Mesopotamia, on the Euphrates · Today: near Hillah, Iraq
Babylon in the Bible
Babylon is the tower of Genesis, the empire that burns Jerusalem and deports Judah, and finally the New Testament's symbol for every proud city that sets itself against God.
Archaeology
The Ishtar Gate, Nebuchadnezzar's ration tablets naming King Jehoiachin of Judah among those receiving oil, and the Babylonian Chronicle's account of Jerusalem's capture in 597 BC all survive.
Verses mentioning Babylon
298 occurrences across 261 verses in the King James Version.
- Matthew 1:11
And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: Josias: some read, Josias begat Jakim, and Jakim begat Jechonias
Read in context - Matthew 1:12
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
Read in context - Matthew 1:17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
Read in context - Acts 7:43
Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
Read in context - 1 Peter 5:13
The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.
Read in context - Revelation 14:8
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.
Read in context - Revelation 16:19
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.
Read in context - Revelation 17:5
And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. harlots: or, fornications
Read in context - Revelation 18:2
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.
Read in context - 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.
Read in context - Revelation 18:21
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.
Read in context