New Testament
Revelation 18:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In a single hour, all that wealth has been wiped out. Every shipmaster, all who travel in ships, sailors, and everyone who makes a living from the sea stood far away.
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For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
What Revelation 18:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse describes a sudden and complete destruction of wealth, particularly that which is associated with maritime trade. In just one hour, the riches accumulated by merchants and sailors are lost, illustrating the fragility of material wealth. The shipmasters and sailors, who relied on the sea for their livelihood, stand at a distance, witnessing the devastation. This scene emphasizes the theme of judgment and the transient nature of worldly possessions. The imagery of people standing far away suggests a sense of fear and helplessness in the face of such catastrophic loss. It serves as a reminder that earthly riches can vanish quickly and that reliance on material wealth is ultimately futile. The verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the inevitable downfall of those who prioritize wealth over spiritual values.
How to apply Revelation 18:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our priorities and the temporary nature of material wealth. Instead of focusing solely on accumulating riches, we should invest in spiritual growth and relationships that endure. It reminds us to seek lasting fulfillment in faith rather than in fleeting possessions.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Keep studying Revelation 18:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 18:17 mean?
Revelation 18:17 describes the sudden destruction of wealth, particularly from maritime trade, emphasizing how quickly material riches can be lost. It illustrates the fragility of worldly possessions and the fear experienced by those who relied on them.
What is the significance of 'one hour' in Revelation 18:17?
The phrase 'one hour' signifies the rapidity and totality of the destruction of wealth, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change and the transient nature of material wealth.
What does the imagery of people standing far away in Revelation 18:17 represent?
The imagery of shipmasters and sailors standing far away symbolizes their fear and helplessness in witnessing the loss of their livelihoods, reinforcing the theme of judgment and the consequences of prioritizing wealth.
How does Revelation 18:17 relate to the theme of judgment?
Revelation 18:17 relates to judgment by illustrating the consequences faced by those who have turned away from God, showing that reliance on material wealth leads to inevitable downfall.
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