Revelation 19:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The words "and her smoke goes up unto ages of ages" indicate either that the punishments will not be forgotten, or that those punished will, because of this, be tormented less in the future.

We observe that the saints rejoice over the destruction of the city of the harlot, and we turn our gaze to the fact that they praise the Lord in exultant praise. What else is described here, if not recompense for sinners and reward for the righteous? This is what Daniel spoke of: "Some shall awake to everlasting life, and others to everlasting reproach" (Dan 12:2), so that they may always behold this. Therefore it is said: "And her smoke went up unto ages of ages."

This voice is the voice of the Church, when the separation has been accomplished and all evil men have gone out from her, those who must burn in the eternal fire.

"And their smoke," John says, "ascends unto ages of ages." Listen, brothers, and be afraid. Know for certain that by Babylon and the harlot, whose smoke ascends unto ages of ages, only the greedy, wanton, and proud are meant.

Therefore, if you wish to escape these evils, do not give yourselves over to such grievous sins.

Does visible smoke ascend unto ages of ages from a burned city, and not rather from people abiding in pride?

It ascends, and not "will ascend," because in the present age Babylon still goes toward destruction.

For Babylon is burned in part, just as Jerusalem, only in those saints who depart from this world, passes into paradise. The Lord makes this clear through the poor man and the rich man, as in Lk 16:19-31.

It is said, "I heard in heaven a loud voice, as of a great multitude," for the ranks of the holy angels are innumerable.

As one of the Fathers says, the ninety-nine sheep preserved in the flock and not gone astray signify the angels, while the one that went astray signifies all humanity; cf. Mt 18:12-13 and Lk 15:4-7.

They say, "Alleluia!" Alleluia is a Hebrew word meaning, "Praise, sing to God." Therefore they sing a voice of praise because of the righteous judgment upon the spiritual Babylon.

They offer this doxology a second time, and again proclaim it below, so that by the threefold elevation of Alleluia they may glorify the holy Trinity, much hymned by them. For the Trinity is God.

The word alleluia means "praise to God" and is used in His glorification. The word amen, which means "truly so," confirms what has been said. Alleluia is offered up to God three times, because God has three Persons, equal to one another in the divine nature: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.