Give back to her as she has done to others; pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup. Give back to her as she has doneThis phrase calls for a divine retribution that mirrors the actions of Babylon, symbolizing a principle of justice that is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. The Greek word for "give back" is "ἀπόδοτε" (apodote), which implies a repayment or recompense. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, where it is stated that "whatever a man sows, he will reap in return." The historical context here is the fall of Babylon, a city synonymous with rebellion against God, and the call for justice is a reminder of God's ultimate authority and righteousness. Pay her back double for what she has done
The concept of "double" repayment is significant in biblical justice, often indicating a complete and thorough recompense. The Greek word "διπλῶσατε" (diplōsate) suggests an intensification of the repayment, emphasizing the severity of Babylon's sins. This reflects the Old Testament principle found in Exodus 22:4, where a thief must repay double for what he has stolen. The historical context of Babylon's opulence and oppression is met with a divine justice that is both fair and severe, underscoring the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's judgment. Mix her a double portion in her own cup
The imagery of a "cup" is frequently used in Scripture to symbolize God's wrath and judgment. The Greek word "ποτήριον" (potērion) refers to a drinking vessel, often used metaphorically to describe the experience of divine wrath, as seen in Psalm 75:8, where the wicked drink from the cup of God's judgment. The "double portion" signifies an overwhelming measure of retribution, reflecting the gravity of Babylon's iniquities. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the inescapable nature of divine justice. Persons / Places / Events 1. Babylon the GreatSymbolic of a corrupt and idolatrous system, often interpreted as representing a powerful, worldly empire or institution that opposes God and His people. 2. The CupRepresents the judgment and wrath of God. In biblical symbolism, a cup often signifies one's fate or destiny, particularly in the context of divine retribution. 3. The Double PortionA concept of intensified judgment, reflecting the severity of Babylon's sins and the corresponding punishment. Teaching Points Divine JusticeGod's justice is perfect and complete. The call to "pay her back double" underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. The Consequences of SinThe imagery of the "double portion" serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of living in opposition to God's will. God's SovereigntyDespite the apparent power and influence of worldly systems, God remains sovereign and will ultimately bring about justice. Call to RighteousnessBelievers are encouraged to live righteously, knowing that God will judge all actions. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement to pursue holiness. Hope for the OppressedFor those who have suffered under unjust systems, this passage offers hope that God will vindicate and restore justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of "paying back double" reflect God's justice, and what does it teach us about His character? 2. In what ways can the fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 serve as a warning to contemporary societies and institutions? 3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, relate to the judgment pronounced in Revelation 18:6? 4. What practical steps can believers take to ensure they are living in alignment with God's will, in light of the judgment described in this passage? 5. How can the promise of divine justice in Revelation 18:6 provide comfort and hope to those who have experienced injustice or oppression? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 50-51These chapters prophesy the fall of historical Babylon, which serves as a backdrop for understanding the symbolic Babylon in Revelation. The themes of judgment and recompense are echoed here. Psalm 137This psalm reflects the longing for justice against Babylon, highlighting the deep-seated desire for divine retribution against oppressors. Galatians 6:7This verse speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, which aligns with the idea of Babylon receiving back what she has done to others. People JohnPlaces BabylonTopics Accordance, Bowl, Cup, Deeds, Doings, Double, Doubles, Draught, Fill, Filled, Herself, Increased, Mingle, Mingled, Mix, Mixed, Paid, Pay, Portion, Recompense, Recompensed, Render, Rendered, Repay, Return, Returned, Reward, Rewarded, Twice, WorksDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 18:6 5283 cup
5496 revenge, examples Revelation 18:1-8 5305 empires Revelation 18:1-10 4125 Satan, agents of Revelation 18:1-24 4215 Babylon Revelation 18:2-24 5407 merchants Revelation 18:4-8 4843 plague Revelation 18:6-7 5562 suffering, innocent
5967 thrift Library Death Swallowed up in victory
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! D eath, simply considered, is no more than the cessation of life --that which was once living, lives no longer. But it has been the general, perhaps the universal custom of mankind, to personify it. Imagination gives death a formidable appearance, arms it with a dart, sting or scythe, and represents it as an active, inexorable and invincible reality. In this view death is a great devourer; with his iron tongue …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2The Northern Iron and the Steel
That being the literal meaning, we shall draw from our text a general principle. It is a proverbial expression, no doubt, and applicable to many other matters besides that of the prophet and the Jews; it is clearly meant to show, that in order to achieve a purpose, there must be a sufficient force. The weaker cannot overcome the stronger. In a general clash the firmest will win. There must be sufficient firmness in the instrument or the work cannot be done. You cannot cut granite with a pen-knife, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 War! War! War!
At the present crisis, the minds of men are exceedingly agitated with direful prospects of a terrible struggle. We know not whereunto this matter may grow. The signs of the times are dark and direful. We fear that the vials of God's wrath are about to be poured out, and that the earth will be deluged with blood. As long as there remains a hope, let us pray for peace, nay, even in the time of war let us still beseech the throne of God, crying, that he would "send us peace in our days." The war will …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 "If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is None of His. "
Rom. viii. 9.--"If so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." "But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth?" 2 Chron. vi. 18. It was the wonder of one of the wisest of men, and indeed, considering his infinite highness above the height of heavens, his immense and incomprehensible greatness, that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him, and then the baseness, emptiness, and worthlessness of man, it may be a wonder to the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10. …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
The law of God originates in his nature, but the attributes of his creatures are due to his sovereignty. The former is, accordingly, to be viewed as necessarily obligatory on the moral subjects of his government, and the latter--which are all consistent with the holiness of the Divine nature, are to be considered as called into exercise according to his appointment. Hence, also, the law of God is independent of his creatures, though made known on their account; but the operation of their attributes …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Links Revelation 18:6 NIVRevelation 18:6 NLTRevelation 18:6 ESVRevelation 18:6 NASBRevelation 18:6 KJV
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