They looked on as the city burned

[placebofactor]

Can New York City be the Babylon of Revelation 18?
Concerning the last days, Revelation 18 describes modern-day Babylon as a habitation of demons, foul spirits, unclean, and hateful. The ancient city of Babylon has never been rebuilt, and Jerusalem cannot be meant because it remains when the Lord returns. So, we need to look for another Babylon. What we are looking for is a city of wealth, a large Jewish population, crime, drugs, corruption, and a population that, for the most part, rejects Jesus Christ. Can New York City be modern-day Babylon, the book of Revelation chapter 19 speaks of? Let’s set up a Biblical scenario. We need a city with a large Jewish population and close ties with Israel.

New York City and Israel share a deep and multifaceted connection. In May 2025, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat, signed a Declaration of Intent to launch the New York City–Israel Economic Council. This initiative is designed to foster business partnerships between NYC and Israeli companies, support Israeli startups establishing a presence in NYC, promote collaboration in sectors like environmental innovation, life sciences, and artificial intelligence, and coordinate participation in major tech and business conferences.

New York holds the crown as the world’s leading financial center in 2025. It consistently ranks at the top of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) and the International Financial Centers Index (IFCI) thanks to its unmatched concentration of capital, institutions, and influence. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ, the two largest stock exchanges globally. It is the headquarters for major investment banks, hedge funds, and private equity firms. A hub for fintech, asset management, and global finance regulation. Strong legal infrastructure and global connectivity

N.Y.C. has the largest Jewish population outside of Jerusalem, with an estimated 960,000 Jewish residents as of 2023, more than Tel Aviv, which has around 401,500 Jews. New York’s Jewish community is incredibly diverse, including large populations of Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews, as well as a vibrant Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) presence. The city is home to hundreds of synagogues, Jewish schools, cultural institutions, and kosher restaurants.

New York City holds the crown as the city with the most millionaires in the world. As of 2025, it boasts an estimated 384,500 millionaire residents, according to the World’s Wealthiest Cities Report by Henley & Partners.
NYC’s dominance is fueled by its status as a global financial hub, home to Wall Street, major corporations, and a thriving real estate market. It’s also where the wealth gap is among the widest in the U.S., making it a city of stark contrasts. New York City is known for its global influence in finance, fashion, media, and entertainment, and has been symbolically compared to Babylon by some Christian commentators. They highlight its material wealth, cultural liberalism, and perceived secularism as signs of moral decline.

From a biblical perspective, the term “sin city” isn’t officially defined, but it’s often used to describe places known for widespread immorality, idolatry, or rejection of God’s teachings. In the Bible, cities like Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and Babylon (Revelation 18) are depicted as centers of corruption, pride, and spiritual rebellion.

New York City is home to vibrant religious communities, churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples. Contrary to stereotypes, religious life appears to be flourishing.

Drug cartels have a significant presence in New York, especially when it comes to trafficking operations. Drug cartels move narcotics from California to NYC and then distribute them across Upstate New York

If all Christians were to leave New York, (raptured) the state would still remain one of the most diverse places in the U.S., just with a very different religious and cultural landscape. Here's what that might look like:
New York’s population (2025 est.): ~19.9 million
Without any Christians, the remaining religious and non-religious groups would include Jews, Islamists, Hindus, Buddhists, and atheists.
What Would Change in N.Y.C. if all Christians were raptured? Many Christian churches, cathedrals, and Christian schools would be vacated or repurposed, and political and cultural influence would shift toward secular, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious communities. Holidays, public events, and even food culture might reflect a broader mix of traditions.
Your thoughts:

[1213]

interesting, I presume by "if the bible tells or indicates" you mean there will be a sentence that says "Attention the city in this passage is symbolical...". Is there any way in or opinion that the bible could be indicating symbolic? If so, how? What would you be looking for ?

Here are few examples of how Bible talks about what is metaphorical, or symbolical, not literal:

”The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples and crowds and nations and tongues”. It speaks about waters and then tells, the waters means nations, which is why we can understand it is not for example oceans.

”And the woman whom you saw is the great city”. This also tells, it is not actually a literal woman, but a city. And I think it is also good to notice, cities are also in OT referred as women.

well a city is not a group of men and women or an organization or a single woman ... a city is a location of buildings. so if it is a literal (do you understand this word "literal") city, it cannot at the same time be a woman and if it is a woman it cannot at the same time be a group of men and women. If it is an organisation it cannot at the same time be a city. It is either a literal city (location of buildings ) or it is not a literal city (it is symbolic of something other than a literal city) those are the choices: a literal city or not a literal city.

I agree that a city is a place that has buildings. But, it is also a place that has many people. And I think a city can be and is also an organization that has for example government, or rulers. And the city can have also a multinational organization that works from the city.

[placebofactor]

interesting, I presume by "if the bible tells or indicates" you mean there will be a sentence that says "Attention the city in this passage is symbolical...". Is there any way in or opinion that the bible could be indicating symbolic? If so, how? What would you be looking for ?

Here are few examples of how Bible talks about what is metaphorical, or symbolical, not literal:

”The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples and crowds and nations and tongues”. It speaks about waters and then tells, the waters means nations, which is why we can understand it is not for example oceans.

”And the woman whom you saw is the great city”. This also tells, it is not actually a literal woman, but a city. And I think it is also good to notice, cities are also in OT referred as women.

well a city is not a group of men and women or an organization or a single woman ... a city is a location of buildings. so if it is a literal (do you understand this word "literal") city, it cannot at the same time be a woman and if it is a woman it cannot at the same time be a group of men and women. If it is an organisation it cannot at the same time be a city. It is either a literal city (location of buildings ) or it is not a literal city (it is symbolic of something other than a literal city) those are the choices: a literal city or not a literal city.

You wrote, "I agree that a city is a place that has buildings. But, it is also a place that has many people. And I think a city can be and is also an organization that has for example government, or rulers. And the city can have also a multinational organization that works from the city."

Curious: Give me an example of what you mean by a "city that can be an organization that has, for example, government, or rulers." Would that be like the Watchtower organization in New York?

You wrote, "And the city can have also a multinational organization that works from the city." Are you referring to departments such as Water, Waste Management, Electric, etc.?

[JehovahsWitness]

”And the woman whom you saw is the great city”. This also tells, it is not actually a literal woman, but a city.

So let me get this straight, the ONLY way the bible can indicate something is not literal is to liken that thing to something else. In the absence of that it must be literal? Is that correct ? So if the Revelation never had the sentence "the woman is a city" you would conclude she was a literal woman. Even if she is sitting on a seven headed beast drinking blood?

This is because there is, in your opinion only one way thr bible czn indicate something us symbolic? Correct?

[1213]

....Curious: Give me an example of what you mean by a "city that can be an organization that has, for example, government, or rulers." Would that be like the Watchtower organization in New York?

You wrote, "And the city can have also a multinational organization that works from the city." Are you referring to departments such as Water, Waste Management, Electric, etc.?

Sorry, if I was not clear. I meant, cities are also organizations, they have a government, or some kind of leader and they are organized in some way.

In addition to city's own organization, they also can have other organizations working from there, like for example the UN or other organizations.

If New York is the city Revelation is speaking, now could be a good time for all good organizations to leave it.

[1213]

So let me get this straight, the ONLY way the bible can indicate something is not literal is to liken that thing to something else. In the absence of that it must be literal?...

If there is nothing that indicates it is not literal, then I think it is meant literally. But, there may be some other ways to show something is not literal than saying directly it.

[JehovahsWitness]

So let me get this straight, the ONLY way the bible can indicate something is not literal is to liken that thing to something else. In the absence of that it must be literal?...

If there is nothing that indicates it is not literal, then I think it is meant literally. But, there may be some other ways to show something is not literal than saying directly it.

What are those other ways? (I don't mean to drill you but you've written a book, surely you could articulate for someone what to look for)


JW

[placebofactor]

So let me get this straight, the ONLY way the bible can indicate something is not literal is to liken that thing to something else. In the absence of that it must be literal?...

If there is nothing that indicates it is not literal, then I think it is meant literally. But, there may be some other ways to show something is not literal than saying directly it.

What are those other ways? (I don't mean to drill you but you've written a book, surely you could articulate for someone what to look for)


JW

JW, theologians, scholars, and believers have wrestled with that question for centuries. The Bible is a rich tapestry of literary styles. Knowing when to take a passage literally or spiritually often depends on context, genre, and purpose. You’re likely reading literally when what you're reading concerns everyday life

Also, if the genre is historical or narrative. Books like Genesis, Exodus, Kings, and Acts often recount events meant to be understood literally. The language is straightforward: If there’s no indication of metaphor or symbolism, the plain meaning is usually intended.

Jesus or the apostles affirm it as fact: For example, Jesus refers to Jonah’s time in the fish as a real event (Matthew 12:40). It involves laws or commands: Many Old Testament laws and New Testament instructions are meant to be taken at face value, though their application may vary.

When are we to take verses spiritually or symbolically? When the genre is poetic, prophetic, or apocalyptic, Psalms, Isaiah, and Revelation are full of imagery and symbolism. The passage uses metaphorical language: Phrases like “the Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23) or “I am the vine” (John 15:5) are clearly symbolic. It points to deeper truths: Many parables and visions are designed to reveal spiritual realities rather than literal events.

The early church interpreted it that way: For example, Paul often gives allegorical interpretations of Old Testament stories (see Galatians 4:21–31).

[onewithhim]

Can New York City be the Babylon of Revelation 18?

No because Babylon the Great is a religious entity. She commits fornication with the politicians of the world. Isn't that well-known? Politicians and religion are in bed together, if you will, religion controlling or at least influencing much of what the Beast does.

Babylon the Great is the world-wide empire of false religion.

[placebofactor]

Can New York City be the Babylon of Revelation 18?

No because Babylon the Great is a religious entity. She commits fornication with the politicians of the world. Isn't that well-known? Politicians and religion are in bed together, if you will, religion controlling or at least influencing much of what the Beast does.

Babylon the Great is the world-wide empire of false religion.

Babylon no longer exists, so what's your next guess?

[1213]

So let me get this straight, the ONLY way the bible can indicate something is not literal is to liken that thing to something else. In the absence of that it must be literal?...

If there is nothing that indicates it is not literal, then I think it is meant literally. But, there may be some other ways to show something is not literal than saying directly it.

What are those other ways?

I say "may be", because at the moment no other way comes to my mind, but it could be that I just don't remember any other example. Do you have in mind some part that you think is not literal, but the Bible doesn't give the meaning for it?