Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Original Language Analysis
γόμον
The merchandise
G1117
γόμον
The merchandise
Strong's:
G1117
Word #:
1 of 37
a load (as filling), i.e., (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares
χρυσοῦ
of gold
G5557
χρυσοῦ
of gold
Strong's:
G5557
Word #:
2 of 37
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
G5093
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
Strong's:
G5093
Word #:
7 of 37
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πορφύρας
purple
G4209
πορφύρας
purple
Strong's:
G4209
Word #:
13 of 37
the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ξύλου
wood
G3586
ξύλου
wood
Strong's:
G3586
Word #:
20 of 37
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκεῦος
vessels
G4632
σκεῦος
vessels
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
24 of 37
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
ἐλεφάντινον
of ivory
G1661
ἐλεφάντινον
of ivory
Strong's:
G1661
Word #:
25 of 37
elephantine, i.e., (by implication) composed of ivory
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκεῦος
vessels
G4632
σκεῦος
vessels
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
28 of 37
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
29 of 37
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ξύλου
wood
G3586
ξύλου
wood
Strong's:
G3586
Word #:
30 of 37
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
G5093
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
Strong's:
G5093
Word #:
31 of 37
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
32 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χαλκοῦ
of brass
G5475
χαλκοῦ
of brass
Strong's:
G5475
Word #:
33 of 37
copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
34 of 37
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Rome's vast trade network imported luxury goods from across the empire and beyond—silk from China, spices from India, etc. The list reflects actual first-century commerce. Rome's economy depended on this trade, with merchants gaining enormous wealth. The vision predicted economic collapse would accompany Rome's fall, devastating those who prospered through her system.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this extensive list of luxury goods challenge your own relationship with material possessions and consumption?
- What does the sudden collapse teach about the instability of economic systems built on materialism rather than justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The extensive catalog of luxury goods demonstrates Babylon's commercial empire and materialistic focus. Gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls represent wealth accumulation. Fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet indicate luxury clothing. The diverse merchandise shows comprehensive trade networks. Reformed theology warns against materialism—treasuring earthly wealth over eternal riches. The merchants' mourning (v. 11) reveals idolatry of commerce. The 'no man buyeth their merchandise' emphasizes sudden economic collapse despite apparent stability. Material prosperity, when divorced from God, proves fleeting.