King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:19 Mean?

Revelation 18:19 in the King James Version says “And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were mad... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:19 · KJV


Context

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.

20

Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21

And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 hou... This verse from Revelation's vision of fall of babylon - economic, political, religious system destroyed, god's people called out employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 18:19 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
καὶ1 of 37

And

G2532

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

ἔβαλον2 of 37

they cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

χοῦν3 of 37

dust

G5522

a heap (as poured out), i.e., rubbish; loose dirt

ἐπὶ4 of 37

on

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

τὰς5 of 37
G3588

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

κεφαλὰς6 of 37

heads

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτῆς7 of 37

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 37

And

G2532

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

ἔκραζον9 of 37

cried

G2896

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

κλαίοντες10 of 37

weeping

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

καὶ11 of 37

And

G2532

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

πενθοῦντες12 of 37

wailing

G3996

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

λέγοντες13 of 37

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

οὐαί14 of 37

Alas

G3759

woe

οὐαί15 of 37

Alas

G3759

woe

16 of 37
G3588

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

πόλις17 of 37

city

G4172

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

18 of 37
G3588

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

μεγάλη19 of 37

that great

G3173

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

ἐν20 of 37

in

G1722

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

21 of 37
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπλούτησαν22 of 37

were made rich

G4147

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

πάντες23 of 37

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ24 of 37
G3588

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

ἔχοντες25 of 37

that had

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πλοῖα26 of 37

ships

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

ἐν27 of 37

in

G1722

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

τῇ28 of 37
G3588

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

θαλάσσῃ29 of 37

the sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

ἐκ30 of 37

by reason 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

τῆς31 of 37
G3588

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

τιμιότητος32 of 37

costliness

G5094

expensiveness, i.e., (by implication) magnificence

αὐτῆς33 of 37

her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι34 of 37

! for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

μιᾷ35 of 37
G1520

one

ὥρᾳ36 of 37

hour

G5610

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

ἠρημώθη37 of 37

is she made desolate

G2049

to lay waste (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 18:19 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 18:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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