King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:12 Mean?

Revelation 18:12 in the King James Version says “The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarl... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, thyine: or, sweet

Revelation 18:12 · KJV


Context

10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

11

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, thyine: or, sweet

13

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. slaves: or, bodies

14

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The extensive catalog of luxury goods demonstrates Babylon's commercial empire and materialistic focus. Gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls represent wealth accumulation. Fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet indicate luxury clothing. The diverse merchandise shows comprehensive trade networks. Reformed theology warns against materialism—treasuring earthly wealth over eternal riches. The merchants' mourning (v. 11) reveals idolatry of commerce. The 'no man buyeth their merchandise' emphasizes sudden economic collapse despite apparent stability. Material prosperity, when divorced from God, proves fleeting.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rome's vast trade network imported luxury goods from across the empire and beyond—silk from China, spices from India, etc. The list reflects actual first-century commerce. Rome's economy depended on this trade, with merchants gaining enormous wealth. The vision predicted economic collapse would accompany Rome's fall, devastating those who prospered through her system.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this extensive list of luxury goods challenge your own relationship with material possessions and consumption?
  2. What does the sudden collapse teach about the instability of economic systems built on materialism rather than justice?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
γόμον1 of 37

The merchandise

G1117

a load (as filling), i.e., (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares

χρυσοῦ2 of 37

of gold

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

καὶ3 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀργύρου4 of 37

silver

G696

silver (the metal, in the articles or coin)

καὶ5 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λίθου6 of 37

stones

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τιμιωτάτου7 of 37

most precious

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

καὶ8 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μαργαρίτου9 of 37

of pearls

G3135

a pearl

καὶ10 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βύσσου11 of 37

fine linen

G1040

white linen

καὶ12 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πορφύρας13 of 37

purple

G4209

the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it

καὶ14 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σηρικοῦ,15 of 37

silk

G4596

seric, i.e., silken (neuter as noun, a silky fabric)

καὶ16 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κοκκίνου17 of 37

scarlet

G2847

crimson-colored

καὶ18 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶν19 of 37

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ξύλου20 of 37

wood

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

θύϊνον21 of 37

thyine

G2367

made of citron-wood

καὶ22 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶν23 of 37

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σκεῦος24 of 37

vessels

G4632

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

ἐλεφάντινον25 of 37

of ivory

G1661

elephantine, i.e., (by implication) composed of ivory

καὶ26 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶν27 of 37

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

σκεῦος28 of 37

vessels

G4632

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

ἐκ29 of 37

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ξύλου30 of 37

wood

G3586

timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance

τιμιωτάτου31 of 37

most precious

G5093

valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved

καὶ32 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χαλκοῦ33 of 37

of brass

G5475

copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)

καὶ34 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σιδήρου35 of 37

iron

G4604

iron

καὶ36 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μαρμάρου37 of 37

marble

G3139

marble (as sparkling white)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 18:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 18:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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