Revelation of John 18:21
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying: “With such violence the great city of Babylon will be cast down, never to be seen again.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
a--Greek, "one." millstone--Compare the judgment on the Egyptian hosts at the Red Sea, Exo 15:5, Exo 15:10; Neh 9:11, and the foretold doom of Babylon, the world power, Jer 51:63-64. with violence--Greek, "with impetus." This verse shows that this prophecy is regarded as still to be fulfilled.
Open source ↗We have here, I. An angel proclaiming the fall of Babylon (Rev 18:1, Rev 18:2). II. Assigning the reasons of her fall (Rev 18:3). III. Giving warning to all who belonged to God to come out of her (Rev 18:4, Rev 18:5), and to assist in her destruction (Rev 18:6-8). IV. The great lamentation made for her by those who had been large sharers in her sinful pleasures and profits (Rev 18:9-19). V. The great joy that there would be among others at the sight of her irrecoverable ruin (Rev 18:20, etc.).
Open source ↗18:21-24 The songs responding to Babylon’s fall (18:1-24) conclude with a portrayal of the city’s doom. 18:21 a boulder the size of a huge millstone: Heavy millstones, shaped for grinding olives or grain, were used throughout the ancient world. Jesus also spoke of using such stones in judgment (see Matt 18:6). The dramatically thrown boulder signified that the power of Rome was forever thrown down.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.”
And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”
Then every island fled, and no mountain could be found.
But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels.
Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them.
And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again.
He will fly away like a dream, never to be found; he will be chased away like a vision in the night.
After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be no more.
Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun, and his legs were like pillars of fire.
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”