To the extent that she [Babylon the Great] glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent give her torment and mourning.

Rev. 17:1-5; 18:4, 7,

What is the meaning of Babylon the Great’s fiery torment? An angel explains: “Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again.” (Rev. 18:21; compare 17:16; 18:8, 15-17, 19.) Once again, fiery torment refers to destruction and death, and, in Babylon’s case, this lasts forever.