New Testament

Revelation 18:12

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 18:12, the verse lists various luxurious items that symbolize the wealth and opulence of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

their cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple cloth, silk, and scarlet fabric; every kind of expensive wood; all sorts of ivory objects; every item crafted from the finest wood, bronze, iron, and marble;

KJVKing James Version

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 18:12, the verse lists various luxurious items that symbolize the wealth and opulence of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon. This city is depicted as a center of commerce and indulgence, where merchants trade in precious materials like gold, silver, and fine fabrics. The mention of these items highlights the excess and materialism that can lead to moral decay. The verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches and the eventual downfall of such a society that prioritizes wealth over spiritual values. The detailed description of the merchandise emphasizes the allure of material possessions, which can distract individuals from their spiritual commitments and responsibilities. Ultimately, this passage warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 18:12 to your life

This verse encourages us to reflect on our own values and priorities. Are we overly focused on accumulating wealth and possessions? It serves as a reminder to seek spiritual richness over material gain, ensuring that our lives align with our faith and values.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 18:12 mean?

Revelation 18:12 lists luxurious items that symbolize the wealth of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon. It highlights the excess and materialism that can lead to moral decay, serving as a warning about the transient nature of earthly riches.

What is the significance of gold and silver in Revelation 18:12?

Gold and silver in Revelation 18:12 represent wealth and materialism, emphasizing the opulence of the city being described. This serves as a reminder of how the pursuit of such riches can distract from spiritual values.

What does the mention of fine linen and purple cloth signify in this verse?

The mention of fine linen and purple cloth in Revelation 18:12 signifies luxury and status, illustrating the extravagant lifestyle of the city. These items highlight the moral decay associated with prioritizing material wealth over spiritual integrity.

How does Revelation 18:12 relate to modern materialism?

Revelation 18:12 relates to modern materialism by highlighting the allure of wealth and luxury, which can lead individuals away from spiritual values. It encourages reflection on personal priorities and the potential consequences of excessive focus on material gain.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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