New Testament
Revelation 18:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 18:16, the lamentation over the great city symbolizes the fall of a powerful and wealthy society that once thrived on luxury and excess.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
They will cry out, "How terrible! How terrible for the great city that was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls!"
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!
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 18:16, the lamentation over the great city symbolizes the fall of a powerful and wealthy society that once thrived on luxury and excess. The vivid imagery of fine linen, purple, scarlet, and precious materials highlights its opulence and status. The repeated cries of 'How terrible!' express deep sorrow and shock at its sudden destruction. This city represents not just a physical place but also the moral and spiritual corruption that can accompany wealth and power. The passage serves as a warning about the fleeting nature of material success and the consequences of turning away from righteousness. The lamentation reflects the grief of those who benefited from the city's prosperity, illustrating how interconnected societies can be, especially in their rise and fall. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the transient nature of earthly glory and the importance of focusing on lasting values rather than temporary riches. Explore related judgment.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:16 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our values and priorities. While wealth can provide comfort, it can also lead to moral compromise and spiritual emptiness. We should seek to build our lives on principles that endure rather than on fleeting material success.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:16 mean?
Revelation 18:16 describes the mourning over a great city that symbolizes a powerful society known for its wealth and luxury. The verse highlights the sudden destruction of this city, reflecting the consequences of moral and spiritual corruption that can accompany material success.
What is the significance of the great city in Revelation 18:16?
The great city in Revelation 18:16 represents a society that thrived on opulence and excess, showcasing the dangers of wealth and power. Its fall serves as a warning about the transient nature of material success and the potential for moral decay.
What does the imagery of fine linen and gold in Revelation 18:16 represent?
The imagery of fine linen, purple, scarlet, and gold in Revelation 18:16 symbolizes the wealth and luxury of the great city. These elements emphasize its former glory and status, contrasting sharply with its eventual destruction.
Why do people lament over the city in Revelation 18:16?
People lament over the city in Revelation 18:16 because it signifies the loss of prosperity and the shock of its sudden downfall. The cries of 'How terrible!' express deep sorrow for the consequences of its moral corruption and the interconnectedness of societies.
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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