New Testament
Revelation 18:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They threw dust on their heads and wept and mourned, crying out, "How terrible! How terrible for the great city! Everyone who had ships on the sea grew rich from her wealth — and in a single hour she has been destroyed!"
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And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
What Revelation 18:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 18:19, the scene depicts the mourning of merchants who profited from the great city, often interpreted as Babylon, which symbolizes a corrupt and wealthy system. The act of throwing dust on their heads signifies deep sorrow and despair. The merchants lament the sudden destruction of the city, which had brought them immense wealth through trade. The phrase 'in a single hour' emphasizes the swift and complete downfall of this once-thriving center of commerce. This verse highlights the fragility of worldly riches and the inevitable judgment that comes upon systems built on greed and immorality. The merchants' cries reflect the loss not only of wealth but also of a way of life that revolved around the city's prosperity. It serves as a warning about the consequences of placing trust in material wealth rather than in God.
How to apply Revelation 18:19 to your life
This verse reminds us to evaluate our priorities and the foundations of our lives. Instead of seeking wealth and success at any cost, we should focus on building a life rooted in faith and integrity. True security comes from God, not material possessions.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
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Keep studying Revelation 18:19
Related Bible verses
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 18:19 mean?
Revelation 18:19 describes the mourning of merchants who lost their wealth due to the sudden destruction of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon. This verse emphasizes the fragility of material wealth and the consequences of relying on corrupt systems.
What is the significance of throwing dust on their heads in Revelation 18:19?
Throwing dust on their heads symbolizes deep sorrow and mourning. It reflects the despair of the merchants who lament the loss of their wealth and way of life after the city's destruction.
What does 'in a single hour' mean in Revelation 18:19?
The phrase 'in a single hour' emphasizes the rapid and complete destruction of the city. It illustrates how quickly fortunes can change and serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life.
How does Revelation 18:19 relate to wealth and greed?
Revelation 18:19 illustrates the dangers of wealth derived from corrupt practices. It warns that reliance on material riches can lead to devastating loss, highlighting the importance of prioritizing integrity over greed.
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