What does Revelation 18:20 mean?

"Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." - Revelation 18:20

"Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." - Revelation 18:20

Revelation 18:20 in the King James Version of the Bible, reads: "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." This verse occurs in the context of John's vision of the fall of Babylon the Great, the symbolic representation of the world system that opposes God. Throughout the book of Revelation, Babylon is presented as a powerful and influential force that opposes God and seeks to persecute and oppress his followers. This verse reflects the response of heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets to the fall of Babylon and the judgement of God upon her.

The theme of judgement is central to this verse. The fall of Babylon represents the ultimate judgement of God upon the forces of evil and those who oppose him. The call to "rejoice over her" reflects the celebration of this final victory and the defeat of the enemy. It symbolizes the triumph of righteousness over wickedness and the establishment of God's kingdom. This theme of judgement and victory is a common thread throughout the book of Revelation, as it reassures believers that ultimately, God will triumph over evil and that justice will be served.

The reference to heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets underscores the significance of this event. The heavenly realm rejoices over the judgement of Babylon, indicating the universal impact and significance of this event. The inclusion of the holy apostles and prophets further emphasizes the importance of this judgement in the divine plan of redemption and restoration. It is a momentous occasion that elicits a response of joy and celebration from all who are aligned with God and his purposes.

The language used in this verse also conveys a sense of retribution and vindication. The expression "for God hath avenged you on her" suggests that the judgement of Babylon is the fulfillment of God's promise to avenge his people and right the wrongs perpetrated against them. This language conveys a sense of justice and recompense, assuring believers that God will not overlook the sufferings and persecutions they have endured. It also serves as a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding believers that God is ultimately in control and will bring about justice in his perfect timing.

The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-layered. Babylon represents the world system and all that is opposed to God, including sin, injustice, and persecution of the righteous. Its fall symbolizes the ultimate defeat of these forces and the establishment of God's kingdom. The rejoicing of heaven, the apostles, and prophets symbolizes the universal celebration and affirmation of this victory. It underscores the cosmic significance of this event and its impact on the divine order.

In conclusion, Revelation 18:20 in the King James Version of the Bible portrays the response of heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets to the fall of Babylon and the judgement of God upon her. It conveys the themes of judgement, victory, retribution, and vindication, while also rich in symbolism and significance. This verse reassures believers that God will ultimately triumph over evil and bring about justice, and it encourages them to persevere in faith and righteousness.

Have questions about Revelation 18:20?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Revelation 18:20 Artwork

Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."

Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."

"Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." - Revelation 18:20

"Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." - Revelation 18:20

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 20:4

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 20:7

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20

Revelation 20:10

Revelation 20:10

Revelation 22:18

Revelation 22:18

John 20:18 - "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her."

John 20:18 - "Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her."

REVELATION 4:20 THE LAMPSTANDS ARE THE CHURCHES

REVELATION 4:20 THE LAMPSTANDS ARE THE CHURCHES

Revelation 18:18 - "And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!"

Revelation 18:18 - "And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!"

Revelation 16:20 - "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found."

Revelation 16:20 - "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found."

Revelation 3:20 Jesus standing at the door

Revelation 3:20 Jesus standing at the door

Revelation 13:18
Mark of the Beast
666

Revelation 13:18 Mark of the Beast 666

Revelation 20:15 - "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Revelation 20:15 - "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Revelation 20:14 - "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

Revelation 20:14 - "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

lake of fire from the Bible at Revelation 19:20

lake of fire from the Bible at Revelation 19:20

Revelation 20:7 - "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,"

Revelation 20:7 - "And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,"

Revelation 18:24 - "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."

Revelation 18:24 - "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."

Revelation 21:18 - "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."

Revelation 21:18 - "And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."

Revelation 20:5 - "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."

Revelation 20:5 - "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."