New Testament
Revelation 18:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The glow of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voices of a bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the great men of the earth, and your sorcery deceived all nations.
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And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
What Revelation 18:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Revelation 18:23 describes the complete downfall of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon, symbolizing worldly power and corruption. The absence of light signifies the end of joy, celebration, and life, as the voices of the bridegroom and bride represent love and unity. The mention of merchants being the great men of the earth highlights the economic and social influence of this city, while the reference to sorcery indicates the deceptive practices that led nations astray. This passage serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God and relying on materialism and deceit, ultimately leading to destruction and desolation.
How to apply Revelation 18:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our values and priorities. It warns against the dangers of materialism and deception in our lives. We should seek genuine relationships and spiritual truth rather than being swayed by worldly influences that ultimately lead to emptiness and despair.
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Keep studying Revelation 18:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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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 18:23 mean?
Revelation 18:23 describes the fall of a great city, often interpreted as Babylon, symbolizing the end of joy and life due to its corruption and reliance on materialism. The absence of light and the silence of celebrations indicate a complete desolation.
What is the significance of the light in Revelation 18:23?
The light in Revelation 18:23 represents joy, life, and celebration. Its absence signifies the end of happiness and unity in the city, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God.
What does the term 'sorcery' refer to in Revelation 18:23?
In Revelation 18:23, 'sorcery' refers to deceptive practices that mislead nations. It symbolizes the manipulation and corruption that led people away from truth and towards destruction.
What does the verse say about merchants in Revelation 18:23?
Revelation 18:23 mentions that the merchants were the great men of the earth, indicating their significant economic and social influence. This highlights how materialism and power contributed to the city's downfall.
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