Revelation 18:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Heaven, with the apostles and prophets, is called to rejoice, for God has vindicated his people against Babylon.
What Does Revelation 18:20 Mean?
The scene turns from earth's mourning to heaven's joy. A voice calls heaven, together with the holy apostles and prophets, to rejoice over Babylon's fall, because 'God hath avenged you on her.' Those who suffered under her now see their cause taken up and settled by God himself.
This is not gloating over pain but rejoicing that righteousness has prevailed and the faithful have been vindicated. The apostles and prophets who were wronged did not avenge themselves; they entrusted the matter to God, and now he has answered. For every believer who has borne injustice and waited, this verse is assurance that the wait is not in vain. Heaven rejoices because the God who sees all has at last made it right, and his people can rest in his justice.
Revelation 18:20 in the Original Language
krino (κρίνω), 'avenged' -- here, to judge a case in another's favor, to vindicate the wronged.
Frequently Asked Questions About Revelation 18:20
What does Revelation 18:20 mean?
Heaven, with the apostles and prophets, is called to rejoice, for God has vindicated his people against Babylon.