Devine Scripture

Revelation 18:1

What does Revelation 18:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Revelation 18:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Revelation 18:1 means

John sees another angel descend from heaven, carrying great authority from God. The brightness that fills the earth from this angel’s glory signals that what follows is not rumor or human opinion, but a public, divine announcement. Light exposes and judges; the radiance here contrasts with the moral darkness of Babylon. God does not speak in a corner—this message is meant for the whole world to know. The angel’s authority reassures suffering believers that heaven rules, not Babylon. Even before the sentence is declared, the scene shows that God’s presence and purpose will outshine and overrule the world’s proud systems, however impressive they seem for a time.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven, having great authority; and the earth was bright with his glory.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And after these things I saw another messenger coming down out of the heaven, having great authority, and the earth was lightened from his glory,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And after these things, I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power: and the earth was enlightened with his glory.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

After these things I saw another angel descending out of the heaven, having great authority: and the earth was lightened with his glory.

Context

This verse opens a new vision after the judgment of the harlot in the previous chapter. The arrival of a powerful angel prepares readers for a solemn proclamation. Revelation often uses heavenly messengers to introduce key turning points. The illumination of the earth anticipates a universal message, not a private whisper. Immediately after this majestic setup, the angel will declare the fall of Babylon, and then give reasons for it. Understanding the grandeur here helps frame the collapse that follows as God’s doing, not merely historical accident.

v.1This passage

v.2And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:8

    And then shall be revealed the lawless one, whom the Lord Jesus shall slay with the breath of his mouth, and bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming;

  • Revelation 21:23

    And the city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine upon it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb.

  • Revelation 10:1

    And I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, arrayed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire;

  • Revelation 17:7

    And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou wonder? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and the ten horns.

  • Revelation 17:1

    And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters;

  • Isaiah 60:1

    Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.

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