In the Book of Revelation, the contrast between divine order and corrupt rebellion is strikingly represented by two opposing symbols: the Kingdom of God and Babylon the Great. The Greek phrase ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΥ (Kingdom of God) signifies the realm of divine authority, righteousness, and eternal peace. In opposition stands ΒΑΒΥΛΩΝ Η ΜΕΓΑΛΗ (Babylon the Great), a name that evokes both the ancient city of Babylon and a symbolic power of spiritual corruption. The visual similarity between ΒΑΒΥΛΩΝ and ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΑ suggests a counterfeit kingdom, one that imitates divine rule but is ultimately destined for destruction. Likewise, the term ΜΕΓΑΛΗ (Great) bears a resemblance to ΜΗΤΗΡ (Mother), a connection made explicit in Revelation 17:5, where Babylon is called ΜΗΤΗΡ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΡΝΩΝ (Mother of Prostitutes). This linguistic parallel reinforces the idea of Babylon as a false mother, nurturing deceit and impurity in contrast to the true, life-giving authority of God. The imagery throughout Revelation paints Babylon the Great as a distorted reflection of divine reality, a power that appears mighty but is inherently hollow. Its grandeur is fleeting, its dominion an illusion, and its fate is sealed in judgment, for it stands not as a true kingdom but as a perversion of what is holy.
