King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:13 Mean?

Revelation 18:13 in the King James Version says “And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 18:13 · KJV


Context

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.

15

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The merchandise list concludes with 'slaves, and souls of men,' exposing Rome's dehumanization through slavery. The distinction between 'slaves' (Greek 'sōmatōn,' bodies) and 'souls of men' may emphasize the complete exploitation—not just bodies but personhood itself commodified. Reformed theology condemns treating image-bearers as property. This indictment reveals Babylon's moral bankruptcy—pursuing luxury through human trafficking. The placement at the list's end emphasizes this sin's grievousness. Material prosperity built on human exploitation faces certain judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman economy depended heavily on slavery, with estimates of 25-40% of Italy's population enslaved. Slaves were legal property, bought and sold as merchandise. This included sex trafficking and forced labor. Early Christianity's countercultural treatment of slaves as brothers in Christ (Philemon) challenged Roman society. The vision condemned economic systems built on human trafficking.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the mention of human trafficking at the merchandise list's end reveal God's priority in judging economic systems—how they treat people?
  2. What modern economic systems or practices involve exploitation of human beings ('souls of men') for profit?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

κινάμωμον2 of 29

cinnamon

G2792

cinnamon

καὶ3 of 29

And

G2532

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

θυμιάματα4 of 29

odours

G2368

an aroma, i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself

καὶ5 of 29

And

G2532

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

μύρον6 of 29

ointments

G3464

"myrrh", i.e., (by implication) perfumed oil

καὶ7 of 29

And

G2532

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

λίβανον8 of 29

frankincense

G3030

the incense-tree, i.e., (by implication) incense itself

καὶ9 of 29

And

G2532

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

οἶνον10 of 29

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ11 of 29

And

G2532

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

ἔλαιον12 of 29

oil

G1637

olive oil

καὶ13 of 29

And

G2532

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

σεμίδαλιν14 of 29

fine flour

G4585

fine wheaten flour

καὶ15 of 29

And

G2532

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

σῖτον16 of 29

wheat

G4621

grain, especially wheat

καὶ17 of 29

And

G2532

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

κτήνη18 of 29

beasts

G2934

property, i.e., (specially) a domestic animal

καὶ19 of 29

And

G2532

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

πρόβατα20 of 29

sheep

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

καὶ21 of 29

And

G2532

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

ἵππων22 of 29

horses

G2462

a horse

καὶ23 of 29

And

G2532

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

ῥεδῶν24 of 29

chariots

G4480

a rheda, i.e., four-wheeled carriage (wagon for riding)

καὶ25 of 29

And

G2532

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

σωμάτων26 of 29

slaves

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

καὶ27 of 29

And

G2532

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

ψυχὰς28 of 29

souls

G5590

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

ἀνθρώπων29 of 29

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being


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 18:13 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 18:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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