Revelation 18 16

Revelation 18:16 kjv

And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

Revelation 18:16 nkjv

and saying, 'Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Revelation 18:16 niv

and cry out: "?'Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!

Revelation 18:16 esv

"Alas, alas, for the great city that was clothed in fine linen, in purple and scarlet, adorned with gold, with jewels, and with pearls!

Revelation 18:16 nlt

"How terrible, how terrible for that great city!
She was clothed in finest purple and scarlet linens,
decked out with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Revelation 18 verses

Revelation 18 16 Meaning

This verse describes the sorrowful lament of those who benefited from "Babylon the Great," an archetypal symbol of the world's commercial and luxurious system, at her sudden and complete destruction. It highlights the city's extreme opulence, evidenced by its clothing of fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and its adornment with gold, precious stones, and pearls. The verse dramatically emphasizes the swiftness of her judgment, stating that "in one hour so great riches is come to nought," underscoring the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and power in the face of divine judgment.

Revelation 18 16 Context

Revelation chapter 18 details the definitive fall of "Babylon the Great," presented as a comprehensive symbol of humanity's rebellion against God through political oppression, commercial exploitation, and idolatry. Verses 1-3 declare her ruin and its universal impact, while verse 4 issues a divine call for God's people to "come out of her" to avoid her plagues. Following this, the chapter shifts focus to the lamentations of those directly impacted by her downfall: the kings of the earth (Rev 18:9-10), the merchants (Rev 18:11-16), and the shipmasters and sailors (Rev 18:17-19). This specific verse, Revelation 18:16, forms part of the merchants' mournful lament, emphasizing their deep regret over the loss of immense wealth and profitable trade rather than any spiritual repentance or concern for justice. Historically, "Babylon" could refer to imperial Rome, which persecuted Christians and symbolized the corrupt power structures of the world. The extravagant items listed (fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, pearls) directly reflect the opulent and materialistic nature of such empires and societies, known for their immense trade in luxury goods that fueled their economic and political dominance. The suddenness of her fall serves as a divine judgment against her spiritual and moral decay.

Revelation 18 16 Word analysis

• And saying, Alas, alas (καὶ λέγοντες, Οὐαί οὐαί, kai legontes, Ouai ouai): The phrase "Alas, alas" is an emphatic Greek interjection signifying intense sorrow, lament, or distress, echoing prophetic woes in the Old Testament. Its repetition emphasizes the depth of the mourners' grief over their material losses.
• that great city (ἡ πόλις ἡ μεγάλη, hē polis hē megalē): "The great city" is a significant designation for Babylon throughout Revelation, denoting her expansive global influence, immense power, and self-proclaimed superiority. This epithet contrasts sharply with the "holy city, new Jerusalem."
• that was clothed in fine linen (βεβλημένη βύσσινον, beblēmenē byssinon): "Fine linen" was an exceedingly luxurious and costly fabric, often associated with royalty, the elite, and purity. Here, on Babylon, it denotes outward opulence and status.
• and purple (πορφυροῦν, porphyrourn): This refers to the expensive dye, symbolic of imperial power, sovereignty, and great wealth, typically worn by kings, emperors, or those of very high rank.
• and scarlet (κόκκινον, kokkinon): Another valuable dye, frequently associated with luxury, and notably linked with the Harlot and the Beast in Revelation (Rev 17:3-4). It can also signify bloodshed and sensuality.
• and decked with gold (κεχρυσωμένη ἐν χρυσῷ, kechrysomene en chryso): Implies extensive, elaborate adornment with gold, which universally represents supreme wealth, grandeur, and idolized value. In Revelation, the genuine gold of New Jerusalem contrasts with Babylon's adornment.
• and precious stones (καὶ λίθῳ τιμίῳ, kai lithō timiō): Valuable gemstones, indicative of extreme luxury, material worth, and display of extravagant riches, common in the adornment of worldly potentates and false deities.
• and pearls (καὶ μαργαρίταις, kai margaritais): Pearls were among the most coveted and valuable gems, representing exceptional beauty and wealth, symbolizing Babylon's ultimate, yet superficial, material glory.
• for in one hour (ὅτι μιᾷ ὥρᾳ, hoti mia hōra): This powerful phrase underscores the suddenness, rapidity, and unexpectedness of God's judgment, signifying a decisive and swift execution of divine wrath, without opportunity for recovery or escape. It emphasizes the ephemeral nature of all earthly possessions.
• so great riches (τοσοῦτος πλοῦτος, tosoutos ploutos): This phrase highlights the vast magnitude of Babylon's accumulated material wealth and resources, which served as the foundation of her influence and power.
• is come to nought (ἠρημώθη, ēremōthē): Literally meaning "was made desolate" or "was laid waste." This signifies total destruction, utter ruin, and the complete vanishing of all the wealth and power described, illustrating the finality and comprehensiveness of God's judgment.

Word-Group Analysis

• "Alas, alas...that great city": This mournful outcry by the merchants over "that great city" is purely economic, mourning their loss of commercial gain. It's a striking contrast to the heavenly rejoicing over Babylon's fall for her wickedness, emphasizing the difference in eternal and worldly perspectives.
• "was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls": This verbose catalogue paints a vivid picture of unparalleled extravagance and self-glorifying materialism. The specific items reflect the most prized luxury goods of the ancient world, representing the epitome of worldly allure, status, and the deceptive comfort of accumulated riches that ultimately fade. This depiction ironically parallels descriptions of Jerusalem's adornment in Ezek 16:13 for her subsequent unfaithfulness.
• "for in one hour so great riches is come to nought": This dramatic juxtaposition underscores a fundamental biblical truth: the ultimate transience and vulnerability of all earthly power and material wealth. The "one hour" emphasizes the instantaneous and irreversible nature of God's judgment, rendering vast earthly fortunes completely valueless. It is a severe warning against idolatry of mammon.

Revelation 18 16 Bonus section

The economic laments over Babylon's fall (Rev 18:11-19) vividly echo Old Testament prophecies of commercial cities' downfalls, such as Tyre in Ezekiel 26-28 and Isaiah 23. This prophetic consistency underscores a biblical pattern: cities or nations that amass vast wealth through greed, oppressive trade, and moral decay inevitably face divine judgment, often expressed through economic ruin. Furthermore, the detailed description of Babylon's lavish attire ironically sets up a contrast with the adornment of the true bride, the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:18-21). While Babylon's finery is externally applied and signifies fleeting, human-derived glory and sin, the New Jerusalem's "gold" and "precious stones" are intrinsic to its very being, reflecting the uncreated, incorruptible glory of God and the redeemed purity of His people. This distinction reveals that worldly splendor is a superficial veneer compared to the enduring, inherent glory of God's eternal dwelling place.

Revelation 18 16 Commentary

Revelation 18:16 captures the essence of a world system consumed by materialism, luxury, and economic self-indulgence. The merchants, by repeating "Alas, alas," articulate a profound sense of loss, not for any spiritual or moral transgression of Babylon, but solely for the catastrophic end of their lucrative trade and source of immense profit. The detailed inventory of sumptuous goods—fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls—is more than mere description; it is a critical portrayal of Babylon's identity as a commercial empire built on avarice and worldly splendor. This opulence, symbolizing the height of worldly ambition and luxury, serves as a sharp contrast to the spiritual poverty of those who serve the world. The shocking swiftness of her demise, signified by "in one hour," highlights the divine ability to dismantle what appears to be unshakeable power and wealth with immediate and devastating effect. This moment serves as a potent reminder that all worldly accomplishments, status, and riches are temporal and will ultimately yield to God's righteous and decisive judgment. For believers, it is a call to resist the allure of the world's passing glories and to set their hearts on enduring heavenly treasures.