New Testament

Revelation 18:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse describes the widespread influence of a corrupt system, often interpreted as a representation of Babylon, which symbolizes moral decay and materialism.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

For all nations have drunk the wine of the wrath of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the abundance of her luxuries.

KJVKing James Version

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse describes the widespread influence of a corrupt system, often interpreted as a representation of Babylon, which symbolizes moral decay and materialism. The 'wine of the wrath' signifies the intoxicating allure of sin that has captivated nations and leaders. The kings engaging in immorality with her suggest a betrayal of their responsibilities, prioritizing wealth and power over righteousness. Merchants profiting from her luxuries highlight the economic exploitation tied to this moral compromise. The imagery of drunkenness illustrates how deeply these nations are ensnared in this system, leading to spiritual and ethical blindness. Overall, the verse warns of the consequences of indulging in such corruption, emphasizing the interconnectedness of political, economic, and moral failures in society.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 18:3 to your life

This verse serves as a reminder to evaluate our own lives and the systems we support. We should be cautious of the allure of wealth and luxury that can lead us away from moral integrity. Prioritizing ethical choices over material gain is essential for spiritual health.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 18:3 mean?

Revelation 18:3 describes the influence of a corrupt system, often seen as Babylon, symbolizing moral decay and materialism. It highlights how nations and leaders are seduced by wealth and luxury, leading to spiritual blindness and ethical failures.

What is the meaning of 'the wine of the wrath' in Revelation 18:3?

'The wine of the wrath' refers to the intoxicating allure of sin and corruption that captivates nations and leaders. It signifies the consequences of indulging in immoral practices and the resulting spiritual and ethical decline.

How does Revelation 18:3 relate to modern society?

Revelation 18:3 can be seen as a cautionary tale for modern society, urging individuals to be wary of the temptations of wealth and luxury that can lead to moral compromise. It encourages a focus on ethical choices rather than material gain.

What themes are present in Revelation 18:3?

Key themes in Revelation 18:3 include corruption, materialism, moral decay, economic exploitation, spiritual blindness, and the betrayal of leadership. These themes highlight the consequences of prioritizing wealth and power over integrity.

Book Summary

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.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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