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Babylon in Revelation (chapters 17-18) is called 'the great prostitute' and represents a corrupt worldly system opposed to God. Historically, interpreters have identified it as Rome, Jerusalem, or a future global power. Symbolically, Babylon represents any civilization that seduces people with wealth, power, and false religion while persecuting God's people.
Why this answer? It starts with Revelation 18:2, then cross-checks Revelation 17:1-6 and Revelation 18:4 so the summary stays anchored in Scripture.
Babylon functions as a symbolic name throughout Revelation, drawing on the original Babylon's legacy as Israel's oppressor and the epitome of human arrogance (the Tower of Babel, the Babylonian exile). In Revelation 17, Babylon is a woman riding a scarlet beast, 'drunk with the blood of the saints,' sitting on 'seven hills' — a detail most scholars connect to first-century Rome. She is adorned in luxury and holds a golden cup full of abominations, representing the seductive power of wealth and cultural dominance. Revelation 18 describes her catastrophic fall in language echoing the Old Testament prophets' oracles against historical Babylon (Isaiah 13, Jeremiah 50-51). The merchants of the earth weep — not for Babylon herself but for their lost profits. God's people are commanded to 'come out of her' (18:4), separating themselves from complicity in her sins. Whether Babylon represents Rome specifically, a future political-religious system, or the enduring pattern of civilizations that trade justice for luxury, the message is pointed: every empire that sets itself against God will fall, and the tears shed will be for lost wealth, not lost souls.
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons.”
- Revelation 18:2
Revelation is apocalyptic prophecy revealing Jesus Christ's ultimate victory over evil. It contains visions given to John about churches, God's throne, judgments, the fall of Babylon, Christ's return, Satan's defeat, final judgment, and the new heaven and earth. Its message: God wins, so persevere faithfully.
Revelation 13 describes a 'beast' given authority over 'every tribe and people and language and nation,' which many interpret as a future global government under the Antichrist. Daniel 7 envisions successive world empires. Whether this is a literal political entity or symbolic of consolidated evil power, Scripture warns against any system demanding ultimate allegiance that belongs to God alone.
The Antichrist is a future figure who will oppose Christ, deceive many, and demand worship. He's associated with 'the man of lawlessness' (2 Thessalonians 2) and 'the beast' (Revelation 13). John also uses 'antichrist' for anyone denying Christ (1 John 2:18). He will be defeated at Christ's return.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.