New Testament
Revelation 18:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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!"
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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!
What Revelation 18:16 means
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.
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
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Keep studying Revelation 18:16
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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.
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