What is Babylon the Great in the Bible?

To grasp the meaning of "Babylon the Great," we first need to understand ancient Babylon itself. Located in modern-day Iraq, Babylon was one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. It reached its zenith under King Nebuchadnezzar II (c. 605–562 BC), who built the famed Hanging Gardens and expanded the city's influence across the Near East. Babylon was renowned for its grandeur, its immense wealth, and its advanced culture. Yet, for the Israelites, Babylon became a symbol of oppression and exile.

In the sixth century BC, the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, destroyed Solomon’s Temple, and carried many Jews into exile (the Babylonian Captivity). This traumatic event shaped much of the Old Testament’s view of Babylon, which came to represent not only a literal oppressor but also a metaphor for godlessness, pride, and enmity toward God’s people.

Babylon as a Symbol in the Bible

Babylon appears throughout the Bible as a potent symbol. In the Old Testament, it represents worldly power opposed to God. In the Book of Daniel, Babylon is the setting for stories of faithful resistance in the face of idolatry and imperial arrogance. The prophets, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, prophesy Babylon’s downfall, using powerful imagery to describe its judgment (see Isaiah 13–14; Jeremiah 50–51).

Babylon’s symbolic role expands in the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, particularly in Revelation. It is here that "Babylon the Great" emerges as a key figure—no longer just a city or empire, but an archetype of evil, corruption, and opposition to God.

Babylon the Great in Revelation: The Mysterious Woman

The phrase "Babylon the Great" appears most prominently in Revelation chapters 17 and 18. Here, the apostle John describes a vision of a woman "sitting on a scarlet beast… arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality" (Revelation 17:3–4, ESV). On her forehead is written a name: "Babylon the Great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations" (Revelation 17:5).

This woman, called the "great prostitute" or "harlot," is said to be drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs of Jesus (Revelation 17:6). John is told that she sits upon “many waters,” which symbolize peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages (Revelation 17:15). Her influence is global and pervasive.

The Fall of Babylon the Great

Revelation’s depiction of Babylon the Great climaxes with her sudden and catastrophic downfall. In Revelation 18, an angel proclaims: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit” (Revelation 18:2). Merchants, kings, and seafarers lament her destruction, signifying her economic and political power.

The language used is rich with allusions to the Old Testament prophecies of ancient Babylon’s fall, but now the destruction is global and final. The world mourns the loss of Babylon’s luxuries and excesses, but heaven rejoices at the end of her oppression (Revelation 18:20).

Interpretations of Babylon the Great

The identity of Babylon the Great has inspired a vast array of interpretations. Some are literal, others symbolic or historical. Here are the most prominent views:

1. Babylon as Rome

Many scholars and early Christian writers saw Babylon the Great as a code for the Roman Empire. In John’s day, Rome was the dominant power, notorious for its decadence, persecution of Christians, and idolatry. For persecuted believers, "Babylon" was a veiled way to speak of Rome’s corruption without inviting further persecution. The city of Rome, with its seven hills (Revelation 17:9), fits some of the imagery in Revelation.

2. Babylon as a World System

Others interpret Babylon the Great as a symbol of any worldly system opposed to God—political, economic, or religious. In this view, Babylon represents the seductive allure of materialism, immorality, and rebellion against divine authority. This interpretation resonates with the recurring biblical theme of the world as a place of temptation and opposition to God’s people.

3. Babylon as a Future Entity

Some futurist interpreters believe that Babylon the Great refers to a future, literal city or empire that will arise before the end of the age. This view is common among dispensationalists and some evangelical groups, who look for a rebuilt Babylon or a future "Babylonian" world power.

4. Babylon as Apostate Religion

Another interpretation sees Babylon the Great as symbolic of false or apostate religion. Because she is described as a prostitute, some believe this refers to spiritual unfaithfulness—religious systems that claim allegiance to God but are actually corrupt, idolatrous, and opposed to the gospel. This understanding has led some interpreters to see Babylon as representing specific historical religious institutions, though such views are controversial and debated.

The Meaning and Message of Babylon the Great

Regardless of interpretation, Babylon the Great serves as a warning against spiritual compromise, pride, and participation in systems of oppression and immorality. The vivid imagery and dramatic downfall in Revelation call believers to “come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues” (Revelation 18:4).

Babylon’s judgment is a reminder that God sees and will judge all injustice, corruption, and idolatry. The promise of her fall assures believers that evil, no matter how powerful or entrenched, will not have the last word. God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.

Babylon the Great in Christian Tradition

Throughout church history, Babylon the Great has been interpreted in light of current events and cultural circumstances. During times of persecution, Christians identified Babylon with their oppressors—be it Rome, later European empires, or other world powers. During the Reformation, some Protestants identified Babylon with the institutional church. In modern times, interpreters have pointed to everything from secularism to global capitalism as forms of "Babylon."

The enduring power of the symbol lies in its flexibility. Babylon the Great is not tied to one time or place; it is a recurring pattern of opposition to God, manifesting in various forms across history.

Living in the Shadow of Babylon

For contemporary believers, the message of Babylon the Great is both sobering and hopeful. It warns against being seduced by the world’s values—materialism, sensuality, and power. It calls Christians to spiritual vigilance, faithfulness, and a willingness to stand apart from corrupt systems, even when it is costly.

At the same time, the Bible’s vision of Babylon the Great’s fall is a source of hope. It assures believers that God is sovereign, that justice will be done, and that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord (Revelation 11:15).