Revelation 18:18
New International Version
When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’

New Living Translation
They will cry out as they watch the smoke ascend, and they will say, “Where is there another city as great as this?”

English Standard Version
and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?”

Berean Standard Bible
and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim.

Berean Literal Bible
and were crying out, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?'

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

New King James Version
and cried out when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like this great city?’

New American Standard Bible
and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’

NASB 1995
and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’

NASB 1977
and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’

Legacy Standard Bible
and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like the great city?’

Amplified Bible
and exclaimed as they watched the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What could be compared to the great city?’

Christian Standard Bible
as they watched the smoke from her burning and kept crying out, “Who was like the great city? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
as they watched the smoke from her burning and kept crying out: “Who is like the great city?”

American Standard Version
and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city?

Contemporary English Version
When they saw the smoke from her fire, they shouted, "This was the greatest city ever!"

English Revised Version
and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like the great city?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When they saw the smoke rise from her raging fire, they repeatedly cried out, 'Was there ever a city as important as this?'

Good News Translation
and cried out as they saw the smoke from the flames that consumed her: "There never has been another city like this great city!"

International Standard Version
When they saw the smoke rising from the fire that consumed her, they began to cry out, "What city was like that great city?"

Majority Standard Bible
and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim.

NET Bible
and began to shout when they saw the smoke from the fire that burned her up, "Who is like the great city?"

New Heart English Bible
and exclaimed as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?'

Webster's Bible Translation
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like this great city!

Weymouth New Testament
stood afar off, and cried aloud when they saw the smoke of her burning. And they said, 'What city is like this great city?'

World English Bible
and cried out as they looked at the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What is like the great city?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and were crying, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city is] like to the great city?

Berean Literal Bible
and were crying out, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?'

Young's Literal Translation
and were crying, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like to the great city?

Smith's Literal Translation
And cried, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, What like the great city!
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And cried, seeing the place of her burning, saying: What city is like to this great city?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they cried out, seeing the place of her conflagration, saying: ‘What city resembles this great city?’

New American Bible
and cried out when they saw the smoke of her pyre, “What city could compare with the great city?”

New Revised Standard Version
and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, “What city was like the great city?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like to this great city!

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they lamented her when they saw the smoke of her burning and they were saying, “Who is like The Great City?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and cried, when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying: "What city is like the great city?

Godbey New Testament
and they continued to cry seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, Who is like unto the great city?

Haweis New Testament
and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What is like that great city!

Mace New Testament
and cry out, when they see the smoke of her burning, what city could be compar'd to this great city?

Weymouth New Testament
stood afar off, and cried aloud when they saw the smoke of her burning. And they said, 'What city is like this great city?'

Worrell New Testament
and they cried out, when beholding the smoke of her burning, saying, 'What city is like the great city?'

Worsley New Testament
and cried out, when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like to this great city?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Lament over Babylon
17For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance 18and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. 19Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”…

Cross References
Ezekiel 27:30-31
They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. / They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning.

Jeremiah 51:42
The sea has come up over Babylon; she is covered in turbulent waves.

Isaiah 34:10
It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it.

Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 50:46
At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations.

Ezekiel 26:15-18
This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst? / All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. / Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men—she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! ...

Isaiah 23:1-14
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus. / Be silent, O dwellers of the coastland, you merchants of Sidon, whose traders have crossed the sea. / On the great waters came the grain of Shihor; the harvest of the Nile was the revenue of Tyre; she was the merchant of the nations. ...

Jeremiah 51:25
“Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, you who devastate the whole earth, declares the LORD. I will stretch out My hand against you; I will roll you over the cliffs and turn you into a charred mountain.

Isaiah 47:11
But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly.

Jeremiah 51:37
Babylon will become a heap of rubble, a haunt for jackals, an object of horror and scorn, without inhabitant.

Isaiah 24:10
The city of chaos is shattered; every house is closed to entry.

Jeremiah 50:40
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah along with their neighbors,” declares the LORD, “no one will dwell there; no man will abide there.

Isaiah 21:9
Look, here come the riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one answered, saying: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon! All the images of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”

Jeremiah 51:8
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.

Ezekiel 27:32-36
As they wail and mourn over you, they will take up a lament for you: ‘Who was ever like Tyre, silenced in the middle of the sea? / When your wares went out to sea, you satisfied many nations. You enriched the kings of the earth with your abundant wealth and merchandise. / Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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

when.

Revelation 18:9
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,

What.

Revelation 18:10
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.

Revelation 13:4
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?

Isaiah 23:8,9
Who hath taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose merchants are princes, whose traffickers are the honourable of the earth? …

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Afar Aloud Burning City Cried Crying Exclaim Great Smoke Stood
Revelation 18
1. Babylon is fallen.
4. People commanded to depart out of her.
9. The kings of the earth, with the merchants and mariners, lament over her.
20. The saints rejoice for the judgments of God upon her.














and cry out
The phrase "and cry out" reflects a deep, visceral reaction to the events unfolding. In the Greek, the word used here is "κράζω" (krazō), which conveys a loud, urgent cry, often associated with distress or lamentation. This outcry is not just a casual observation but a profound expression of shock and mourning. Historically, such cries were common in ancient times when cities fell, symbolizing the end of an era or the loss of something significant. In the context of Revelation, this cry underscores the magnitude of Babylon's fall, a city symbolic of worldly power and corruption.

at the sight of the smoke
The "sight of the smoke" is a vivid image that evokes the aftermath of destruction. Smoke in biblical literature often symbolizes judgment and the presence of God, as seen in the Old Testament with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Greek word "καπνός" (kapnos) for smoke suggests a visible, tangible sign of devastation. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the ultimate justice of God. The rising smoke is a testament to the irreversible nature of Babylon's judgment.

rising from the fire
The phrase "rising from the fire" indicates the source of the smoke and the cause of the city's destruction. Fire, in biblical terms, is frequently associated with purification and judgment. The Greek word "πῦρ" (pyr) for fire is used throughout scripture to denote divine judgment and the consuming nature of God's wrath against sin. This fire is not just a physical blaze but a representation of God's righteous judgment against the corruption and immorality symbolized by Babylon.

that consumes her
The word "consumes" highlights the totality of the destruction. In Greek, "κατασθίω" (katesthiō) means to devour or consume completely. This indicates that the judgment is thorough and complete, leaving nothing behind. The consumption by fire signifies the end of Babylon's influence and power, a complete eradication of its sinful legacy. This serves as a sobering reminder of the finality of God's judgment and the futility of opposing His will.

'What city was ever like this great city?'
This rhetorical question emphasizes the unparalleled nature of Babylon's greatness and subsequent fall. The phrase "this great city" in Greek, "ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη" (hē polis hē megalē), underscores the city's former glory and influence. Historically, Babylon was a symbol of human achievement and pride, often seen as the epitome of worldly success. The lamentation here reflects the shock and awe of witnessing such a powerful entity brought to ruin. It serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of pride and the transient nature of earthly power, reminding believers of the eternal kingdom of God that surpasses all earthly cities.

Verse 18. - And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying. The same description as in ver. 9 (which see). What city is like unto this great city! (cf. Ezekiel 27:32, "And lament over thee, saying, What city is like Tyrus, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?").

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

cry out
ἔκραζον (ekrazon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2896: To cry aloud, shriek. A primary verb; properly, to 'croak' or scream, i.e. to call aloud.

at the sight
βλέποντες (blepontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 991: (primarily physical), I look, see, perceive, discern. A primary verb; to look at.

of the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

smoke [rising]
καπνὸν (kapnon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2586: Smoke. Of uncertain affinity; smoke.

from
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

the fire that consumes
πυρώσεως (pyrōseōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4451: A burning, trial, fiery test. From puroo; ignition, i.e., smelting.

her,
αὐτῆς (autēs)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

saying,
λέγοντες (legontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

‘What [city was ever]
Τίς (Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

like
ὁμοία (homoia)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3664: Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.

[this]
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

great
μεγάλῃ (megalē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3173: Large, great, in the widest sense.

city?’
πόλει (polei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4172: A city, the inhabitants of a city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 18:18 And cried out as they looked at (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 18:17
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