Revelation 18 · a question people ask

"Rejoice over her, O heaven" (18:20). Why is heaven told to rejoice over her?

In the text

Here is what the chapter says. The verse reads, "“Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets, for God has judged your judgment on her.”" (18:20). It names those it calls to rejoice: "O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets" (18:20). And it gives its reason, beginning with for: "for God has judged your judgment on her" (18:20). The verses before it tell of weeping, and they give reasons too. "The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more" (18:11). Those who gain their living by sea cry, "weeping and mourning" (18:19), over "the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!" (18:19). The words over her stand in both 18:11 and 18:20: the chapter has weeping over her and rejoicing over her, and it gives each its own reason. These notes explain "God has judged your judgment on her" (18:20) no further than its words.

The verses

“The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise any more:”
Revelation 18:11 · World English Bible
“They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!’ For she is made desolate in one hour. “Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets, for God has judged your judgment on her.””
Revelation 18:19-20 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Revelation 18

Revelation 18: Woe, woe, the great city

The chapter opens with "The earth was illuminated with his glory." (18:1), and near its end a mighty angel says, "The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you." (18:23).

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Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions