King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:16 Mean?

Revelation 18:16 in the King James Version says “And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!”

Revelation 18:16 · KJV

Context

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,

16

And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18

And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

Read Revelation 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The repeated catalog of luxury goods (fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, pearls) emphasizes the splendor now lost. The exclamation 'Alas, alas' (Greek 'ouai') pronounces woe over sudden reversal. The city's adorning represents self-glorification through material display. Reformed theology warns against finding identity in possessions or status symbols. The destruction of external adornment reveals internal emptiness. The mourners focus on what she wore rather than who she was, showing materialism's shallowness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman elites displayed wealth through elaborate clothing and jewelry. Purple dye was extremely expensive, indicating high status. The description reflects historical reality and prophetic tradition condemning prideful display (Isaiah 3:18-24). The sudden loss of these status symbols would humiliate the proud, reducing them to equality with those they despised.

Reflection Questions

  1. How much of your identity or self-worth is tied to external adornment or status symbols that could be suddenly lost?
  2. What does the focus on what Babylon wore rather than what she was reveal about superficial versus substantive values?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

λέγοντες,2 of 24

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

οὐαί,3 of 24

“Alas”

G3759

woe

οὐαί,4 of 24

“Alas”

G3759

woe

ἡ5 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πόλις6 of 24

“city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

ἡ7 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μεγάλη,8 of 24

“that great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἡ9 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιβεβλημένη10 of 24

“that was clothed in”

G4016

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

βύσσινον11 of 24

“fine linen”

G1039

made of linen (neuter a linen cloth)

καὶ12 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

πορφυροῦν13 of 24

“purple”

G4210

purpureal, i.e., bluish red

καὶ14 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

κόκκινον,15 of 24

“scarlet”

G2847

crimson-colored

καὶ16 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

κεχρυσωμένη17 of 24

“decked”

G5558

to gild, i.e., bespangle with golden ornaments

ἐν18 of 24

“with”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

χρυσῷ19 of 24

“gold”

G5557

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

καὶ20 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

λίθῳ21 of 24

“stones”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τιμίῳ22 of 24

“precious”

G5093

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

καὶ23 of 24

“And”

G2532

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

μαργαρίταις·24 of 24

“pearls”

G3135

a pearl

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 18:16 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 18:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 17:4Revelation 18:10-11Revelation 18:19Luke 16:19-31

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