Revelation 18:5

For her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities.

Study Bible

For her sins
The phrase "for her sins" refers to the transgressions of Babylon, symbolizing a system or city characterized by immorality and opposition to God. The Greek word for "sins" here is "ἁμαρτίαι" (hamartiai), which denotes acts of missing the mark or falling short of God's standards. Historically, Babylon is often associated with rebellion against God, dating back to the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). This phrase emphasizes the moral and spiritual failures that have accumulated over time, highlighting the pervasive nature of sin in societies that turn away from divine principles.

are piled up
The imagery of sins being "piled up" suggests an accumulation that has reached a critical point. The Greek word "κολλάω" (kollao) implies a joining or sticking together, indicating that these sins are not isolated incidents but a collective mass that has grown over time. This accumulation signifies the extent and severity of Babylon's transgressions, reaching a point where divine intervention becomes inevitable. The piling up of sins serves as a warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience and moral decay.

to heaven
The phrase "to heaven" signifies the extent to which these sins have reached, metaphorically ascending to the very presence of God. This echoes the imagery of the Tower of Babel, where human pride and rebellion sought to reach the heavens. In a spiritual sense, it indicates that the sins are so grievous that they demand divine attention and judgment. Theologically, this underscores the belief that no sin is hidden from God, and all actions are ultimately accountable to Him.

and God has remembered
The phrase "and God has remembered" is significant in biblical theology, where divine remembrance often precedes action. The Greek word "μνημονεύω" (mnēmoneuō) means to recall or bring to mind. In this context, it implies that God is now ready to act upon the accumulated sins of Babylon. This remembrance is not a lapse in divine memory but a deliberate decision to address the iniquities that have been long-standing. It reflects the justice of God, who, though patient, will not overlook persistent rebellion.

her iniquities
The term "iniquities" refers to moral corruption and wickedness. The Greek word "ἀδικία" (adikia) conveys a sense of injustice and unrighteousness. In the biblical narrative, iniquities are often associated with systemic evil and the perversion of justice. This phrase highlights the nature of Babylon's offenses, which are not merely personal sins but encompass broader societal injustices. The mention of iniquities serves as a reminder of the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, which addresses both individual and collective wrongdoing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Babylon the Great
Symbolic of a powerful, corrupt system or city that opposes God and leads people into sin. In Revelation, it represents the epitome of human pride and rebellion against God.

2. God
The sovereign and just judge who remembers and addresses the sins of Babylon. His remembrance signifies His intention to bring about justice.

3. Heaven
The dwelling place of God, symbolizing divine authority and the ultimate standard of righteousness. The sins reaching heaven indicate the severity and magnitude of Babylon's transgressions.

4. Sins and Iniquities
The moral and spiritual failures of Babylon, which have accumulated to a point that demands divine intervention and judgment.

5. Judgment
The event where God will execute justice upon Babylon for her accumulated sins, as foretold in the prophetic vision of Revelation.

Teaching Points

The Accumulation of Sin
Sin has a cumulative effect, and unrepented sin can lead to severe consequences. Believers are called to regularly confess and turn away from sin to avoid spiritual hardening.

God's Perfect Memory
Unlike humans, God does not forget sin unless it is covered by the blood of Christ. This should encourage believers to seek forgiveness and live in righteousness.

Divine Justice is Certain
God's remembrance of iniquities assures us that He will bring justice in His perfect timing. This should comfort believers who face injustice and encourage them to trust in God's ultimate plan.

The Call to Separate from Worldly Systems
Just as Babylon represents a corrupt system, Christians are called to live distinctively, avoiding the moral and spiritual corruption of the world.

Hope in God's Sovereignty
Despite the apparent triumph of evil, God's sovereignty ensures that He will ultimately prevail. Believers can find hope and strength in this truth.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of Babylon in Revelation 18:5 challenge us to examine the influences of worldly systems in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our sins do not "pile up" before God, and how does regular confession play a role in this?

3. How does the certainty of God's judgment on Babylon encourage us to trust in His justice in our current world?

4. What parallels can we draw between the account of the Tower of Babel and the sins of Babylon, and how do these accounts warn us against pride and self-reliance?

5. How can we live distinctively as Christians in a world that often mirrors the corruption of Babylon, and what practical steps can we take to separate ourselves from such influences?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 11
The Tower of Babel, where humanity's pride led them to build a tower reaching to the heavens, parallels Babylon's sins reaching heaven, symbolizing human arrogance and rebellion.

Jeremiah 51
The prophecy against Babylon in the Old Testament, where God declares judgment on the city for its sins, providing a historical backdrop to the symbolic Babylon in Revelation.

Romans 2:5-6
Paul speaks of storing up wrath for the day of God's judgment, similar to how Babylon's sins are piled up, indicating the certainty of divine justice.