In the Bible what is meant by 'Babylon the Great'?

About 600 BC, Babylon became the world power or empire. It is often referred to as the Great because at its time it was great and controlled more of the world than any other empire. Since it's time, empires have become increasingly smaller in their dominion or influence over the people of the world. Prophets often used Babylon as a symbol of worldly power or a power that was in opposition to God. As the people of the world become more worldly, they become more like the people of Babylon who were wicked in every sense of the word. There are no ungodly behavior today that has not be engaged in in the past. As is said, "new morality is just more old immorality." So, when the scriptures say that Babylon will fall, it is saying that the governments and people of the world who are not a part of God's kingdom will eventually fall and as scripture says, "and great shall be the fall thereof."

Answer:

You must look at Daniel and Revelations and 1John and then you can start to see what is being taught If God opens it for you. This is now being opened in these last days. 1 john already starts to tell us it is the antichrist and to make it short, it is satan as he rules all churches in the last days and already started in johns day. that is what the desolation that sitteth in the holy place means. Satan is spirit and is loose from now until then last day. So flee from judea(churches) and unto the mountains .But the true believers is where truth is until Judgment from here on out.

"And one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying: 'Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.'"-Revelation 17:1, 2.

"The great harlot"! Why so shocking a designation? Who is she? Some have identified this symbolic harlot with ancient Rome. But Rome was a political power. This harlot commits fornication with the kings of the earth, and this evidently includes the kings of Rome. Besides, after her destruction, "the kings of the earth" are said to mourn her passing. Therefore, she cannot be a political power. (Revelation 18:9, 10) Additionally, since she is mourned also by the world's merchants, she could not picture big business. (Revelation 18:15, 16) We read, however, that 'by her spiritistic practice all the nations were misled.' (Revelation 18:23) This makes it clear that the great harlot must be a worldwide religious entity.

Which religious entity? Is she the Roman Catholic Church, as some have maintained? Or is she all of Christendom? No, she must be even larger than these if she is to mislead all the nations. She is, in fact, the entire world empire of false religion. Her origin in the mysteries of Babylon is shown in that many Babylonish doctrines and practices are common to religions around the earth. For example, belief in the inherent immortality of the human soul, in a hell of torment, and in a trinity of gods is to be found in most Oriental religions as well as in the sects of Christendom. False religion, spawned more than 4,000 years ago in the ancient city of Babylon, has developed into the modern monstrosity that is called, appropriately, Babylon the Great. Why, though, is she described by the repugnant term "the great harlot"?

Babylon (or Babel, meaning "Confusion") came to its peak of greatness in Nebuchadnezzar's time. It was a religio-political state with more than a thousand temples and chapels. Its priesthood exercised great power. Though Babylon has long since ceased to exist as a world power, religious Babylon the Great lives on, and after the ancient pattern, she still seeks to influence and mold political affairs. But does God approve of religion in politics? In the Hebrew Scriptures, Israel was said to prostitute herself when she got involved with false worship and when, instead of trusting in Jehovah, she made alliances with the nations. (Jeremiah 3:6, 8, 9; Ezekiel 16:28-30) Babylon the Great also commits fornication. Outstandingly, she has done whatever she deems expedient in order to gain influence and power over the ruling kings of the earth.-1 Timothy 4:1.

Today, religious leaders frequently campaign for high government office, and in some lands, they share in government, even holding cabinet posts. In 1988 two well-known Protestant clergymen ran for the office of president of the United States. Leaders in Babylon the Great love the limelight; their photos are often to be seen in the public press as they consort with prominent politicians. In contrast, Jesus shunned political involvement and said of his disciples: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world."-John 6:15; 17:16; Matthew 4:8-10; see also James 4:4.

-excerpt from Revelation: Its Grand Climax At Hand! (pages 235-7)

Condensed answer

To make the answer above shorter, it is basically a great civilization or country or kingdom that will be corrupt or ruled by Satan or something similar that God will defeat in Armaggeddon

Answer

The Babylon the Great, is symbolic, she not a literal woman harlot, I will quote one reference book which says, it is the world empire of false religion, embracing all religions whose teachings & practices do not conform to true worship. Following the Flood of Noah's day, false religion had its beginning at Babel (later known as Babylon). (Gen. 10:8-10; 11:4-9) In time, Babylonish religious beliefs and practices spread to many lands. So Babylon the Great became a fitting name for false religion as a whole. -Rev. 18:2, 9-17, 24.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Hrhhrl. Contributor trust: 9 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 88 [recommend question]