New International Reader's Version

Revelation 18:1-14 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

1. After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He had great authority. His glory filled the earth with light.

2. With a mighty voice he shouted, "Fallen! Babylon the Great has fallen! She has become a place where demons live. She has become a den for every evil spirit. She has become a nest for every 'unclean' and hated bird.

3. All the nations have drunk the strong wine of her terrible sins. The kings of the earth took part in her evil ways. The traders of the world grew rich from her great wealth."

4. Then I heard another voice from heaven. It said, "Come out of her, my people. Then you will not take part in her sins. You will not suffer from any of her plagues.

5. Her sins are piled up to heaven. God has remembered her crimes.

6. Do to her as she has done to others. Pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double dose of what she has mixed for others.

7. Give her as much pain and suffering as the glory and wealth she gave herself. She brags to herself, 'I rule like a queen. I am not a widow. I will never be sad.'

8. But she will be plagued by death, sadness and hunger. In a single day they will all catch up with her. She will be burned up by fire. The Lord God who judges her is mighty.

9. "The kings of the earth who committed terrible sins with her will sob. They will be sad because they used to share her riches. They will see the smoke rising as she burns.

10. They will be terrified by her suffering. Standing far away, they will exclaim, " 'How terrible! How terrible it is for you, great city! How terrible for you, Babylon, city of power! In just one hour you have been destroyed!'

11. "The traders of the world will cry and be sad over her. No one buys what they sell anymore.

12. Here is what they had for sale. Gold, silver, jewels, pearls. Fine linen, purple, silk, bright red cloth. Every kind of expensive wood. All sorts of articles made out of ivory, valuable wood, bronze, iron and marble.

13. Cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense. Wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat. Cattle, sheep, horses, carriages, human slaves.

14. "The merchants will say, 'The pleasure you longed for has left you. All your riches and glory have disappeared forever.'