New Testament
Revelation 18:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 18:13, a list of luxurious goods and commodities is presented, highlighting the wealth and opulence of a fallen city, often interpreted as representing corrupt systems or societies.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
cinnamon, incense, perfume, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 18:13, a list of luxurious goods and commodities is presented, highlighting the wealth and opulence of a fallen city, often interpreted as representing corrupt systems or societies. The mention of items like cinnamon, incense, and fine flour indicates the trade of valuable products that contribute to the city's prosperity. However, the inclusion of 'slaves' and 'souls of men' reveals a dark side to this wealth, suggesting exploitation and moral decay. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing material wealth over human dignity and ethical values. The imagery evokes a sense of loss and judgment, as the city faces destruction for its sins. Ultimately, it illustrates the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of seeking spiritual rather than material fulfillment. Explore related materialism.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our values and priorities. It challenges us to consider how we pursue wealth and success, urging us to avoid exploiting others in the process. Instead, we should seek to uplift and support those around us, valuing human dignity over material gain.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:13 mean?
Revelation 18:13 lists various luxurious goods and commodities, symbolizing the wealth of a fallen city. It highlights the corrupt nature of societies that prioritize material wealth over human dignity, ultimately leading to moral decay and judgment.
What is the significance of 'slaves' in Revelation 18:13?
The mention of 'slaves' in Revelation 18:13 underscores the exploitation and moral corruption associated with the wealth of the city. It serves as a reminder of the dark consequences of prioritizing material gain at the expense of human rights and dignity.
What does 'souls of men' refer to in Revelation 18:13?
In Revelation 18:13, 'souls of men' refers to the human cost of the city's wealth, indicating that people are treated as commodities. This phrase emphasizes the moral decay and exploitation present in societies that value materialism over humanity.
What themes are present in Revelation 18:13?
Revelation 18:13 presents themes of materialism, corruption, exploitation, and judgment. It illustrates the transient nature of earthly riches and the consequences of prioritizing wealth over ethical values.
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.
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