Definition: And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 18:21. It's a pretty dramatic and significant passage about the future of a specific city. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – the destruction of Babylon – that will happen very soon, after the time of Jesus Christ. It’s a final judgment on a city that has been filled with wickedness and rebellion. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “A mighty angel took up a stone…” – This isn’t just any angel; this is an angelic being, likely representing God himself or a powerful messenger. It’s emphasizing the severity of what’s about to happen. “…and cast [it] into the sea…” - The “stone” is being thrown into the sea. It's not a physical rock, but a symbol of something that represents a city – Babylon. “saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” - This is the core of the message. The angel says this city will be destroyed with violence . "Violence" doesn’t necessarily mean physical fighting; it suggests a complete destruction through a powerful, divine punishment. And crucially, "shall be found no more at all" – meaning the city will cease to exist entirely. What does this tell us about Babylon? Babylon was a symbol of worldly power and corruption: Throughout Scripture, Babylon has been often depicted as a corrupt, decadent, and oppressive empire that has led to moral decay and societal breakdown. It represents rebellion against God: The verse suggests that the people of Babylon have consistently rejected God’s rule and have become a source of trouble for the world. It's a consequence of sin: This is often interpreted as a consequence of humanity’s disobedience and rebellion against God. Important Context (Briefly): Revelation 18 is part of a larger picture in Revelation, which describes the ultimate judgment of all people. The destruction of Babylon is seen as a symbolic representation of the final judgment of all sin. In short, this verse speaks of a devastating end for a city that has been rejected by God and represents the ongoing battle between good and evil. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on general understanding of scripture and interpretation. Do you have any specific questions about this verse, or would you like me to explain it in a different way? For example, are you curious about: The symbolism of the stone? Its connection to other events in Revelation?