Revelation 14:8

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 14:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.
Revelation 14:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 14

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And another, a second angel, followed, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, that hath made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And there followed another angel, etc.] A “second”, as the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, and the Syriac version add; and the Arabic version reads, “and the second angel followed”; another set of Gospel ministers, who will immediately follow upon the former, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, which will be brought about through the preaching of the everlasting Gospel. Some think the Waldenses and Albigenses are here designed, who gave a great blow to Babylon, and laid a foundation for her ruin. Others have thought that Luther, and the reformers of his times, are intended, who gave a deadly blow to Babylon, and she has been falling ever since: but to me it appears, that a set of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“another--So Vulgate. But A, B, Syriac, and ANDREAS add, "a second"; "another, a second angel." Babylon--here first mentioned; identical with the harlot, the apostate Church; distinct from the beast, and judged separately. is fallen--anticipation of Rev 18:2. A, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS support the second "is fallen." But B, C, and Coptic omit it. that great city--A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit "city." Then translate, "Babylon the great." The ulterior and exhaustive fulfilment of Isa 21:9. because--So ANDREAS. But A, C, Vulgate, and Syriac read, "which." B and Coptic omit it. Even reading "which," we must understand it as giving the reason of her fall. all nations--A, B and C…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And there followed another angel - That is, in the vision. It is not necessary to suppose that this would, in the fulfillment, succeed the other in time. The chapter is made up of a number of representations, all designed to illustrate the same general thing, and to produce the same general effect on the mind - that the gospel would be finally triumphant, and that, therefore, the hearts of the troubled and the afflicted should be comforted. The representation in this verse, bearing on this point, is, that Babylon, the great enemy, would fall to rise no more. Babylon - This is the first time that the word “Babylon” occurs in this book, though it is repeatedly mentioned afterward, Revelation…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“And another angel followed, saying, Babylon is fallen - With the overthrow of Babylon, that of all the enemies of Christ, and, consequently, happier times, are connected. Babylon the great - So the city of Rome is called upon many accounts. Babylon was magnificent, strong, proud, powerful. So is Rome also. Babylon was first, Rome afterwards, the residence of the emperors of the world. What Babylon was to Israel of old, Rome hath been both to the literal and spiritual "Israel of God." Hence the liberty of the ancient Jews was connected with the overthrow of the Babylonish empire. And when Rome is finally overthrown, then the people of God will be at liberty. Whenever Babylon is mentioned in…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“14:8 Babylon is probably a cryptic designation for Rome (see 16:19; 17:5-9); it represents earthly power and corruption. The coming of God as judge (14:7) includes the end of earthly powers.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Babylon: Rev 16:19, Rev 17:5, Rev 17:18, Rev 18:2, Rev 18:3, Rev 18:10, Rev 18:11, Rev 18:18-21; Isa 21:9; Jer 51:7, Jer 51:8, Jer 51:64 because: Rev 11:8, Rev 17:2-5, Rev 18:3, Rev 18:10, Rev 18:18, Rev 18:21, Rev 19:2; Jer 51:7; Eze 16:15-22; Nah 3:19 wrath: Rev 13:15-17, Rev 17:6 Revelation 14:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification