📖 Biblical Definition
The symbolic name in Revelation for the worldly economic-religious system arrayed against the Lamb. Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth (Rev 17:5). The figure draws on the historical Babylon of OT prophecy (Isa 13-14, Jer 50-51) and on the Babylon of the exile, expanding the type into the final-form world-system opposed to God. Revelation 17 portrays her as a great whore drunk with the blood of the saints, riding on a scarlet beast with seven heads. Revelation 18 narrates her sudden fall in one hour. Interpretive options: (1) first-century Rome as the historical referent (preterist); (2) the apostate church (some Protestant readings of mystery); (3) a future literal Babylon (dispensational futurist); (4) the recurring world-system pattern that takes various historical forms (idealist). The MOOP Dictionary holds (4) with futurist consummation: Babylon names the worldly Babylon-pattern operating across history, with a final eschatological form preceding Christ's return.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Revelation's symbol for the world-system opposed to the Lamb.
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The symbolic name applied in Revelation 17-18 to the worldly economic-religious-political system that intoxicates nations with luxury and persecutes the saints — 'Mystery Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots' — destined for sudden fall and the rejoicing of heaven.
📖 Key Scripture
Revelation 17:5 — "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
Revelation 18:2 — "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils."
Revelation 18:4 — "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Read as code for one specific city or institution; missing how the symbol applies to every age's worldly system.
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Babylon is whatever world-system seduces with luxury and demands compromise. Old Babylon, Rome, modern materialist consumerism — each takes the form of Babylon. The command stands across ages: come out of her, my people.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek Babylōn.
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['Greek', 'G897', 'Babylōn', 'Babylon']
['Hebrew', 'H894', 'Babel', 'Babel, Babylon']
Usage
"Come out of Babylon, my people."
"Babylon is whichever system seduces and persecutes."