King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:17 Mean?

Revelation 18:17 in the King James Version says “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

Revelation 18:17 · KJV


Context

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!

19

And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The phrase 'in one hour' (repeated three times: vv. 10, 17, 19) emphasizes judgment's sudden swiftness despite long prosperity. Shipmasters, sailors, and all who trade by sea represent those depending on maritime commerce. Their standing afar off and crying demonstrates shock at rapid reversal. The 'great riches' becoming desolate warns against trusting uncertain wealth. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sovereignty over economic systems—what seems stable can collapse instantly at divine decree. The witnesses' distant position shows their inability to help or reverse judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Mediterranean trade enriched coastal cities through maritime commerce. Rome's navy secured sea routes, enabling vast trade networks. The vision depicts complete collapse of this system. Ancient sea trade involved significant risk; shipwreck meant total loss. This imagery communicated that seemingly secure economic foundations could vanish instantly, devastating those dependent on them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'one hour' timing challenge your assumptions about the stability of economic systems or personal wealth?
  2. What practical steps can you take to ensure you're investing in eternal riches rather than trusting in uncertain earthly wealth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ὅτι1 of 27

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μιᾷ2 of 27
G1520

one

ὥρᾳ3 of 27

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἠρημώθη4 of 27

is come to nought

G2049

to lay waste (literally or figuratively)

5 of 27
G3588

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

τοσοῦτος6 of 27

so great

G5118

apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)

πλοῦτος7 of 27

riches

G4149

wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment

καὶ8 of 27

And

G2532

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

πᾶς9 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

κυβερνήτης10 of 27

shipmaster

G2942

helmsman, i.e., (by implication) captain

καὶ11 of 27

And

G2532

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

πᾶς12 of 27

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐπὶ13 of 27

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῶν14 of 27
G3588

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

πλοίων15 of 27

ships

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

16 of 27
G3588

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

ὅμιλος,17 of 27

the company

G3658

association together, i.e., a multitude

καὶ18 of 27

And

G2532

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

ναῦται19 of 27

sailors

G3492

a boatman, i.e., seaman

καὶ20 of 27

And

G2532

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

ὅσοι21 of 27

as many as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

τὴν22 of 27
G3588

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

θάλασσαν23 of 27

by sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἐργάζονται24 of 27

trade

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

ἀπὸ25 of 27

off

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

μακρόθεν26 of 27

afar

G3113

from a distance or afar

ἔστησαν27 of 27

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)


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 18:17 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 18:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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