Revelation 16:19

The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. And God remembered Babylon the great and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath.

Study Bible

The great city
This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to Babylon, a symbol of human pride and opposition to God throughout the Bible. In the historical context, Babylon was a powerful empire known for its grandeur and idolatry. The Greek word for "city" (πόλις, polis) suggests a center of influence and power. In Revelation, "the great city" represents a culmination of worldly systems that stand against God's kingdom. The splitting into three parts signifies a complete and divine judgment, as the number three often symbolizes completeness in biblical numerology.

was split into three parts
The division of the city into three parts indicates a total and divine dismantling of its power and influence. The Greek word for "split" (ἐσχίσθη, eschisthe) implies a violent tearing apart, suggesting the severity of God's judgment. This imagery echoes the Old Testament prophecies where God judges nations by dividing and scattering them. The number three, as mentioned, often represents completeness, indicating that this judgment is thorough and final.

and the cities of the nations collapsed
This phrase extends the judgment beyond Babylon to all cities of the nations, symbolizing the fall of all human systems opposed to God. The Greek word for "collapsed" (ἔπεσαν, epesan) conveys a sudden and complete fall. Historically, cities were centers of power, culture, and commerce, and their collapse signifies the end of human pride and rebellion. This aligns with the prophetic tradition where God judges the nations, as seen in the writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah.

And God remembered Babylon the great
The phrase "God remembered" is significant in biblical language, often indicating that God is about to act decisively. The Greek word for "remembered" (ἐμνήσθη, emnesthe) suggests a deliberate and purposeful action. Babylon the great, as a symbol of human arrogance and idolatry, is brought to mind for judgment. This remembrance is not of mercy but of wrath, fulfilling the prophecies against Babylon found in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah and Jeremiah.

and gave her the cup of the wine of the fury of His wrath
The imagery of the "cup" is a powerful biblical symbol of God's judgment. The Greek word for "cup" (ποτήριον, poterion) often represents a portion or destiny, in this case, one of wrath. The "wine of the fury" indicates the intensity and completeness of God's judgment. The word "fury" (θυμοῦ, thymou) conveys a passionate and righteous anger. This phrase echoes the Old Testament imagery where nations drink the cup of God's wrath, leading to their downfall, as seen in Jeremiah 25:15-17. The use of "wrath" (ὀργῆς, orges) underscores the divine justice being executed against Babylon for her sins.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Great City
Often interpreted as symbolic of a significant center of power or influence, possibly representing a specific city or a metaphor for a collective of worldly systems opposed to God.

2. Babylon the Great
Symbolic of a corrupt and idolatrous system, often associated with historical Babylon, representing rebellion against God and moral decay.

3. The Cup of the Wine of the Fury of His Wrath
A metaphor for God's judgment and wrath being poured out on those who oppose Him, drawing from Old Testament imagery of divine retribution.

4. The Cities of the Nations
Represents the global scope of the judgment, indicating that the impact of God's wrath is not limited to one location but affects all nations.

5. God's Remembrance
Indicates God's active intervention in history, where He recalls the sins of Babylon and executes judgment accordingly.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is real and inevitable for those who persist in rebellion against Him. This should motivate believers to live righteously and share the gospel.

Symbolism of Babylon
Babylon represents any system or culture that opposes God. Christians are called to discern and resist such influences in their lives.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's remembrance of Babylon's sins underscores His sovereignty and justice. Believers can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs.

Global Impact of Sin and Judgment
The collapse of the cities of the nations reminds us that sin has widespread consequences, and God's judgment will be comprehensive.

Call to Repentance
The imagery of the cup of wrath serves as a warning and a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to turn to God before it's too late.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of "the great city" being split into three parts challenge or affirm your understanding of God's judgment?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of Babylon be seen in today's world, and how should Christians respond to it?

3. How does the concept of God "remembering" Babylon's sins impact your view of divine justice and accountability?

4. What parallels can you draw between the judgment described in Revelation 16:19 and other biblical accounts of God's wrath?

5. How can the certainty of God's future judgment influence your daily life and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 25:15-29
This passage speaks of the cup of God's wrath being given to the nations, illustrating the theme of divine judgment.

Isaiah 51:17-23
Describes the cup of God's wrath and the consequences for those who drink it, paralleling the imagery in Revelation.

Revelation 14:8
Mentions the fall of Babylon, providing context for the judgment described in Revelation 16:19.

Genesis 11:1-9
The account of the Tower of Babel, which is often linked to Babylon, highlighting themes of human pride and rebellion against God.