Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

REVELATION 18:20KJV
Know the Bible

Revelation 18:20 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:20 mean?

Revelation 18:20 calls on heaven, the holy apostles, and prophets to rejoice because God has brought justice against "her"—the symbolic city of Babylon, representing a corrupt and oppressive power. The verse declares that God has avenged the wrongs done to His faithful servants by judging this evil system.

The speaker in Revelation 18:20 is a heavenly voice, addressing not just those in heaven but also specifically the apostles and prophets who suffered at the hands of Babylon. The context is the fall of Babylon, described in vivid terms throughout Revelation 18, where God’s judgment is portrayed as a response to the persecution and injustice endured by His people. This verse highlights the theme of divine justice and vindication for those who remained faithful.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:20

  • "Rejoice" (εὐφραίνω, euphrainō): This word means to be glad or celebrate. Here, it is a command directed to heaven and God’s faithful, emphasizing that the fall of Babylon is a reason for joy, not sorrow.
  • "Avenged" (κρίνω, krinō): The Greek word used here carries the sense of executing judgment or justice. It underlines that God’s action is not random punishment but a deliberate act of setting things right for those who suffered.
  • "Apostles" (ἀπόστολος, apostolos) and "prophets" (προφήτης, prophētēs): These terms specifically name those who were sent by God and those who spoke for God, both of whom faced opposition from Babylon. Their mention shows that the judgment is especially on behalf of those who were mistreated for their faith.

Why Revelation 18:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s judgment is not just about punishment but about vindicating those who have been wronged, especially His servants who suffered for their faith.
  • By calling on heaven and the faithful to rejoice, Revelation 18:20 shifts the focus from mourning the fall of Babylon to celebrating God’s justice and faithfulness.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Revelation of God ultimately setting things right, assuring readers that evil will not have the last word.

Where else these words appear

“Rejoice” Greek G2165 · used in 14 verses

  • Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
  • Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
  • Romans 15:10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

“avenged” Greek G2917 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
  • 1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

“avenged” Greek G2919 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Acts 20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?