Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

REVELATION 18:6KJV
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Revelation 18:6 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:6 mean?

Revelation 18:6 calls for Babylon to be repaid with the same kind of treatment she gave others, but with double the measure of her own actions—she is to receive twice as much as she inflicted, and her punishment is to be as full as the cup she filled for others. This verse emphasizes a principle of just and multiplied retribution for wrongdoing.

In the context of Revelation 18, a voice from heaven is speaking about the symbolic city of Babylon, representing a corrupt power or system that has harmed many. The instruction is directed to those who will carry out God's judgment, urging them to give Babylon back what she deserves, but in an intensified way. The language of "double" and "cup" draws from Old Testament imagery of judgment, highlighting the seriousness and completeness of the coming consequences.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:6

  • "Reward" (ἀπόδοτε, apodote): This Greek word means to pay back or give what is due, often in the sense of justice or retribution. Here, it stresses that Babylon's punishment is not arbitrary but matches her actions.
  • "Double" (διπλῶσατε, diplōsate; διπλᾶ, dipla): The repetition of "double" intensifies the idea of repayment, making it clear that Babylon's judgment will be more than equal to her offenses—she will receive a multiplied response.
  • "Cup" (ποτήριον, potērion): In biblical imagery, a "cup" often represents a portion of fate or judgment. The instruction to fill her cup "double" means she will fully experience the consequences she caused for others.

Why Revelation 18:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God's judgment is not random or vindictive, but measured and fitting to the deeds done—yet it is also intensified as a warning against persistent wrongdoing.
  • The use of "double" connects to Old Testament laws of restitution, where double repayment was sometimes required for theft or harm, showing a consistent biblical theme of justice.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger message in Revelation 18, where the fall of Babylon is portrayed as a direct result of her actions, reinforcing the idea that actions have consequences in God's plan.

Where else these words appear

“filled” Greek G2767 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

“double” Greek G1362 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
  • 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

“cup” Greek G4221 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

“Reward” Greek G591 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
  • Matthew 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
  • Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: