New Testament
Revelation 18:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse from Revelation 18:22 describes the complete desolation and destruction of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon, symbolizing worldly corruption and sin.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
"The sound of harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again. No craftsman of any trade will ever be found in you again. The grinding of a millstone will never be heard in you again."
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Revelation 18:22 describes the complete desolation and destruction of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon, symbolizing worldly corruption and sin. The absence of music, craftsmanship, and daily life activities signifies the end of joy, creativity, and commerce. The imagery of silence emphasizes the totality of the ruin, where once there was vibrancy and culture, now there is only emptiness. The mention of various musicians and craftsmen highlights the loss of both artistic expression and practical skills, indicating that the city will never recover its former glory. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and indulging in immorality, leading to ultimate judgment and desolation. The verse encapsulates the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will, illustrating the stark reality of judgment day when all earthly pleasures and achievements will fade away.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Revelation 18:22 to your life
This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and achievements. It encourages us to focus on building a life centered on faith and righteousness rather than temporary successes. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can avoid the fate of desolation and find lasting fulfillment.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 18:22 mean about the loss of music and crafts?
Revelation 18:22 signifies the complete destruction of a city, often interpreted as Babylon, representing worldly corruption. The verse highlights that music, craftsmanship, and daily life will cease, symbolizing the end of joy and creativity. This imagery of silence emphasizes the total ruin where vibrancy once existed, serving as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God.
How does Revelation 18:22 relate to God's judgment?
This verse illustrates the theme of divine retribution, showing the consequences of immorality and opposition to God's will. The complete desolation described reflects the ultimate judgment day when all earthly pleasures and achievements fade away, emphasizing that those who indulge in sin will face severe consequences.
What lessons can we learn from Revelation 18:22?
Revelation 18:22 teaches us about the transient nature of worldly pleasures and achievements. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and focus on faith and righteousness. By doing so, we can avoid the fate of desolation and find true fulfillment that lasts beyond earthly success.
Why is the imagery of silence important in Revelation 18:22?
The imagery of silence in Revelation 18:22 is crucial as it underscores the totality of destruction and loss. It signifies that all forms of joy, creativity, and daily activities will cease, highlighting the stark contrast between the city's former vibrancy and its current emptiness. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.
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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