Revelation 18:12

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
γόμον
The merchandise
a load (as filling), i.e., (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares
#2
χρυσοῦ
of gold
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
#3
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
ἀργύρου
silver
silver (the metal, in the articles or coin)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
λίθου
stones
a stone (literally or figuratively)
#7
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
μαργαρίτου
of pearls
a pearl
#10
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
βύσσου
fine linen
white linen
#12
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
πορφύρας
purple
the "purple" mussel, i.e., (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it
#14
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
σηρικοῦ,
silk
seric, i.e., silken (neuter as noun, a silky fabric)
#16
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#17
κοκκίνου
scarlet
crimson-colored
#18
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
πᾶν
all
all, any, every, the whole
#20
ξύλου
wood
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#21
θύϊνον
thyine
made of citron-wood
#22
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
πᾶν
all
all, any, every, the whole
#24
σκεῦος
vessels
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#25
ἐλεφάντινον
of ivory
elephantine, i.e., (by implication) composed of ivory
#26
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#27
πᾶν
all
all, any, every, the whole
#28
σκεῦος
vessels
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
#29
ἐκ
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#30
ξύλου
wood
timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance
#31
τιμιωτάτου
most precious
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
#32
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#33
χαλκοῦ
of brass
copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it)
#34
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#35
σιδήρου
iron
iron
#36
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#37
μαρμάρου
marble
marble (as sparkling white)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. 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