Babylon as a Symbol

The New Testament sometimes refers to Babylon, the capital of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire. The people of Judah were taken there as exiles after Jerusalem fell in 586 BC (Matthew 1:11–12, 17). In 1 Peter 5:13 and Revelation, however, the name “Babylon” is used as a symbol.

In 1 Peter 5:13, Peter refers to the “church in Babylon, chosen together with you.” Many interpreters understand this as a reference to the church in Rome. Like ancient Babylon, Rome was known for idolatry and immoral behavior. Ancient Babylon had oppressed the people of Judah in exile. In the same way, Rome was persecuting Christians.

Revelation also uses Babylon as a symbol, often understood as first-century Rome (Revelation 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 21). Babylon is pictured as a notorious prostitute who sits beside many waters. She is dressed like a queen and sits on a scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns. She is described as being “drunk with the blood of the saints.” The name on her forehead identifies her as Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the earth’s evil practices (Revelation 17:1–6).

An angel explains some of this apocalyptic symbolism, which uses vivid images to reveal spiritual truths (Revelation 17). The “many waters” represent nations and peoples. The seven heads represent seven mountains. Many interpreters connect these mountains with the seven hills of Rome.

Revelation repeatedly calls Babylon “the great city.” It describes the city as wealthy, powerful, and deeply immoral. Babylon rules over the kings of the earth and persecutes God’s people. In this interpretation, Babylon represents the evil and oppression of first-century Rome.

Revelation 18 describes Babylon’s fall and God’s judgment against her. Her destruction comes because of her immorality and her persecution of God’s people (Revelation 18:2–8; 19:2). The kings and merchants of the earth mourn because they have lost the wealth they gained through her (Revelation 18:9–19). God’s people, however, are called to rejoice because God has judged the city that oppressed them.

See also Babylon, Babylonia; Book of Revelation.