Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 18:10. It’s a pretty intense and dramatic verse, but it speaks about the end times and the ultimate judgment. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a terrifying future event – the destruction of a city called Babylon. The “great city” is understood to be a symbol for a powerful, corrupt, and wicked system or society. It’s saying that God is absolutely sure that judgment is coming for this city. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment..." : This isn’t about being physically distant; it’s about being incredibly afraid. The “fear of her torment” refers to a deep, overwhelming dread and terror caused by God’s judgment. Think of it like a massive wave of panic – you know something bad is going to happen. "saying, Alas, alas, that great city!" : This is the core of the verse. “Alas, alas” expresses profound sorrow and lament. The writer isn't just expressing sadness; they are acknowledging a terrible reality. "...for in one hour is thy judgment come." : This is the most important part. "One hour" refers to a very short period of time – often interpreted as a few minutes or hours before the end of the world as described in Revelation. “Thy judgment” means God’s wrath and punishment are about to be unleashed. It signifies that this city will be completely destroyed, and there will be no mercy left. Overall Meaning & Context: Revelation 18 is a vision of the end times – the final stages of history. This verse highlights that God isn't just punishing people; He is systematically destroying a system of power and corruption that has been causing immense suffering for centuries. It’s a message about the ultimate victory of good over evil. It suggests that this city, representing a powerful and flawed society, will be completely taken down. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of interpretation. Different people have different understandings of its meaning – some see it as a prophecy of the destruction of Rome, others as a symbol of spiritual rebellion against God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide a historical or literary context for this verse? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?