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 18:10KJV
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Revelation 18:10 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:10 mean?

Revelation 18:10 describes people standing at a distance, afraid of the suffering that has come upon Babylon, and mourning the sudden judgment that has destroyed the once-powerful city in just one hour. The verse highlights both the fear of sharing in Babylon’s fate and the shock at how quickly its downfall has happened.

In this scene, voices are reacting to the fall of "Babylon," which in the book of Revelation is a symbol for a great and corrupt city or system. Those speaking are not residents but outsiders—likely merchants or kings—who are watching from afar because they fear being caught up in the same disaster. The verse emphasizes the suddenness and completeness of Babylon’s judgment, showing how quickly even the mightiest can fall.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:10

  • "Torment" (βασανισμός, basanismos) refers to intense suffering or torture. The use of this word shows that the judgment on Babylon is not just destruction but involves severe anguish, which others fear might happen to them as well.
  • "In one hour" (ἐν μιᾷ ὥρᾳ, en mia hōra) stresses how unexpectedly fast the judgment comes. This phrase underlines the idea that Babylon’s power and security were an illusion, swept away in a moment.
  • "Alas, alas" (οὐαὶ οὐαὶ, ouai ouai) is a Greek expression of deep grief or horror. The repetition makes the lament more intense, showing genuine shock and sorrow from those witnessing the event.

Why Revelation 18:10 matters

  • The verse clears up the idea that Babylon’s fall is gradual; instead, it is sudden and overwhelming, which would have been especially shocking to those who saw Babylon as invincible.
  • Revelation 18:10 highlights the fear of judgment spreading to others, not just the one being judged. The onlookers’ distance and fear show that they recognize the seriousness of what has happened.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Revelation of God’s final judgment on corrupt powers, and it sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, where the reactions of different groups to Babylon’s fall are described in detail.

Where else these words appear

“torment” Greek G929 · used in 5 verses

  • Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.
  • Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
  • 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.

“Babylon” Greek G897 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 1:11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
  • Acts 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
  • Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

“afar” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

“mighty” Greek G2478 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
  • Hebrews 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.