King James Version

What Does Revelation 18:23 Mean?

Revelation 18:23 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Revelation 18:23 · KJV


Context

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
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;... 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 18:23 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 · 38 words
καὶ1 of 38

And

G2532

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

φῶς2 of 38

the light

G5457

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

λύχνου3 of 38

of a candle

G3088

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

οὐ4 of 38
G3756

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

μὴ5 of 38
G3361

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

φάνῃ6 of 38

shall shine

G5316

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ἐν7 of 38

by

G1722

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

σοὶ8 of 38

thee

G4671

to thee

ἔτι·9 of 38

at all

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

καὶ10 of 38

And

G2532

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

φωνὴ11 of 38

the voice

G5456

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

νυμφίου12 of 38

of the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 38

And

G2532

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

νύμφης14 of 38

of the bride

G3565

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

οὐ15 of 38
G3756

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

μὴ16 of 38
G3361

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

ἀκουσθῇ17 of 38

shall be heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἐν18 of 38

by

G1722

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

σοὶ19 of 38

thee

G4671

to thee

ἔτι·20 of 38

at all

G2089

"yet," still (of time or degree)

ὅτι21 of 38

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οἱ22 of 38
G3588

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

ἔμποροί23 of 38

merchants

G1713

a (wholesale) tradesman

σου24 of 38

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἦσαν25 of 38

were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οἱ26 of 38
G3588

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

μεγιστᾶνες27 of 38

the great men

G3175

grandees

τῆς28 of 38
G3588

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

γῆς29 of 38

of the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ὅτι30 of 38

for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν31 of 38

by

G1722

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

τῇ32 of 38
G3588

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

φαρμακείᾳ33 of 38

sorceries

G5331

medication ("pharmacy"), i.e., (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively)

σου34 of 38

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ἐπλανήθησαν35 of 38

deceived

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

πάντα36 of 38

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ37 of 38
G3588

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

ἔθνη38 of 38

nations

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)


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 18:23 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 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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