Revelation 18:16

Translations

Modern

…saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Traditional

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!

Literal

…saying: “Woe, woe, the great city, having been clothed with fine linen and purple and scarlet, and having been adorned in gold and precious stone and pearl!

Latin

…et dicentes: Væ, væ civitas illa magna, quæ amicta erat bysso, et purpura, et cocco, et deaurata erat auro, et lapide pretioso, et margaritis:

Original

Greek

English

…saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

Notes

Revelation 18:14–17

The merchants would mourn the fall of Rome (see study note on Revelation 18:1–3) because it would permanently end their usual luxuries. Material goods can disappear in an instant.

Revelation 18:11–17

The merchants of the world sing the second lament (Revelation 18:14; see study note on Revelation 18:9–19). They made money from the Roman economy (Revelation 18:12–13), but their trade stopped when the great city was quickly destroyed.

Revelation 18:9–19

These three laments show the sadness of those who gained the most from the sinful city's wealthy lifestyle (compare Ezekiel 27).

Revelation 18:1–24

This chapter includes seven poetic responses to the fall of Babylon or Rome (refer to the study note on Revelation 17:5).

Revelation 17:1–19:10

The main drama in this section shows the powers that stand against God and cause the persecution and suffering of God’s people. Rome’s power attracted and impressed many people (Revelation 17:6). John clearly describes Rome's sins and shares God's judgment (Revelation 17:3–18) before he describes Rome’s fall (18:1–24) and heaven’s response to that fall (19:1–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Babylon Messages Against the Nations Visions

Related verses

Revelation 17:4
The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.
Revelation 18:19
Then they will throw dust on their heads as they weep and mourn and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, where all who had ships on the sea were enriched by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been destroyed.”
Luke 16:19–31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.
Revelation 18:10–11
In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.”

Glossary

Babylon as a Symbol Book of Revelation Lucifer Minerals and Metals Pearl Peter, First Letter of Scarlet

Topics

Colors: Crimson, Red, Purple, and Scarlet, Symbols of Various Ideas of Iniquity Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse with the Apostasy Pearl: General Scriptures Concerning Precious Stones: Seductive Splendour and False Glory of the Apostasy Riches: Fleeting

Revelation 18:16

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?