King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:22 Mean?

Revelation 18:22 in the King James Version says “And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no cr... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

Revelation 18:22 · KJV


Context

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.

22

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24

And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The silencing of musicians, craftsmen, and millstones represents complete cessation of cultural and economic life. Harps and music symbolize joy and celebration; their absence indicates mourning. Craftsmen represent productive labor and economic activity. The millstone's sound was daily life's rhythm; its silence means desolation. The phrase 'no more at all' appears repeatedly, emphasizing permanent end. Reformed theology sees this as comprehensive judgment—cultural, economic, and domestic life all cease. Joy built on injustice cannot last; true joy comes from God alone.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cities' soundscapes included music from celebrations, craftsmen at work, and millstones grinding grain. These sounds indicated vibrant urban life. Their silencing fulfilled prophetic patterns (Jeremiah 25:10, Ezekiel 26:13 on Babylon and Tyre). The vision communicated total desolation—not partial destruction but complete end of civilization's normal activities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the silencing of daily sounds (music, craftsmen, millstones) illustrate judgment's comprehensive nature—affecting all areas of life?
  2. What does this permanent end ('no more at all') teach about the finality of God's judgments on unrepentant systems?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 35 words
καὶ1 of 35

And

G2532

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

φωνὴ2 of 35

the sound

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

κιθαρῳδῶν3 of 35

of harpers

G2790

a lyre-singer(-player), i.e., harpist

καὶ4 of 35

And

G2532

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

μουσικῶν5 of 35

musicians

G3451

"musical", i.e., (as noun) a minstrel

καὶ6 of 35

And

G2532

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

αὐλητῶν7 of 35

of pipers

G834

a flute-player

καὶ8 of 35

And

G2532

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

σαλπιστῶν9 of 35

trumpeters

G4538

a trumpeter

οὐ10 of 35
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ11 of 35
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀκουσθῇ12 of 35

shall be heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐν13 of 35

in

G1722

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

σοὶ14 of 35

thee

G4671

to thee

ἔτι15 of 35

any more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

καὶ16 of 35

And

G2532

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

πάσης17 of 35

of whatsoever

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τεχνίτης18 of 35

craftsman

G5079

an artisan; figuratively, a founder (creator)

πάσης19 of 35

of whatsoever

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τέχνης20 of 35

craft

G5078

art (as productive), i.e., (specially), a trade, or (generally) skill

οὐ21 of 35
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ22 of 35
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εὑρεθῇ23 of 35

he be shall be found

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

ἐν24 of 35

in

G1722

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

σοὶ25 of 35

thee

G4671

to thee

ἔτι26 of 35

any more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

καὶ27 of 35

And

G2532

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

φωνὴ28 of 35

the sound

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

μύλου29 of 35

of a millstone

G3458

a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)

οὐ30 of 35
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ31 of 35
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀκουσθῇ32 of 35

shall be heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐν33 of 35

in

G1722

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

σοὶ34 of 35

thee

G4671

to thee

ἔτι35 of 35

any more

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)


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 18:22 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 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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