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Revelation 12-22
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

Chapter 12

The Woman and the Dragon. 1 [a]A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman[b] clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.(A) 2 She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.[c] 3 Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon,[d] with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems.(B) 4 Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth.(C) 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.[e] Her child was caught up to God and his throne.(D) 6 The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God, that there she might be taken care of for twelve hundred and sixty days.[f]

7 [g]Then war broke out in heaven; Michael[h] and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, 8 but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,[i] who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.(E)

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:

“Now have salvation and power come,
    and the kingdom of our God
    and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser[j] of our brothers is cast out,
    who accuses them before our God day and night.
11 They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
    and by the word of their testimony;
    love for life did not deter them from death.
12 Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
    and you who dwell in them.
But woe to you, earth and sea,
    for the Devil has come down to you in great fury,
    for he knows he has but a short time.”

13 When the dragon saw that it had been thrown down to the earth, it pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.(F) 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle,[k] so that she could fly to her place in the desert, where, far from the serpent, she was taken care of for a year, two years, and a half-year.(G) 15 The serpent,[l] however, spewed a torrent of water out of his mouth after the woman to sweep her away with the current. 16 But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth and swallowed the flood that the dragon spewed out of its mouth. 17 Then the dragon became angry with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring, those who keep God’s commandments and bear witness to Jesus.[m](H) 18 It took its position[n] on the sand of the sea.

Chapter 13

The First Beast.[o] 1 Then I saw a beast come out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads; on its horns were ten diadems, and on its heads blasphemous name[s].(I) 2 The beast I saw was like a leopard, but it had feet like a bear’s, and its mouth was like the mouth of a lion.[p](J) To it the dragon gave its own power and throne, along with great authority. 3 I saw that one of its heads seemed to have been mortally wounded, but this mortal wound was healed.[q] Fascinated, the whole world followed after the beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon because it gave its authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast[r] and said, “Who can compare with the beast or who can fight against it?”

5 [s]The beast was given a mouth uttering proud boasts and blasphemies,(K) and it was given authority to act for forty-two months.[t] 6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was also allowed to wage war against the holy ones and conquer them, and it was granted authority over every tribe, people, tongue, and nation.(L) 8 All the inhabitants of the earth will worship it, all whose names were not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life, which belongs to the Lamb who was slain.(M)

9 Whoever has ears ought to hear these words.(N)
10 Anyone destined for captivity goes into captivity.
Anyone destined to be slain by the sword shall be slain by the sword.(O)

Such is the faithful endurance of the holy ones.

The Second Beast.[u] 11 Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb’s but spoke like a dragon. 12 It wielded all the authority of the first beast in its sight and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed. 13 It performed great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in the sight of everyone.(P) 14 It deceived the inhabitants of the earth with the signs it was allowed to perform in the sight of the first beast, telling them to make an image for the beast who had been wounded by the sword and revived. 15 It was then permitted to breathe life into the beast’s image, so that the beast’s image could speak and [could] have anyone who did not worship it put to death.(Q) 16 It forced all the people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to be given a stamped image on their right hands or their foreheads,(R) 17 so that no one could buy or sell except one who had the stamped image of the beast’s name or the number that stood for its name.

18 [v](S)Wisdom is needed here; one who understands can calculate the number of the beast, for it is a number that stands for a person. His number is six hundred and sixty-six.

Chapter 14

The Lamb’s Companions.[w] 1 Then I looked and there was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion,[x] and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.(T) 2 I heard a sound from heaven like the sound of rushing water or a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 They were singing [what seemed to be] a new hymn before the throne, before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn this hymn except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been ransomed from the earth.(U) 4 These are they who were not defiled with women; they are virgins[y] and these are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been ransomed as the firstfruits of the human race for God and the Lamb.(V) 5 On their lips no deceit[z] has been found; they are unblemished.(W)

The Three Angels.[aa] 6 Then I saw another angel flying high overhead, with everlasting good news[ab] to announce to those who dwell on earth, to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, for his time has come to sit in judgment. Worship him who made heaven and earth and sea and springs of water.”(X)

8 A second angel followed, saying:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great,(Y)
    that made all the nations drink
    the wine of her licentious passion.”[ac]

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice, “Anyone who worships the beast or its image, or accepts its mark on forehead or hand, 10 will also drink the wine of God’s fury,[ad] poured full strength into the cup of his wrath, and will be tormented in burning sulfur before the holy angels and before the Lamb. 11 The smoke of the fire that torments them will rise forever and ever, and there will be no relief day or night for those who worship the beast or its image or accept the mark of its name.”(Z) 12 Here is what sustains the holy ones who keep God’s commandments(AA) and their faith in Jesus.[ae]

13 (AB)I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” said the Spirit, “let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them.”[af]

The Harvest of the Earth.[ag] 14 Then I looked and there was a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud one who looked like a son of man, with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.(AC) 15 Another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud, “Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the time to reap has come, because the earth’s harvest is fully ripe.”(AD) 16 So the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven who also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel [came] from the altar,[ah] [who] was in charge of the fire, and cried out in a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and cut the earth’s vintage. He threw it into the great wine press of God’s fury.(AE) 20 The wine press was trodden outside the city and blood poured out of the wine press to the height of a horse’s bridle for two hundred miles.[ai]

Chapter 15

The Seven Last Plagues. 1 [aj]Then I saw in heaven another sign,[ak] great and awe-inspiring: seven angels with the seven last plagues, for through them God’s fury is accomplished.

2 Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire.[al] On the sea of glass were standing those who had won the victory over the beast and its image and the number that signified its name. They were holding God’s harps,(AF) 3 and they sang the song of Moses,[am] the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and wonderful are your works,
    Lord God almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
    O king of the nations.(AG)
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
    or glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
    All the nations will come
    and worship before you,
    for your righteous acts have been revealed.”(AH)

5 [an]After this I had another vision. The temple that is the heavenly tent of testimony[ao] opened, 6 and the seven angels with the seven plagues came out of the temple. They were dressed in clean white linen, with a gold sash around their chests.(AI) 7 One of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls filled with the fury of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 Then the temple became so filled with the smoke from God’s glory and might that no one could enter it until the seven plagues of the seven angels had been accomplished.(AJ)

Chapter 16

The Seven Bowls.[ap] 1 I heard a loud voice speaking from the temple to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of God’s fury upon the earth.”

2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth. Festering and ugly sores broke out on those who had the mark of the beast or worshiped its image.[aq]

3 [ar]The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea. The sea turned to blood like that from a corpse; every creature living in the sea died.

4 The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water. These also turned to blood.(AK) 5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say:

“You are just, O Holy One,
    who are and who were,
    in passing this sentence.(AL)
6 For they have shed the blood of the holy ones and the prophets,
    and you [have] given them blood to drink;
    it is what they deserve.”(AM)

7 Then I heard the altar cry out,

“Yes, Lord God almighty,
    your judgments are true and just.”(AN)

8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun. It was given the power to burn people with fire. 9 People were burned by the scorching heat and blasphemed the name of God who had power over these plagues, but they did not repent or give him glory.(AO)

10 (AP)The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast.[as] Its kingdom was plunged into darkness, and people bit their tongues in pain 11 and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and sores. But they did not repent of their works.(AQ)

12 The sixth angel emptied his bowl on the great river Euphrates. Its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.[at] 13 I saw three unclean spirits like frogs[au] come from the mouth of the dragon, from the mouth of the beast, and from the mouth of the false prophet.(AR) 14 These were demonic spirits who performed signs. They went out to the kings of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God the almighty.(AS) 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief.”[av] Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his clothes ready, so that he may not go naked and people see him exposed.)(AT) 16 They then assembled the kings in the place that is named Armageddon[aw] in Hebrew.

17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.”(AU) 18 Then there were lightning flashes, rumblings, and peals of thunder, and a great earthquake. It was such a violent earthquake that there has never been one like it since the human race began on earth.(AV) 19 The great city[ax] was split into three parts, and the gentile cities fell. But God remembered great Babylon, giving it the cup filled with the wine of his fury and wrath. 20 [ay]Every island fled, and mountains disappeared. 21 Large hailstones like huge weights came down from the sky on people, and they blasphemed God for the plague of hail because this plague was so severe.(AW)

V. The Punishment of Babylon and the Destruction of Pagan Nations

Chapter 17

Babylon the Great. 1 [az]Then one of the seven angels who were holding the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the judgment on the great harlot[ba] who lives near the many waters.(AX) 2 [bb]The kings of the earth have had intercourse with her,(AY) and the inhabitants of the earth became drunk on the wine of her harlotry.” 3 Then he carried me away in spirit to a deserted place where I saw a woman seated on a scarlet beast[bc] that was covered with blasphemous names, with seven heads and ten horns.(AZ) 4 The woman was wearing purple and scarlet and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls.(BA) She held in her hand a gold cup that was filled with the abominable and sordid deeds of her harlotry. 5 On her forehead was written a name, which is a mystery, “Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth.” 6 [bd]I saw that the woman was drunk on the blood of the holy ones and on the blood of the witnesses to Jesus.

Meaning of the Beast and Harlot.[be] When I saw her I was greatly amazed. 7 The angel said to me, “Why are you amazed? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, the beast with the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 [bf](BB)The beast that you saw existed once but now exists no longer. It will come up from the abyss and is headed for destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world shall be amazed when they see the beast, because it existed once but exists no longer, and yet it will come again. 9 Here is a clue[bg] for one who has wisdom. The seven heads represent seven hills upon which the woman sits. They also represent seven kings:(BC) 10 five have already fallen, one still lives, and the last has not yet come,[bh] and when he comes he must remain only a short while. 11 The beast[bi] that existed once but exists no longer is an eighth king, but really belongs to the seven and is headed for destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw represent ten kings who have not yet been crowned;[bj] they will receive royal authority along with the beast for one hour.(BD) 13 They are of one mind and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will fight with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and king of kings, and those with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”(BE)

15 Then he said to me, “The waters that you saw where the harlot lives represent large numbers of peoples, nations, and tongues. 16 The ten horns[bk] that you saw and the beast will hate the harlot; they will leave her desolate and naked; they will eat her flesh and consume her with fire.(BF) 17 For God has put it into their minds to carry out his purpose and to make them come to an agreement to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are accomplished. 18 The woman whom you saw represents the great city that has sovereignty over the kings of the earth.”

Chapter 18

The Fall of Babylon.[bl] 1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth became illumined by his splendor.(BG) 2 [bm]He cried out in a mighty voice:

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.(BH)
    She has become a haunt for demons.
She is a cage for every unclean spirit,
    a cage for every unclean bird,
    [a cage for every unclean] and disgusting [beast].
3 For all the nations have drunk[bn]
    the wine of her licentious passion.
The kings of the earth had intercourse with her,
    and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her drive for luxury.”(BI)

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“Depart from her,[bo] my people,
    so as not to take part in her sins
    and receive a share in her plagues,(BJ)
5 for her sins are piled up to the sky,
    and God remembers her crimes.(BK)
6 Pay her back as she has paid others.
    Pay her back double for her deeds.
    Into her cup pour double what she poured.(BL)
7 To the measure of her boasting and wantonness
    repay her in torment and grief;
for she said to herself,
    ‘I sit enthroned as queen;
    I am no widow,
    and I will never know grief.’(BM)
8 Therefore, her plagues will come in one day,
    pestilence, grief, and famine;
    she will be consumed by fire.
For mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”

9 The kings of the earth who had intercourse with her in their wantonness will weep and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her pyre. 10 They will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her, and they will say:

“Alas, alas, great city,
    Babylon, mighty city.
    In one hour your judgment has come.”

11 The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn for her, because there will be no more markets[bp] for their cargo: 12 their cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple silk, and scarlet cloth; fragrant wood of every kind, all articles of ivory and all articles of the most expensive wood, bronze, iron, and marble; 13 cinnamon, spice,[bq] incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human beings.

14 “The fruit you craved
    has left you.
All your luxury and splendor are gone,
    never again will one find them.”(BN)

15 The merchants who deal in these goods, who grew rich from her, will keep their distance for fear of the torment inflicted on her. Weeping and mourning, 16 they cry out:

“Alas, alas, great city,
    wearing fine linen, purple and scarlet,
    adorned [in] gold, precious stones, and pearls.(BO)
17 In one hour this great wealth has been ruined.”

Every captain of a ship, every traveler at sea, sailors, and seafaring merchants stood at a distance 18 and cried out when they saw the smoke of her pyre, “What city could compare with the great city?” 19 (BP)They threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and mourning:

“Alas, alas, great city,
    in which all who had ships at sea
    grew rich from her wealth.
In one hour she has been ruined.
20 Rejoice over her, heaven,
    you holy ones, apostles, and prophets.
For God has judged your case against her.”(BQ)

21 A mighty angel picked up a stone like a huge millstone and threw it into the sea and said:

“With such force will Babylon the great city be thrown down,
    and will never be found again.(BR)
22 No melodies of harpists and musicians,
    flutists and trumpeters,
    will ever be heard in you again.
No craftsmen in any trade
    will ever be found in you again.
No sound of the millstone
    will ever be heard in you again.(BS)
23 No light from a lamp
    will ever be seen in you again.
No voices of bride and groom
    will ever be heard in you again.
Because your merchants were the great ones of the world,
    all nations were led astray by your magic potion.(BT)
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and holy ones
    and all who have been slain on the earth.”(BU)

Chapter 19

1 After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying:

    “Alleluia![br]
Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,
2     for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great harlot
    who corrupted the earth with her harlotry.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”(BV)

3 They said a second time:

“Alleluia! Smoke will rise from her forever and ever.”(BW)

4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen. Alleluia.”

The Victory Song.[bs] 5 A voice coming from the throne said:

“Praise our God, all you his servants,
    [and] you who revere him, small and great.”(BX)

6 Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said:

    “Alleluia!
The Lord has established his reign,
    [our] God, the almighty.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory.
For the wedding day of the Lamb[bt] has come,
    his bride has made herself ready.(BY)
8 She was allowed to wear
    a bright, clean linen garment.”(BZ)

(The linen represents the righteous deeds of the holy ones.)[bu]

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed[bv] are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These words are true; they come from God.”(CA) 10 I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t! I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers who bear witness to Jesus. Worship God.(CB) Witness to Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”[bw]

The King of Kings. 11 [bx]Then I saw the heavens opened, and there was a white horse; its rider was [called] “Faithful and True.” He judges and wages war in righteousness.(CC) 12 His eyes were [like] a fiery flame, and on his head were many diadems. He had a name[by] inscribed that no one knows except himself.(CD) 13 He wore a cloak that had been dipped in[bz] blood, and his name was called the Word of God.(CE) 14 The armies of heaven followed him, mounted on white horses and wearing clean white linen.(CF) 15 Out of his mouth came a sharp sword to strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he himself will tread out in the wine press[ca] the wine of the fury and wrath of God the almighty.(CG) 16 He has a name written on his cloak and on his thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords.”(CH)

17 [cb]Then I saw an angel standing on the sun. He cried out [in] a loud voice to all the birds flying high overhead, “Come here. Gather for God’s great feast, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of military officers, and the flesh of warriors, the flesh of horses and of their riders, and the flesh of all, free and slave, small and great.”(CI) 19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered to fight against the one riding the horse and against his army. 20 The beast was caught and with it the false prophet[cc] who had performed in its sight the signs by which he led astray those who had accepted the mark of the beast and those who had worshiped its image. The two were thrown alive into the fiery pool burning with sulfur.(CJ) 21 The rest were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of the one riding the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Chapter 20

The Thousand-year Reign. 1 [cd]Then I saw an angel come down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the abyss[ce] and a heavy chain.(CK) 2 He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, which is the Devil or Satan,[cf] and tied it up for a thousand years(CL) 3 and threw it into the abyss, which he locked over it and sealed, so that it could no longer lead the nations astray until the thousand years are completed. After this, it is to be released for a short time.

4 Then I saw thrones; those who sat on them were entrusted with judgment. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image nor had accepted its mark[cg] on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.(CM) 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed[ch] and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over these; they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for [the] thousand years.

7 [ci]When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison. 8 He will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog,[cj] to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.(CN) 9 They invaded the breadth of the earth[ck] and surrounded the camp of the holy ones and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.(CO) 10 The Devil who had led them astray was thrown into the pool of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet were. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Large White Throne.[cl] 11 Next I saw a large white throne and the one who was sitting on it. The earth and the sky fled from his presence and there was no place for them.(CP) 12 I saw the dead, the great and the lowly, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. Then another scroll was opened, the book of life.[cm] The dead were judged according to their deeds, by what was written in the scrolls.(CQ) 13 The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades[cn] gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds. 14 (CR)Then Death and Hades were thrown into the pool of fire. (This pool of fire is the second death.[co]) 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the pool of fire.

VI. The New Creation[cp]

Chapter 21

The New Heaven and the New Earth. 1 (CS)Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.[cq] 2 I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem,[cr] coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.(CT) 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race.(CU) He will dwell with them and they will be his people[cs] and God himself will always be with them [as their God].[ct] 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.”(CV)

5 The one who sat on the throne[cu] said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.”(CW) 6 He said to me, “They are accomplished.[cv] I [am] the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water.(CX) 7 The victor[cw] will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son.(CY) 8 But as for cowards,[cx] the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”(CZ)

The New Jerusalem.[cy] 9 One of the seven angels who held the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”[cz] 10 He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.(DA) 11 It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal.(DB) 12 It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, [the names] of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. 13 There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west.(DC) 14 The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles[da] of the Lamb.(DD)

15 [db]The one who spoke to me held a gold measuring rod to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city was square, its length the same as [also] its width. He measured the city with the rod and found it fifteen hundred miles[dc] in length and width and height. 17 He also measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits[dd] according to the standard unit of measurement the angel used. 18 [de]The wall was constructed of jasper, while the city was pure gold, clear as glass. 19 The foundations of the city wall were decorated with every precious stone; the first course of stones was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,(DE) 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh hyacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made from a single pearl; and the street of the city was of pure gold, transparent as glass.

22 [df](DF)I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. 23 [dg]The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,(DG) for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by its light,[dh] and to it the kings of the earth will bring their treasure.(DH) 25 During the day its gates will never be shut, and there will be no night there. 26 The treasure and wealth of the nations will be brought there, 27 but nothing unclean will enter it, nor any[one] who does abominable things or tells lies. Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.(DI)

Chapter 22

1 Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water,[di] sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb(DJ) 2 down the middle of its street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life[dj] that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will look upon his face,[dk] and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever.(DK)

VII. Epilogue[dl]

6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”(DL) 7 [dm]“Behold, I am coming soon.”[dn] Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.(DM)

8 It is I, John, who heard and saw these things, and when I heard and saw them I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t! I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brothers the prophets and of those who keep the message of this book. Worship God.”(DN)

10 Then he said to me, “Do not seal up the prophetic words of this book, for the appointed time[do] is near. 11 Let the wicked still act wickedly, and the filthy still be filthy. The righteous must still do right, and the holy still be holy.”

12 “Behold, I am coming soon. I bring with me the recompense I will give to each according to his deeds.(DO) 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega,(DP) the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”[dp]

14 Blessed are they who wash their robes so as to have the right to the tree of life and enter the city[dq] through its gates.(DQ) 15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the unchaste, the murderers, the idol-worshipers, and all who love and practice deceit.(DR)

16 “I, Jesus, sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the root and offspring of David,[dr] the bright morning star.”(DS)

17 The Spirit and the bride[ds] say, “Come.” Let the hearer say, “Come.” Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.(DT)

18 I warn everyone who hears the prophetic words in this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words in this prophetic book, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city described in this book.(DU)

20 [dt](DV)The one who gives this testimony says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all.

Footnotes

  1. 12:1–14:20 This central section of Revelation portrays the power of evil, represented by a dragon, in opposition to God and his people. First, the dragon pursues the woman about to give birth, but her son is saved and “caught up to God and his throne” (Rev 12:5). Then Michael and his angels cast the dragon and his angels out of heaven (Rev 12:7–9). After this, the dragon tries to attack the boy indirectly by attacking members of his church (Rev 12:13–17). A beast, symbolizing the Roman empire, then becomes the dragon’s agent, mortally wounded but restored to life and worshiped by all the world (Rev 13:1–10). A second beast arises from the land, symbolizing the antichrist, which leads people astray by its prodigies to idolize the first beast (Rev 13:11–18). This is followed by a vision of the Lamb and his faithful ones, and the proclamation of imminent judgment upon the world in terms of the wine of God’s wrath (Rev 14:1–20).
  2. 12:1–6 The woman adorned with the sun, the moon, and the stars (images taken from Gn 37:9–10) symbolizes God’s people in the Old and the New Testament. The Israel of old gave birth to the Messiah (Rev 12:5) and then became the new Israel, the church, which suffers persecution by the dragon (Rev 12:6, 13–17); cf. Is 50:1; 66:7; Jer 50:12. This corresponds to a widespread myth throughout the ancient world that a goddess pregnant with a savior was pursued by a horrible monster; by miraculous intervention, she bore a son who then killed the monster.
  3. 12:2 Because of Eve’s sin, the woman gives birth in distress and pain (Gn 3:16; cf. Is 66:7–14).
  4. 12:3 Huge red dragon: the Devil or Satan (cf. Rev 12:9; 20:2), symbol of the forces of evil, a mythical monster known also as Leviathan (Ps 74:13–14) or Rahab (Jb 26:12–13; Ps 89:11). Seven diadems: these are symbolic of the fullness of the dragon’s sovereignty over the kingdoms of this world; cf. Christ with many diadems (Rev 19:12).
  5. 12:5 Rule…iron rod: fulfilled in Rev 19:15; cf. Ps 2:9. Was caught up to God: reference to Christ’s ascension.
  6. 12:6 God protects the persecuted church in the desert, the traditional Old Testament place of refuge for the afflicted, according to the typology of the Exodus; see note on Rev 11:2.
  7. 12:7–12 Michael, mentioned only here in Revelation, wins a victory over the dragon. A hymn of praise follows.
  8. 12:7 Michael: the archangel, guardian and champion of Israel; cf. Dn 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9. In Hebrew, the name Michael means “Who can compare with God?”; cf. Rev 13:4.
  9. 12:9 The ancient serpent: who seduced Eve (Gn 3:1–6), mother of the human race; cf. Rev 20:2; Eph 6:11–12. Was thrown down: allusion to the expulsion of Satan from heaven; cf. Lk 10:18.
  10. 12:10 The accuser: the meaning of the Hebrew word “Satan,” found in Rev 12:9; Jb 1–2; Zec 3:1; 1 Chr 21:1; he continues to accuse Christ’s disciples.
  11. 12:14 Great eagle: symbol of the power and swiftness of divine help; cf. Ex 19:4; Dt 32:11; Is 40:31.
  12. 12:15 The serpent is depicted as the sea monster; cf. Rev 13:1; Is 27:1; Ez 32:2; Ps 74:13–14.
  13. 12:17 Although the church is protected by God’s special providence (Rev 12:16), the individual Christian is to expect persecution and suffering.
  14. 12:18 It took its position: many later manuscripts and versions read “I took my position,” thus connecting the sentence to the following paragraph.
  15. 13:1–10 This wild beast, combining features of the four beasts in Dn 7:2–28, symbolizes the Roman empire; the seven heads represent the emperors; see notes on Rev 17:10 and Rev 17:12–14. The blasphemous names are the divine titles assumed by the emperors.
  16. 13:2 Satan (Rev 12:9), the prince of this world (Jn 12:31), commissioned the beast to persecute the church (Rev 13:5–7).
  17. 13:3 This may be a reference to the popular legend that Nero would come back to life and rule again after his death (which occurred in A.D. 68 from a self-inflicted stab wound in the throat); cf. Rev 13:14; Rev 17:8. Domitian (A.D. 81–96) embodied all the cruelty and impiety of Nero. Cf. Introduction.
  18. 13:4 Worshiped the beast: allusion to emperor worship, which Domitian insisted upon and ruthlessly enforced. Who can compare with the beast: perhaps a deliberate parody of the name Michael; see note on Rev 12:7.
  19. 13:5–6 Domitian, like Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Dn 7:8, 11, 25), demanded that he be called by divine titles such as “our lord and god” and “Jupiter.” See note on Rev 11:2.
  20. 13:5 Forty-two months: this is the same duration as the profanation of the holy city (Rev 11:2), the prophetic mission of the two witnesses (Rev 11:3), and the retreat of the woman into the desert (Rev 12:6, 14).
  21. 13:11–18 The second beast is described in terms of the false prophets (cf. Rev 16:13; 19:20; 20:10) who accompany the false messiahs (the first beast); cf. Mt 24:24; Mk 13:22; 2 Thes 2:9; cf. also Dt 13:2–4. Christians had either to worship the emperor and his image or to suffer martyrdom.
  22. 13:18 Each of the letters of the alphabet in Hebrew as well as in Greek has a numerical value. Many possible combinations of letters will add up to 666, and many candidates have been nominated for this infamous number. The most likely is the emperor Caesar Nero (see note on Rev 13:3), the Greek form of whose name in Hebrew letters gives the required sum. (The Latin form of this name equals 616, which is the reading of a few manuscripts.) Nero personifies the emperors who viciously persecuted the church. It has also been observed that “6” represents imperfection, falling short of the perfect number “7,” and is represented here in a triple or superlative form.
  23. 14:1–5 Now follows a tender and consoling vision of the Lamb and his companions.
  24. 14:1 Mount Zion: in Jerusalem, the traditional place where the true remnant, the Israel of faith, is to be gathered in the messianic reign; cf. 2 Kgs 19:30–31; Jl 3:5; Ob 17; Mi 4:6–8; Zep 3:12–20. A hundred and forty-four thousand: see note on Rev 7:4–9. His Father’s name…foreheads: in contrast to the pagans who were marked with the name or number of the beast (Rev 13:16–17).
  25. 14:4 Virgins: metaphorically, because they never indulged in any idolatrous practices, which are considered in the Old Testament to be adultery and fornication (Rev 2:14–15, 20–22; 17:1–6; cf. Ez 16:1–58; 23:1–49). The parallel passages (Rev 7:3; 22:4) indicate that the 144,000 whose foreheads are sealed represent all Christian people.
  26. 14:5 No deceit: because they did not deny Christ or do homage to the beast. Lying is characteristic of the opponents of Christ (Jn 8:44), but the Suffering Servant spoke no falsehood (Is 53:9; 1 Pt 2:22). Unblemished: a cultic term taken from the vocabulary of sacrificial ritual.
  27. 14:6–13 Three angels proclaim imminent judgment on the pagan world, calling all peoples to worship God the creator. Babylon (Rome) will fall, and its supporters will be tormented forever.
  28. 14:6 Everlasting good news: that God’s eternal reign is about to begin; see note on Rev 10:7.
  29. 14:8 This verse anticipates the lengthy dirge over Babylon (Rome) in Rev 18:1–19:4. The oracle of Is 21:9 to Babylon is applied here.
  30. 14:10–11 The wine of God’s fury: image taken from Is 51:17; Jer 25:15–16; 49:12; 51:7; Ez 23:31–34. Eternal punishment in the fiery pool of burning sulfur (or “fire and brimstone”; cf. Gn 19:24) is also reserved for the Devil, the beast, and the false prophet (Rev 19:20; 20:10; 21:8).
  31. 14:12 In addition to faith in Jesus, the seer insists upon the necessity and value of works, as in Rev 2:23; 20:12–13; 22:12; cf. Mt 16:27; Rom 2:6.
  32. 14:13 See note on Rev 1:3. According to Jewish thought, people’s actions followed them as witnesses before the court of God.
  33. 14:14–20 The reaping of the harvest symbolizes the gathering of the elect in the final judgment, while the reaping and treading of the grapes symbolizes the doom of the ungodly (cf. Jl 4:12–13; Is 63:1–6) that will come in Rev 19:11–21.
  34. 14:18 Altar: there was only one altar in the heavenly temple; see notes above on Rev 6:9; 8:3; 11:1.
  35. 14:20 Two hundred miles: literally sixteen hundred stades. The stadion, a Greek unit of measurement, was about 607 feet in length, approximately the length of a furlong.
  36. 15:1–16:21 The seven bowls, the third and last group of seven after the seven seals and the seven trumpets, foreshadow the final cataclysm. Again, the series is introduced by a heavenly prelude, in which the victors over the beast sing the canticle of Moses (Rev 15:2–4).
  37. 15:1–4 A vision of the victorious martyrs precedes the vision of woe in Rev 15:5–16:21; cf. Rev 7:9–12.
  38. 15:2 Mingled with fire: fire symbolizes the sanctity involved in facing God, reflected in the trials that have prepared the victorious Christians or in God’s wrath.
  39. 15:3 The song of Moses: the song that Moses and the Israelites sang after their escape from the oppression of Egypt (Ex 15:1–18). The martyrs have escaped from the oppression of the Devil. Nations: many other Greek manuscripts and versions read “ages.”
  40. 15:5–8 Seven angels receive the bowls of God’s wrath.
  41. 15:5 Tent of testimony: the name of the meeting tent in the Greek text of Ex 40. Cf. 2 Mc 2:4–7.
  42. 16:1–21 These seven bowls, like the seven seals (Rev 6:1–17; 8:1) and the seven trumpets (Rev 8:2–9:21; 11:15–19), bring on a succession of disasters modeled in part on the plagues of Egypt (Ex 7–12). See note on Rev 6:12–14.
  43. 16:2 Like the sixth Egyptian plague (Ex 9:8–11).
  44. 16:3–4 Like the first Egyptian plague (Ex 7:20–21). The same woe followed the blowing of the second trumpet (Rev 8:8–9).
  45. 16:10 The throne of the beast: symbol of the forces of evil. Darkness: like the ninth Egyptian plague (Ex 10:21–23); cf. Rev 9:2.
  46. 16:12 The kings of the East: Parthians; see notes on Rev 6:2 and Rev 17:12–13. East: literally, “rising of the sun,” as in Rev 7:2.
  47. 16:13 Frogs: possibly an allusion to the second Egyptian plague (Ex 7:26–8:11). The false prophet: identified with the two-horned second beast (Rev 13:11–18 and the note there).
  48. 16:15 Like a thief: as in Rev 3:3 (cf. Mt 24:42–44; 1 Thes 5:2). Blessed: see note on Rev 1:3.
  49. 16:16 Armageddon: in Hebrew, this means “Mountain of Megiddo.” Since Megiddo was the scene of many decisive battles in antiquity (Jgs 5:19–20; 2 Kgs 9:27; 2 Chr 35:20–24), the town became the symbol of the final disastrous rout of the forces of evil.
  50. 16:19 The great city: Rome and the empire.
  51. 16:20–21 See note on Rev 6:12–14. Hailstones: as in the seventh Egyptian plague (Ex 9:23–24); cf. Rev 8:7. Like huge weights: literally, “weighing a talent,” about one hundred pounds.
  52. 17:1–19:10 The punishment of Babylon is now described as a past event and, metaphorically, under the image of the great harlot who leads people astray into idolatry.
  53. 17:1–6 Babylon, the symbolic name (Rev 17:5) of Rome, is graphically described as “the great harlot.”
  54. 17:2 Intercourse…harlotry: see note on Rev 14:4. The pagan kings subject to Rome adopted the cult of the emperor.
  55. 17:3 Scarlet beast: see note on Rev 13:1–10. Blasphemous names: divine titles assumed by the Roman emperors; see note on Rev 13:5–6.
  56. 17:6 Reference to the great wealth and idolatrous cults of Rome.
  57. 17:6b–18 An interpretation of the vision is here given.
  58. 17:8 Allusion to the belief that the dead Nero would return to power (Rev 17:11); see note on Rev 13:3.
  59. 17:9 Here is a clue: literally, “Here a mind that has wisdom.” Seven hills: of Rome.
  60. 17:10 There is little agreement as to the identity of the Roman emperors alluded to here. The number seven (Rev 17:9) suggests that all the emperors are meant; see note on Rev 1:4.
  61. 17:11 The beast: Nero; see note on Rev 17:8.
  62. 17:12–13 Ten kings who have not yet been crowned: perhaps Parthian satraps who are to accompany the revived Nero (the beast) in his march on Rome to regain power; see note on Rev 13:3. In Rev 19:11–21, the Lamb and his companions will conquer them.
  63. 17:16–18 The ten horns: the ten pagan kings (Rev 17:12) who unwittingly fulfill God’s will against harlot Rome, the great city; cf. Ez 16:37.
  64. 18:1–19:4 A stirring dirge over the fall of Babylon-Rome. The perspective is prophetic, as if the fall of Rome had already taken place. The imagery here, as elsewhere in this book, is not to be taken literally. The vindictiveness of some of the language, borrowed from the scathing Old Testament prophecies against Babylon, Tyre, and Nineveh (Is 23; 24; 27; Jer 50–51; Ez 26–27), is meant to portray symbolically the inexorable demands of God’s holiness and justice; cf. Introduction. The section concludes with a joyous canticle on the future glory of heaven.
  65. 18:2 Many Greek manuscripts and versions omit a cage for every unclean…beast.
  66. 18:3–24 Rome is condemned for her immorality, symbol of idolatry (see note on Rev 14:4), and for persecuting the church; cf. Rev 19:2.
  67. 18:4 Depart from her: not evacuation of the city but separation from sinners, as always in apocalyptic literature.
  68. 18:11 Ironically, the merchants weep not so much for Babylon-Rome, but for their lost markets; cf. Ez 27:36.
  69. 18:13 Spice: an unidentified spice plant called in Greek amōmon.
  70. 19:1, 3, 4, 6 Alleluia: found only here in the New Testament, this frequent exclamation of praise in the Hebrew psalms was important in Jewish liturgy.
  71. 19:5–10 A victory song follows, sung by the entire church, celebrating the marriage of the Lamb, the union of the Messiah with the community of the elect.
  72. 19:7 The wedding day of the Lamb: symbol of God’s reign about to begin (Rev 21:1–22:5); see note on Rev 10:7. His bride: the church; cf. 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:22–27. Marriage is one of the biblical metaphors used to describe the covenant relationship between God and his people; cf. Hos 2:16–22; Is 54:5–6; 62:5; Ez 16:6–14. Hence, idolatry and apostasy are viewed as adultery and harlotry (Hos 2:4–15; Ez 16:15–63); see note on Rev 14:4.
  73. 19:8 See note on Rev 14:12.
  74. 19:9 Blessed: see note on Rev 1:3.
  75. 19:10 The spirit of prophecy: as the prophets were inspired to proclaim God’s word, so the Christian is called to give witness to the Word of God (Rev 19:13) made flesh; cf. Rev 1:2; 6:9; 12:17.
  76. 19:11–16 Symbolic description of the exalted Christ (cf. Rev 1:13–16) who together with the armies of heaven overcomes the beast and its followers; cf. Rev 17:14.
  77. 19:12 A name: in Semitic thought, the name conveyed the reality of the person; cf. Mt 11:27; Lk 10:22.
  78. 19:13 Had been dipped in: other Greek manuscripts and versions read “had been sprinkled with”; cf. Rev 19:15. The Word of God: Christ is the revelation of the Father; cf. Jn 1:1, 14; 1 Jn 2:14.
  79. 19:15 The treading of the wine press is a prophetic symbol used to describe the destruction of God’s enemies; cf. Is 63:1–6; Jl 4:13.
  80. 19:17–21 The certainty of Christ’s victory is proclaimed by an angel, followed by a reference to the mustering of enemy forces and a fearsome description of their annihilation. The gruesome imagery is borrowed from Ez 39:4, 17–20.
  81. 19:20 Beast…false prophet: see notes on Rev 13. The fiery pool…sulfur: symbol of God’s punishment (Rev 14:10; 20:10, 14–15), different from the abyss; see note on Rev 9:1.
  82. 20:1–6 Like the other numerical values in this book, the thousand years are not to be taken literally; they symbolize the long period of time between the chaining up of Satan (a symbol for Christ’s resurrection-victory over death and the forces of evil) and the end of the world. During this time God’s people share in the glorious reign of God that is present to them by virtue of their baptismal victory over death and sin; cf. Rom 6:1–8; Jn 5:24–25; 16:33; 1 Jn 3:14; Eph 2:1.
  83. 20:1 Abyss: see note on Rev 9:1.
  84. 20:2 Dragon…serpent…Satan: see notes on Rev 12:3, 9, 10, 15.
  85. 20:4 Beast…mark: see Rev 13 and its notes.
  86. 20:6 Blessed: see note on Rev 1:3. Second death: see note on Rev 2:11. Priests: as in Rev 1:6; 5:10; cf. 1 Pt 2:9.
  87. 20:7–10 A description of the symbolic battle to take place when Satan is released at the end of time, when the thousand years are over; see note on Rev 20:1–6.
  88. 20:8 Gog and Magog: symbols of all pagan nations; the names are taken from Ez 38:1–39:20.
  89. 20:9 The breadth of the earth: Palestine. The beloved city: Jerusalem; see note on Rev 14:1.
  90. 20:11–15 A description of the final judgment. After the intermediate reign of Christ, all the dead are raised and judged, thus inaugurating the new age.
  91. 20:12 The book of life: see note on Rev 3:5. Judged…scrolls: see note on Rev 14:12.
  92. 20:13 Hades: the netherworld; see note on Rev 1:18.
  93. 20:14 Second death: see note on Rev 2:11.
  94. 21:1–22:5 A description of God’s eternal kingdom in heaven under the symbols of a new heaven and a new earth; cf. Is 65:17–25; 66:22; Mt 19:28.
  95. 21:1 Sea…no more: because as home of the dragon it was doomed to disappear; cf. Jb 7:12.
  96. 21:2 New Jerusalem…bride: symbol of the church (Gal 4:26); see note on Rev 19:7.
  97. 21:3–4 Language taken from Ez 37:27; Is 25:8; 35:10; cf. Rev 7:17.
  98. 21:3 People: other ancient manuscripts read a plural, “peoples.”
  99. 21:5 The one…on the throne: God himself; cf. Rev 4:1–11.
  100. 21:6 They are accomplished: God’s reign has already begun; see note on Rev 20:1–6. Alpha…Omega: see note on Rev 1:8. Life-giving water: see note on Rev 7:17.
  101. 21:7 The victor: over the forces of evil; see the conclusions of the seven letters (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). He will be my son: the victorious Christian enjoys divine affiliation by adoption (Gal 4:4–7; Rom 8:14–17); see note on Rev 2:26–28.
  102. 21:8 Cowards: their conviction is so weak that they deny Christ in time of trial and become traitors. Second death: see note on Rev 2:11.
  103. 21:9–22:5 Symbolic descriptions of the new Jerusalem, the church. Most of the images are borrowed from Ez 40–48.
  104. 21:9 The bride, the wife of the Lamb: the church (Rev 21:2), the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:10); cf. 2 Cor 11:2.
  105. 21:14 Courses of stones…apostles: literally, “twelve foundations”; cf. Eph 2:19–20.
  106. 21:15–17 The city is shaped like a gigantic cube, a symbol of perfection (cf. 1 Kgs 6:19–20). The measurements of the city and its wall are multiples of the symbolic number twelve; see note on Rev 7:4–9.
  107. 21:16 Fifteen hundred miles: literally, twelve thousand stades, about 12,000 furlongs (see note on Rev 14:20); the number is symbolic: twelve (the apostles as leaders of the new Israel) multiplied by 1,000 (the immensity of Christians); cf. Introduction. In length and width and height: literally, “its length and width and height are the same.”
  108. 21:17 One hundred and forty-four cubits: the cubit was about eighteen inches in length. Standard unit of measurement the angel used: literally, “by a human measure, i.e., an angel’s.”
  109. 21:18–21 The gold and precious gems symbolize the beauty and excellence of the church; cf. Ex 28:15–21; Tb 13:16–17; Is 54:11–12.
  110. 21:22 Christ is present throughout the church; hence, no temple is needed as an earthly dwelling for God; cf. Mt 18:20; 28:20; Jn 4:21.
  111. 21:23 Lamp…Lamb: cf. Jn 8:12.
  112. 21:24–27 All men and women of good will are welcome in the church; cf. Is 60:1, 3, 5, 11. The…book of life: see note on Rev 3:5.
  113. 22:1, 17 Life-giving water: see note on Rev 7:17.
  114. 22:2 The tree of life: cf. Rev 22:14; see note on Rev 2:7. Fruit…medicine: cf. Ez 47:12.
  115. 22:4 Look upon his face: cf. Mt 5:8; 1 Cor 13:12; 1 Jn 3:2.
  116. 22:6–21 The book ends with an epilogue consisting of a series of warnings and exhortations and forming an inclusion with the prologue by resuming its themes and expressions; see note on Rev 1:1–3.
  117. 22:7, 12, 20 I am coming soon: Christ is the speaker; see note on Rev 1:3.
  118. 22:7, 14 Blessed: see note on Rev 1:3.
  119. 22:10 The appointed time: see note on Rev 1:3.
  120. 22:13 Christ applies to himself words used by God in Rev 1:8.
  121. 22:14 The city: heavenly Jerusalem; see note on Rev 21:2.
  122. 22:16 The root…of David: see note on Rev 5:5. Morning star: see note on Rev 2:26–28.
  123. 22:17 Bride: the church; see note on Rev 21:2.
  124. 22:20 Come, Lord Jesus: a liturgical refrain, similar to the Aramaic expression Marana tha—“Our Lord, come!”—in 1 Cor 16:22; cf. note there. It was a prayer for the coming of Christ in glory at the parousia; see note on Rev 1:3.
Listen to Revelation 12-22
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Revelation 12-22
New International Version

The Woman and the Dragon

12 A great sign(A) appeared in heaven:(B) a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars(C) on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain(D) as she was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven:(E) an enormous red dragon(F) with seven heads(G) and ten horns(H) and seven crowns(I) on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third(J) of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.(K) The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child(L) the moment he was born. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.”[a](M) And her child was snatched up(N) to God and to his throne. 6 The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.(O)

7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael(P) and his angels fought against the dragon,(Q) and the dragon and his angels(R) fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent(S) called the devil,(T) or Satan,(U) who leads the whole world astray.(V) He was hurled to the earth,(W) and his angels with him.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven(X) say:

“Now have come the salvation(Y) and the power
    and the kingdom of our God,
    and the authority of his Messiah.
For the accuser of our brothers and sisters,(Z)
    who accuses them before our God day and night,
    has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over(AA) him
    by the blood of the Lamb(AB)
    and by the word of their testimony;(AC)
they did not love their lives so much
    as to shrink from death.(AD)
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens(AE)
    and you who dwell in them!
But woe(AF) to the earth and the sea,(AG)
    because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
    because he knows that his time is short.”

13 When the dragon(AH) saw that he had been hurled to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child.(AI) 14 The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle,(AJ) so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time,(AK) out of the serpent’s reach. 15 Then from his mouth the serpent(AL) spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war(AM) against the rest of her offspring(AN)—those who keep God’s commands(AO) and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.(AP)

The Beast out of the Sea

13 The dragon[b] stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea.(AQ) It had ten horns and seven heads,(AR) with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.(AS) 2 The beast I saw resembled a leopard,(AT) but had feet like those of a bear(AU) and a mouth like that of a lion.(AV) The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.(AW) 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed.(AX) The whole world was filled with wonder(AY) and followed the beast. 4 People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like(AZ) the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

5 The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies(BA) and to exercise its authority for forty-two months.(BB) 6 It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven.(BC) 7 It was given power to wage war(BD) against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.(BE) 8 All inhabitants of the earth(BF) will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life,(BG) the Lamb(BH) who was slain from the creation of the world.[c](BI)

9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.(BJ)

10 “If anyone is to go into captivity,
    into captivity they will go.
If anyone is to be killed[d] with the sword,
    with the sword they will be killed.”[e](BK)

This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness(BL) on the part of God’s people.(BM)

The Beast out of the Earth

11 Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth.(BN) It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.(BO) 12 It exercised all the authority(BP) of the first beast on its behalf,(BQ) and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast,(BR) whose fatal wound had been healed.(BS) 13 And it performed great signs,(BT) even causing fire to come down from heaven(BU) to the earth in full view of the people. 14 Because of the signs(BV) it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived(BW) the inhabitants of the earth.(BX) It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.(BY) 15 The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship(BZ) the image to be killed.(CA) 16 It also forced all people, great and small,(CB) rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads,(CC) 17 so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark,(CD) which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.(CE)

18 This calls for wisdom.(CF) Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man.[f](CG) That number is 666.

The Lamb and the 144,000

14 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb,(CH) standing on Mount Zion,(CI) and with him 144,000(CJ) who had his name and his Father’s name(CK) written on their foreheads.(CL) 2 And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters(CM) and like a loud peal of thunder.(CN) The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.(CO) 3 And they sang a new song(CP) before the throne and before the four living creatures(CQ) and the elders.(CR) No one could learn the song except the 144,000(CS) who had been redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins.(CT) They follow the Lamb wherever he goes.(CU) They were purchased from among mankind(CV) and offered as firstfruits(CW) to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths;(CX) they are blameless.(CY)

The Three Angels

6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair,(CZ) and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth(DA)—to every nation, tribe, language and people.(DB) 7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God(DC) and give him glory,(DD) because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made(DE) the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”(DF)

8 A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great,’[g](DG) which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”(DH)

9 A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast(DI) and its image(DJ) and receives its mark on their forehead(DK) or on their hand, 10 they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury,(DL) which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath.(DM) They will be tormented with burning sulfur(DN) in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever.(DO) There will be no rest day or night(DP) for those who worship the beast and its image,(DQ) or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”(DR) 12 This calls for patient endurance(DS) on the part of the people of God(DT) who keep his commands(DU) and remain faithful to Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord(DV) from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit,(DW) “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

Harvesting the Earth and Trampling the Winepress

14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud,(DX) and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man[h](DY) with a crown(DZ) of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple(EA) and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle(EB) and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest(EC) of the earth is ripe.” 16 So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

17 Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.(ED) 18 Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar(EE) and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle(EF) and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.” 19 The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.(EG) 20 They were trampled in the winepress(EH) outside the city,(EI) and blood(EJ) flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.[i]

Seven Angels With Seven Plagues

15 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign:(EK) seven angels(EL) with the seven last plagues(EM)—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass(EN) glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious(EO) over the beast(EP) and its image(EQ) and over the number of its name.(ER) They held harps(ES) given them by God 3 and sang the song of God’s servant(ET) Moses(EU) and of the Lamb:(EV)

“Great and marvelous are your deeds,(EW)
    Lord God Almighty.(EX)
Just and true are your ways,(EY)
    King of the nations.[j]
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,(EZ)
    and bring glory to your name?(FA)
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
    and worship before you,(FB)
for your righteous acts(FC) have been revealed.”[k]

5 After this I looked, and I saw in heaven the temple(FD)—that is, the tabernacle of the covenant law(FE)—and it was opened.(FF) 6 Out of the temple(FG) came the seven angels with the seven plagues.(FH) They were dressed in clean, shining linen(FI) and wore golden sashes around their chests.(FJ) 7 Then one of the four living creatures(FK) gave to the seven angels(FL) seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever.(FM) 8 And the temple was filled with smoke(FN) from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple(FO) until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.

The Seven Bowls of God’s Wrath

16 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple(FP) saying to the seven angels,(FQ) “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”(FR)

2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land,(FS) and ugly, festering sores(FT) broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.(FU)

3 The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.(FV)

4 The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water,(FW) and they became blood.(FX) 5 Then I heard the angel in charge of the waters say:

“You are just in these judgments,(FY) O Holy One,(FZ)
    you who are and who were;(GA)
6 for they have shed the blood of your holy people and your prophets,(GB)
    and you have given them blood to drink(GC) as they deserve.”

7 And I heard the altar(GD) respond:

“Yes, Lord God Almighty,(GE)
    true and just are your judgments.”(GF)

8 The fourth angel(GG) poured out his bowl on the sun,(GH) and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.(GI) 9 They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God,(GJ) who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent(GK) and glorify him.(GL)

10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast,(GM) and its kingdom was plunged into darkness.(GN) People gnawed their tongues in agony 11 and cursed(GO) the God of heaven(GP) because of their pains and their sores,(GQ) but they refused to repent of what they had done.(GR)

12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates,(GS) and its water was dried up to prepare the way(GT) for the kings from the East.(GU) 13 Then I saw three impure spirits(GV) that looked like frogs;(GW) they came out of the mouth of the dragon,(GX) out of the mouth of the beast(GY) and out of the mouth of the false prophet.(GZ) 14 They are demonic spirits(HA) that perform signs,(HB) and they go out to the kings of the whole world,(HC) to gather them for the battle(HD) on the great day(HE) of God Almighty.

15 “Look, I come like a thief!(HF) Blessed is the one who stays awake(HG) and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”(HH)

16 Then they gathered the kings together(HI) to the place that in Hebrew(HJ) is called Armageddon.(HK)

17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air,(HL) and out of the temple(HM) came a loud voice(HN) from the throne, saying, “It is done!”(HO) 18 Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder(HP) and a severe earthquake.(HQ) No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth,(HR) so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city(HS) split into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered(HT) Babylon the Great(HU) and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath.(HV) 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not be found.(HW) 21 From the sky huge hailstones,(HX) each weighing about a hundred pounds,[l] fell on people. And they cursed God(HY) on account of the plague of hail,(HZ) because the plague was so terrible.

Babylon, the Prostitute on the Beast

17 One of the seven angels(IA) who had the seven bowls(IB) came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment(IC) of the great prostitute,(ID) who sits by many waters.(IE) 2 With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”(IF)

3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit(IG) into a wilderness.(IH) There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet(II) beast that was covered with blasphemous names(IJ) and had seven heads and ten horns.(IK) 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls.(IL) She held a golden cup(IM) in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.(IN) 5 The name written on her forehead was a mystery:(IO)

babylon the great(IP)

the mother of prostitutes(IQ)

and of the abominations of the earth.

6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God’s holy people,(IR) the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus.

When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery(IS) of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and ten horns.(IT) 8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss(IU) and go to its destruction.(IV) The inhabitants of the earth(IW) whose names have not been written in the book of life(IX) from the creation of the world will be astonished(IY) when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.

9 “This calls for a mind with wisdom.(IZ) The seven heads(JA) are seven hills on which the woman sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for only a little while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not,(JB) is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction.

12 “The ten horns(JC) you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour(JD) will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast.(JE) 14 They will wage war(JF) against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over(JG) them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings(JH)—and with him will be his called, chosen(JI) and faithful followers.”

15 Then the angel said to me, “The waters(JJ) you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages.(JK) 16 The beast and the ten horns(JL) you saw will hate the prostitute.(JM) They will bring her to ruin(JN) and leave her naked;(JO) they will eat her flesh(JP) and burn her with fire.(JQ) 17 For God has put it into their hearts(JR) to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority,(JS) until God’s words are fulfilled.(JT) 18 The woman you saw is the great city(JU) that rules over the kings of the earth.”

Lament Over Fallen Babylon

18 After this I saw another angel(JV) coming down from heaven.(JW) He had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor.(JX) 2 With a mighty voice he shouted:

“‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great!’[m](JY)
    She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit,(JZ)
    a haunt for every unclean bird,
    a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.(KA)
3 For all the nations have drunk
    the maddening wine of her adulteries.(KB)
The kings of the earth committed adultery with her,(KC)
    and the merchants of the earth grew rich(KD) from her excessive luxuries.”(KE)

Warning to Escape Babylon’s Judgment

4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:

“‘Come out of her, my people,’[n](KF)
    so that you will not share in her sins,
    so that you will not receive any of her plagues;(KG)
5 for her sins are piled up to heaven,(KH)
    and God has remembered(KI) her crimes.
6 Give back to her as she has given;
    pay her back(KJ) double(KK) for what she has done.
    Pour her a double portion from her own cup.(KL)
7 Give her as much torment and grief
    as the glory and luxury she gave herself.(KM)
In her heart she boasts,
    ‘I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[o]
    I will never mourn.’(KN)
8 Therefore in one day(KO) her plagues will overtake her:
    death, mourning and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,(KP)
    for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.

Threefold Woe Over Babylon’s Fall

9 “When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her(KQ) and shared her luxury(KR) see the smoke of her burning,(KS) they will weep and mourn over her.(KT) 10 Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off(KU) and cry:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,(KV)
    you mighty city of Babylon!
In one hour(KW) your doom has come!’

11 “The merchants(KX) of the earth will weep and mourn(KY) over her because no one buys their cargoes anymore(KZ)— 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble;(LA) 13 cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and human beings sold as slaves.(LB)

14 “They will say, ‘The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.’ 15 The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her(LC) will stand far off,(LD) terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn(LE) 16 and cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,(LF)
    dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
    and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!(LG)
17 In one hour(LH) such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’(LI)

“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea,(LJ) will stand far off.(LK) 18 When they see the smoke of her burning,(LL) they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city(LM)?’(LN) 19 They will throw dust on their heads,(LO) and with weeping and mourning(LP) cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,(LQ)
    where all who had ships on the sea
    became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’(LR)

20 “Rejoice over her, you heavens!(LS)
    Rejoice, you people of God!
    Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
    with the judgment she imposed on you.”(LT)

The Finality of Babylon’s Doom

21 Then a mighty angel(LU) picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea,(LV) and said:

“With such violence
    the great city(LW) of Babylon will be thrown down,
    never to be found again.
22 The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters,
    will never be heard in you again.(LX)
No worker of any trade
    will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
    will never be heard in you again.(LY)
23 The light of a lamp
    will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride
    will never be heard in you again.(LZ)
Your merchants were the world’s important people.(MA)
    By your magic spell(MB) all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people,(MC)
    of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”(MD)

Threefold Hallelujah Over Babylon’s Fall

19 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude(ME) in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah!(MF)
Salvation(MG) and glory and power(MH) belong to our God,
2     for true and just are his judgments.(MI)
He has condemned the great prostitute(MJ)
    who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”(MK)

3 And again they shouted:

“Hallelujah!(ML)
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”(MM)

4 The twenty-four elders(MN) and the four living creatures(MO) fell down(MP) and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

“Amen, Hallelujah!”(MQ)

5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

“Praise our God,
    all you his servants,(MR)
you who fear him,
    both great and small!”(MS)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude,(MT) like the roar of rushing waters(MU) and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!(MV)
    For our Lord God Almighty(MW) reigns.(MX)
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!(MY)
For the wedding of the Lamb(MZ) has come,
    and his bride(NA) has made herself ready.
8 Fine linen,(NB) bright and clean,
    was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts(NC) of God’s holy people.)

9 Then the angel said to me,(ND) “Write this:(NE) Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!”(NF) And he added, “These are the true words of God.”(NG)

10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him.(NH) But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!(NI) For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”(NJ)

The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast

11 I saw heaven standing open(NK) and there before me was a white horse, whose rider(NL) is called Faithful and True.(NM) With justice he judges and wages war.(NN) 12 His eyes are like blazing fire,(NO) and on his head are many crowns.(NP) He has a name written on him(NQ) that no one knows but he himself.(NR) 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood,(NS) and his name is the Word of God.(NT) 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen,(NU) white(NV) and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword(NW) with which to strike down(NX) the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.”[p](NY) He treads the winepress(NZ) of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:(OA)

king of kings and lord of lords.(OB)

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds(OC) flying in midair,(OD) “Come,(OE) gather together for the great supper of God,(OF) 18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people,(OG) free and slave,(OH) great and small.”(OI)

19 Then I saw the beast(OJ) and the kings of the earth(OK) and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse(OL) and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet(OM) who had performed the signs(ON) on its behalf.(OO) With these signs he had deluded(OP) those who had received the mark of the beast(OQ) and worshiped its image.(OR) The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake(OS) of burning sulfur.(OT) 21 The rest were killed with the sword(OU) coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse,(OV) and all the birds(OW) gorged themselves on their flesh.

The Thousand Years

20 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven,(OX) having the key(OY) to the Abyss(OZ) and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan,(PA) and bound him for a thousand years.(PB) 3 He threw him into the Abyss,(PC) and locked and sealed(PD) it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations(PE) anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

4 I saw thrones(PF) on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge.(PG) And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded(PH) because of their testimony about Jesus(PI) and because of the word of God.(PJ) They[q] had not worshiped the beast(PK) or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands.(PL) They came to life and reigned(PM) with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection.(PN) 6 Blessed(PO) and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death(PP) has no power over them, but they will be priests(PQ) of God and of Christ and will reign with him(PR) for a thousand years.

The Judgment of Satan

7 When the thousand years are over,(PS) Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations(PT) in the four corners of the earth(PU)—Gog and Magog(PV)—and to gather them for battle.(PW) In number they are like the sand on the seashore.(PX) 9 They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded(PY) the camp of God’s people, the city he loves.(PZ) But fire came down from heaven(QA) and devoured them. 10 And the devil, who deceived them,(QB) was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur,(QC) where the beast(QD) and the false prophet(QE) had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.(QF)

The Judgment of the Dead

11 Then I saw a great white throne(QG) and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence,(QH) and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small,(QI) standing before the throne, and books were opened.(QJ) Another book was opened, which is the book of life.(QK) The dead were judged(QL) according to what they had done(QM) as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades(QN) gave up the dead(QO) that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.(QP) 14 Then death(QQ) and Hades(QR) were thrown into the lake of fire.(QS) The lake of fire is the second death.(QT) 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life(QU) was thrown into the lake of fire.

A New Heaven and a New Earth

21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[r](QV) for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away,(QW) and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City,(QX) the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,(QY) prepared as a bride(QZ) beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.(RA) They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.(RB) 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.(RC) There will be no more death’[s](RD) or mourning or crying or pain,(RE) for the old order of things has passed away.”(RF)

5 He who was seated on the throne(RG) said, “I am making everything new!”(RH) Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”(RI)

6 He said to me: “It is done.(RJ) I am the Alpha and the Omega,(RK) the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost(RL) from the spring of the water of life.(RM) 7 Those who are victorious(RN) will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.(RO) 8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars(RP)—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.(RQ) This is the second death.”(RR)

The New Jerusalem, the Bride of the Lamb

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues(RS) came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride,(RT) the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away(RU) in the Spirit(RV) to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.(RW) 11 It shone with the glory of God,(RX) and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper,(RY) clear as crystal.(RZ) 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates,(SA) and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.(SB) 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations,(SC) and on them were the names of the twelve apostles(SD) of the Lamb.

15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod(SE) of gold to measure the city, its gates(SF) and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia[t] in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 The angel measured the wall using human(SG) measurement, and it was 144 cubits[u] thick.[v] 18 The wall was made of jasper,(SH) and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass.(SI) 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.(SJ) The first foundation was jasper,(SK) the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby,(SL) the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.[w] 21 The twelve gates(SM) were twelve pearls,(SN) each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.(SO)

22 I did not see a temple(SP) in the city, because the Lord God Almighty(SQ) and the Lamb(SR) are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God(SS) gives it light,(ST) and the Lamb(SU) is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.(SV) 25 On no day will its gates(SW) ever be shut,(SX) for there will be no night there.(SY) 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.(SZ) 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful,(TA) but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.(TB)

Eden Restored

22 Then the angel showed me the river(TC) of the water of life,(TD) as clear as crystal,(TE) flowing(TF) from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life,(TG) bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.(TH) 3 No longer will there be any curse.(TI) The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.(TJ) 4 They will see his face,(TK) and his name will be on their foreheads.(TL) 5 There will be no more night.(TM) They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.(TN) And they will reign for ever and ever.(TO)

John and the Angel

6 The angel said to me,(TP) “These words are trustworthy and true.(TQ) The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets,(TR) sent his angel(TS) to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”

7 “Look, I am coming soon!(TT) Blessed(TU) is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”(TV)

8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.(TW) And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet(TX) of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll.(TY) Worship God!”(TZ)

10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up(UA) the words of the prophecy of this scroll,(UB) because the time is near.(UC) 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”(UD)

Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

12 “Look, I am coming soon!(UE) My reward is with me,(UF) and I will give to each person according to what they have done.(UG) 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega,(UH) the First and the Last,(UI) the Beginning and the End.(UJ)

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes,(UK) that they may have the right to the tree of life(UL) and may go through the gates(UM) into the city.(UN) 15 Outside(UO) are the dogs,(UP) those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 “I, Jesus,(UQ) have sent my angel(UR) to give you[x] this testimony for the churches.(US) I am the Root(UT) and the Offspring of David,(UU) and the bright Morning Star.”(UV)

17 The Spirit(UW) and the bride(UX) say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.(UY)

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:(UZ) If anyone adds anything to them,(VA) God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.(VB) 19 And if anyone takes words away(VC) from this scroll of prophecy,(VD) God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life(VE) and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

20 He who testifies to these things(VF) says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”(VG)

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.(VH)

21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.(VI) Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Revelation 12:5 Psalm 2:9
  2. Revelation 13:1 Some manuscripts And I
  3. Revelation 13:8 Or written from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was slain
  4. Revelation 13:10 Some manuscripts anyone kills
  5. Revelation 13:10 Jer. 15:2
  6. Revelation 13:18 Or is humanity’s number
  7. Revelation 14:8 Isaiah 21:9
  8. Revelation 14:14 See Daniel 7:13.
  9. Revelation 14:20 That is, about 180 miles or about 300 kilometers
  10. Revelation 15:3 Some manuscripts ages
  11. Revelation 15:4 Phrases in this song are drawn from Psalm 111:2,3; Deut. 32:4; Jer. 10:7; Psalms 86:9; 98:2.
  12. Revelation 16:21 Or about 45 kilograms
  13. Revelation 18:2 Isaiah 21:9
  14. Revelation 18:4 Jer. 51:45
  15. Revelation 18:7 See Isaiah 47:7,8.
  16. Revelation 19:15 Psalm 2:9
  17. Revelation 20:4 Or God; I also saw those who
  18. Revelation 21:1 Isaiah 65:17
  19. Revelation 21:4 Isaiah 25:8
  20. Revelation 21:16 That is, about 1,400 miles or about 2,200 kilometers
  21. Revelation 21:17 That is, about 200 feet or about 65 meters
  22. Revelation 21:17 Or high
  23. Revelation 21:20 The precise identification of some of these precious stones is uncertain.
  24. Revelation 22:16 The Greek is plural.
Listen to Revelation 12-22
Close KJV

Revelation 12-22
King James Version

12 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.

6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

13 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.

6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.

10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

14 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

15 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.

3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

16 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.

7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

17 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, Mystery, Babylon The Great, The Mother Of Harlots And Abominations Of The Earth.

6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

7 And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.

8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

18 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

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.

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

19 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

22 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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Revelation 11
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