Revelation 18:10
New International Version
Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: “’Woe! Woe to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon! In one hour your doom has come!’

New Living Translation
They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, “How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city! In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.”

English Standard Version
They will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas! Alas! You great city, you mighty city, Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Berean Standard Bible
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Berean Literal Bible
standing from afar because of the fear of her torment, saying: "Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
standing at a distance for fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

New American Standard Bible
standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

NASB 1995
standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

NASB 1977
standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

Legacy Standard Bible
standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

Amplified Bible
standing a long way off, in fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, the strong city, Babylon! In a single hour your judgment has come.’

Christian Standard Bible
They will stand far off in fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in a single hour your judgment has come.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They will stand far off in fear of her torment, saying: Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in a single hour your judgment has come.

American Standard Version
standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Contemporary English Version
Her sufferings will frighten them, and they will stand at a distance and say, "Pity that great and powerful city! Pity Babylon! In a single hour her judgment has come."

English Revised Version
standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Frightened by her torture, they will stand far away and say, 'How horrible, how horrible it is for that important city, the powerful city Babylon! In one moment judgment has come to it!'

Good News Translation
They stand a long way off, because they are afraid of sharing in her suffering. They say, "How terrible! How awful! This great and mighty city Babylon! In just one hour you have been punished!"

International Standard Version
Frightened by the torture that she experiences, they will stand far away and cry out, "How terrible, how terrible it is for that great city, the powerful city Babylon, because your judgment arrived in a single hour!"

Majority Standard Bible
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

NET Bible
They will stand a long way off because they are afraid of her torment, and will say, "Woe, woe, O great city, Babylon the powerful city! For in a single hour your doom has come!"

New Heart English Bible
standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city. For your judgment has come in one hour.'

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
while they stand afar off because of their terror at her heavy punishment, and say, 'Alas, alas, thou great city, O Babylon, the mighty city! For in one short hour thy doom has come!'

World English Bible
standing far away for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
having stood from afar because of the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city! Babylon, the strong city! Because in one hour your judgment came.

Berean Literal Bible
standing from afar because of the fear of her torment, saying: "Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come."

Young's Literal Translation
from afar having stood because of the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, the great city! Babylon, the strong city! because in one hour did come thy judgment.

Smith's Literal Translation
Standing from far off for fear of her torture, saying, Woe, woe, the great city Babylon, the strong city! for in one hour thy judgment came.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Standing afar off for fear of her torments, saying: Alas! alas! that great city Babylon, that mighty city: for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Catholic Public Domain Version
standing far away, out of fear of her torments, saying: ‘Woe! Woe! to Babylon, that great city, that strong city. For in one hour, your judgment has arrived.’

New American Bible
They will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her, and they will say: “Alas, alas, great city, Babylon, mighty city. In one hour your judgment has come.”

New Revised Standard Version
they will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say, “Alas, alas, the great city, Babylon, the mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Woe, woe, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour you have been condemned.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
As they stand opposite from fear of her punishment, and they will say, “Woe, woe, woe, the great city Babylon! The Mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
standing far off for fear of her torment, saying: Alas, alas, that great city of Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour has your judgment come.

Godbey New Testament
and standing afar off on account of the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, the great city, the strong city, Babylon! because in one hour thy judgment came.

Haweis New Testament
standing afar off through terror of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that strong city! how in one hour is thy judgment come upon thee!

Mace New Testament
frightned at her torments they will stand afar off, and cry, "alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! what! is thy condemnation so suddenly come?"

Weymouth New Testament
while they stand afar off because of their terror at her heavy punishment, and say, 'Alas, alas, thou great city, O Babylon, the mighty city! For in one short hour thy doom has come!'

Worrell New Testament
standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! because in one hour your judgment came!'

Worsley New Testament
standing afar off for fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, the great city Babylon, that powerful city! for in one hour is thy judgement come.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Lament over Babylon
9Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. 10In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” 11And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo—…

Cross References
Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 50:46
At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations.

Ezekiel 26:16-18
All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. / Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men—she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! / Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’

Isaiah 47:11
But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly.

Jeremiah 51:8
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.

Ezekiel 27:30-32
They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. / They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. / As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea?

Isaiah 21:9
Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”

Jeremiah 51:37
Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant.

Isaiah 34:10
It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it.

Jeremiah 50:40
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Ezekiel 28:19
All the nations who know you are appalled over you. You have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

Isaiah 14:4-5
you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! / The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers.

Jeremiah 51:29
The earth quakes and writhes because the LORD’s intentions against Babylon stand: to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

Isaiah 47:9
These two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children, and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells.

Jeremiah 51:64
Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah.


Treasury of Scripture

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come.

afar.

Numbers 16:34
And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

Alas.

Revelation 18:16,19
And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! …

Jeremiah 30:7
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Joel 1:15
Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

that great.

Revelation 14:8
And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Isaiah 21:9
And, behold, here cometh a chariot of men, with a couple of horsemen. And he answered and said, Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.

for.

Revelation 18:8,17,19
Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her…

Jeremiah 51:8,9
Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed…

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Afar Alas Babylon City Cry Far Fear Great Heavy Hour Judged Judgment Mighty Punishment Stand Standing Stood Strong Terrified Terror Torment Wo Woe
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Afar Alas Babylon City Cry Far Fear Great Heavy Hour Judged Judgment Mighty Punishment Stand Standing Stood Strong Terrified Terror Torment Wo Woe
Revelation 18
1. Babylon is fallen.
4. People commanded to depart out of her.
9. The kings of the earth, with the merchants and mariners, lament over her.
20. The saints rejoice for the judgments of God upon her.














In fear of her torment
This phrase captures the overwhelming dread and terror that grips those who witness the judgment upon Babylon. The Greek word for "fear" here is "phobos," which conveys a sense of panic and alarm. Historically, Babylon represents a system of worldly power and corruption, and its downfall is a divine act of justice. The "torment" refers to the severe and righteous punishment that God administers. This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate authority of God over all earthly powers.

they will stand at a distance
The imagery of standing "at a distance" suggests both physical separation and a desire to avoid sharing in Babylon's fate. The Greek word "makrothen" implies a safe distance, highlighting the instinct to self-preserve in the face of divine retribution. This reflects the human tendency to distance oneself from judgment, yet it also underscores the inevitability of God's justice reaching all, regardless of attempts to evade it.

and cry out
The act of crying out is one of desperation and helplessness. The Greek "kraugazo" indicates a loud, urgent shout, often associated with distress. This outcry is not just a lament for Babylon's fall but also an acknowledgment of the power and finality of God's judgment. It serves as a call to repentance and a recognition of the futility of opposing God's will.

Woe, woe to the great city
The repetition of "woe" emphasizes the severity and certainty of Babylon's destruction. In biblical literature, "woe" is a pronouncement of impending doom and sorrow. The "great city" symbolizes not just a physical location but an entire system of rebellion against God. This lament echoes the prophetic tradition, where cities and nations are often personified and judged for their iniquities.

the mighty city
Describing Babylon as "mighty" highlights its former power and influence. The Greek word "ischyros" denotes strength and might, yet this strength is shown to be futile against the sovereignty of God. Historically, Babylon was a symbol of human achievement and pride, yet its downfall illustrates the transient nature of earthly power compared to the eternal kingdom of God.

For in a single hour
The phrase "in a single hour" underscores the suddenness and swiftness of Babylon's judgment. The Greek "mia hora" conveys the idea of an unexpected and rapid event. This serves as a warning of the unpredictability of God's timing and the importance of being spiritually prepared. It reflects the biblical theme that God's intervention can be both immediate and decisive.

your judgment has come
The finality of "your judgment has come" signifies the completion of God's righteous verdict. The Greek "krisis" refers to a legal decision or decree, emphasizing the justice and authority of God's actions. This judgment is not arbitrary but is the culmination of Babylon's persistent rebellion and sin. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate accountability all will face before God.

Verse 10. - Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying. Unconsciously acting upon the command in ver. 4, "Come out of her .... that ye receive not of her plagues." Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come; Woe, woe, the great city (cf. the previous declaration of woe in Revelation 8:13). In one hour (cf. ver. 8). Some writers understand the "one hour" to refer to the space of time during which the kings rule (see Revelation 17:12); but a comparison with ver. 8 leads to the conclusion that the meaning is "suddenly;" the contrast in a short time between the two positions of Babylon enhancing the fearfulness of the visitation.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
In
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

fear
φόβον (phobon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5401: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect. From a primary phebomai; alarm or fright.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

her
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

torment,
βασανισμοῦ (basanismou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 929: Torture, torment. From basanizo; torture.

they will stand
ἑστηκότες (hestēkotes)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

at
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

a distance
μακρόθεν (makrothen)
Adverb
Strong's 3113: From a (long) distance, afar. Adverb from makros; from a distance or afar.

[and] cry out:
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“Woe,
Οὐαὶ (Ouai)
Interjection
Strong's 3759: Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.

woe
οὐαί (ouai)
Interjection
Strong's 3759: Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'.

to the
(hē)
Article - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

great
μεγάλη (megalē)
Adjective - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

city,
πόλις (polis)
Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

the
(hē)
Article - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

mighty
ἰσχυρά (ischyra)
Adjective - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2478: Strong (originally and generally of physical strength); mighty, powerful, vehement, sure. From ischus; forcible.

city
πόλις (polis)
Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.

of Babylon!
Βαβυλὼν (Babylōn)
Noun - Vocative Feminine Singular
Strong's 897: Of Hebrew origin; Babylon, the capitol of Chaldaea (as a type of tyranny).

For [in]
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

a single
μιᾷ (mia)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

hour
ὥρᾳ (hōra)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

judgment
κρίσις (krisis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2920: Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.

has come.?
ἦλθεν (ēlthen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 18:10 Standing far away for the fear (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 18:9
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