18:24a–b

And: This Greek conjunction probably indicates that 18:24a–b continues telling more reasons why Babylon was destroyed. For example:

For (JPB)

there was found in her the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who had been slain on the earth: There are two ways to interpret who spoke these words:

(1) The angel who began speaking in 18:21 continues speaking here. The ending quote mark occurs at the end of 18:24.

(2) The angel stopped speaking at 18:23 and John wrote his own thoughts here. The ending quote mark occurs at the end of 18:23.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

18:24a

there was found in her the blood: In the Greek, the phrase in her is emphasized by being first in the clause. If possible, emphasize this phrase.

In some English versions, the verb phrase there was found occurs before the subject (blood). This is an English poetic style that also emphasizes the verb phrase. In the Greek, the verb is not emphasized. Other ways to translate this clause are:

The blood of prophets, God’s people, and everyone who had been murdered on earth was found in it (God’s Word)
-or-
In your streets flowed the blood… (New Living Translation (2004))

This clause indicates that the city was responsible for killing prophets, saints, and all others who were killed. For example:

You are guilty of the death… (New Century Version)

This clause is passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive clause. For example:

In her was seen the blood

• Use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ has found her responsible for the blood…

• Use a verb that implies that God considered her to be responsible. For example:

She is guilty/responsible for the blood…
-or-
She is guilty of killing…

in her: The Greek uses the pronoun her to refer to Babylon. In 18:23a–d the angel used the second person pronoun “you.” In some languages it is more natural to continue using the second person. For example:

In you

Or you may have continued to use the pronoun “she” in 18:23a–d, based on how you translated 18:21c–d. If that is true, continue using “she/her” here. Also see note on 18:21c–24b.

of prophets and saints: The prophets are saints who have the gift of prophecy. For example:

prophets and ⌊other⌋ saints

prophets: A prophet is a person to whom God gives a message. The message may include a vision, as in Ezekiel 1 and Daniel 8. The message, called a prophecy, may reveal something about past events, current events, or future events. The prophet speaks God’s message to the people or writes it down for their use. See how you translated this word in 18:20.

saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints means “holy ones.” It refers to all believers. See how you translated this word in 18:20.

18:24b

all who had been slain on the earth: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

all whom ⌊others⌋ have slain on the earth

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