And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

REVELATION 18:24KJV
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Revelation 18:24 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:24 mean?

Revelation 18:24 says that within "her"—symbolically referring to Babylon—was found the blood of prophets, saints, and all who had been killed on the earth. The verse points to Babylon’s responsibility for the deaths of God’s faithful people and many others.

In the book of Revelation, John is describing a vision where Babylon represents a corrupt power or city opposed to God. This verse comes near the end of a section where Babylon’s downfall is announced. The statement highlights the seriousness of Babylon’s guilt: not just for persecuting prophets and saints, but for widespread violence against many people.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:24

  • "προφητῶν" (prophētōn): This word means "prophets." In this context, it refers to those who spoke God’s message, often facing danger for doing so. The verse emphasizes that Babylon is held responsible for their deaths.
  • "ἁγίων" (hagiōn): This word means "saints," referring to people set apart for God—believers who lived faithfully. The verse stresses that Babylon’s guilt includes harming these devoted followers.
  • "ἐσφαγμένων" (esphagmenōn): This word means "slain" or "slaughtered." The Greek here carries the sense of violent killing, not just natural death, highlighting the brutality associated with Babylon.

Why Revelation 18:24 matters

  • Revelation 18:24 clarifies that Babylon’s judgment is not only for idolatry or immorality, but especially for violence against God’s people and others.
  • The verse connects Babylon’s fate to a long history of persecution, showing that God sees and remembers every injustice.
  • This statement ties the fall of Babylon to a broader biblical theme: God ultimately holds oppressive powers accountable for their actions against the innocent.

Where else these words appear

“slain” Greek G4969 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
  • Revelation 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

“blood” Greek G129 · used in 92 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
  • Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.