Βαβυλών (Babulōn)
Babulōn
Babylon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun Babylōn refers to the ancient city on the Euphrates, whose name derives from Hebrew and Assyrian roots meaning "gate of god." In the historical narratives of Matthew 1:11-12 and Acts 7:43, it denotes the literal place of exile where the Jewish people were held captive. This geographical reality grounds the term in a specific time of national suffering and displacement.
In the New Testament, however, the word often carries a symbolic weight. In Revelation, Babylon appears repeatedly as a metaphor for Rome, identified by the inscription "Babylon the Great" in chapter 17. Here it represents the center of imperial power and idolatry opposing God’s people. The apostle Peter likely uses this same symbolic language in 1 Peter 5:13 to refer to Rome, allowing early Christians to recognize the spiritual significance of their location without naming the empire directly.
This dual usage highlights how the name evolved from a historical location into a theological symbol. While the original city eventually fell into ruin, its reputation for opposing divine authority persisted in Christian thought. The term serves as a reminder that political powers can become systems of confusion and opposition to faith, a theme that resonated deeply with early believers facing persecution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Babylon appears in Scripture as both a real place and a powerful symbol. In the genealogies of Matthew, it marks the historical exile, a time when God’s people were displaced from their land. This reminds us that even in seasons of loss or confusion, God remains faithful to His promises across generations.
In the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, Babylon becomes a picture of any system that sets itself against God. It represents pride, idolatry, and the temptation to trust in worldly power rather than divine justice. When Peter writes from "Babylon," he likely refers to Rome, encouraging believers to stand firm in faith despite cultural pressure.
This word invites us to examine where we place our ultimate trust. It calls for discernment, helping us recognize that no earthly authority is absolute. By remembering Babylon’s fall, we find hope that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail over all forms of oppression and falsehood.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Babylon7×
- to Babylon3×
- to Babylon.1×
- Babylon.’1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βαβυλὼν6×
- Βαβυλῶνος3×
- Βαβυλῶνος.¶2×
- Βαβυλῶνι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.
This verse structures history into three distinct eras, using the exile to Babylon as the pivotal turning point between the era of kings and the arrival of Christ.
-
Revelation of John 17:5
And on her forehead a name was written, “MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
Here the title 'Mystery' reveals that Babylon is not just a city but a spiritual reality representing corrupt systems opposed to God.
-
I Peter 5:13
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you. So does Mark, my son.
Peter uses this name as a coded reference to Rome, allowing early Christians to identify their location without explicitly naming the persecuting empire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Babylon mean in the New Testament?
Why does Peter call Rome Babylon?
Is Babylon mentioned in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (11 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
Matthew 1:12After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel.
Matthew 1:17So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen…