon 'made all nations drink of the wine of her passionate lust' and expands on the consequences of her actions, reinforcing the severity of her fall and her global influence.
Daniel 4:30Nebuchadnezzar boasts about 'Babylon the great, which I have built,' highlighting the pride and power associated with the literal Babylon, setting a precedent for the symbolic 'great city' that is judged in Revelation.
ellicottRevelation 14:8: "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
(8) And there followed . . . —The gospel angel is followed by the angel that proclaims the downfall of Babylon. Better, And another, a second, angel followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who has given all the nations to drink of, &c. The second angel follows on the first: the doom of the world…
pulpitRevelation 14:8: "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
Verse 8. - And there followed another angel, saying; and another, a second angel, followed. That is, of course, the second of the three who here make their appearance in close connection. Each new scene is unfolded by its own special messenger. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made al…
The verse doesn't just announce Babylon's fall; it reveals she made all nations drunk on the "wine of her sexual immorality." This isn't merely about individual sin, but a seductive, intoxicating system that corrupts entire cultures, making them complicit in her spiritual harlotry and thus bound to share in her judgment.
Following a proclamation of the everlasting gospel and the judgment on those who follow the beast, a second angel arrives to declare the catastrophic downfall of "Babylon the great." This powerful, corrupt entity is described as intoxicating all nations with the "wine" of her idolatry and immorality, which ultimately leads to her own divine judgment and destruction.
Following a proclamation of the everlasting gospel and the judgment on those who follow the beast, a second angel arrives to declare the catastrophic downfall of "Babylon the great." This powerful, corrupt entity is described as intoxicating all nations with the "wine" of her idolatry and immorality, which ultimately leads to her own divine judgment and destruction.
"Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”" — The verse doesn't just announce Babylon's fall; it reveals she made all nations drunk on the "wine of her sexual immorality." This isn't merely about individual sin, but a seductive, intoxicating s…
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Last reviewed October 2026
