Revelation 18:11

Authorized King James Version

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
οἱ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
ἔμποροι
G1713
the merchants
a (wholesale) tradesman
#4
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γῆς
G1093
of the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#6
κλαίουσιν
G2799
shall weep
to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
πενθοῦσιν
G3996
mourn
to grieve (the feeling or the act)
#9
ἐπ'
G1909
over
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#10
αὐτῶν
G846
her
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
#11
ὅτι
G3754
for
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γόμον
G1117
merchandise
a load (as filling), i.e., (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares
#14
αὐτῶν
G846
her
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
#15
οὐδεὶς
G3762
no man
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
#16
ἀγοράζει
G59
buyeth
properly, to go to market, i.e., (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem
#17
οὐκέτι
G3765
any more
not yet, no longer

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection