New Testament
Revelation 18:19
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Revelation 18:19, the scene depicts the mourning of merchants who profited from the great city, often interpreted as Babylon, which symbolizes a corrupt and wealthy system.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
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!"
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.
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.
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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