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Book of Revelation - Chapter 18 - Verse 7

18:7
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

Meaning

In this verse, the phrase "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously" refers to a metaphorical description of a wealthy and proud city or nation. The implication is that this entity has focused on self-indulgence and luxury, prioritizing material wealth and power above all else. The following phrase "so much torment and sorrow give her" serves as a warning that excessive pride and luxury will ultimately lead to pain and suffering. The verse goes on to describe how this entity arrogantly declares itself as a queen, asserting its status and power, and claiming that it will never experience any form of sorrow or loss. However, the message conveyed is that such arrogance and self-centeredness will lead to inevitable downfall and despair.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Revelation reveals the downfall of Babylon, a symbol of a powerful, wealthy, and influential world system that opposes God. The phrase "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously," illustrates Babylon's pride and extravagance as she revels in her own glory and material wealth. This excessive self-indulgence leads to her inevitable judgment, as she is warned that torment and sorrow will be her portion. The verse continues with Babylon declaring herself as a queen, secure in her power and status, believing she is immune to any suffering. However, this false sense of security is shattered as she is informed of the impending sorrow that will come upon her. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the dangers of pride, arrogance, and reliance on worldly treasures. It serves as a stark warning against putting one's trust in material possessions and self-centered ambitions, reminding believers to seek humility, dependence on God, and eternal treasures rather than temporary pleasures.

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