Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 18:6

"Render unto her even as she rendered, and double [unto her] the double according to her works: in the cup which she mingled, mingle unto her double." — Revelation 18:6 (ASV)

Reward her even as she rewarded . . .—The same voice that commands the people of God to come forth, summons the agents of vengeance.

Revelation 17:16 tells from where these may arise.

The text reads, Give back to her, as she herself also gave back (the word 'you' should be omitted, as it is not the saints, or those who have suffered from her, who are called to repay her), and double (the) double according to her works; in the cup in which she mingled, mingle for her double.

Many Old Testament parallels will suggest themselves (Jeremiah 51:18; Psalms 79:12; Psalms 137:8).

The “double” must not be taken to mean double her sins; her sins are themselves called double, and her judgment is according to her sins. She is double-stained in wickedness, and “the law of retribution fiercely works” in her.

The cup of her luxuriousness becomes the cup of vengeance. (Revelation 17:4; and Revelation 18:3.) The flowery path “has led to the broad gate and the great fire.”