Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 29
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 #:
3 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θυμιάματα
odours
G2368
θυμιάματα
odours
Strong's:
G2368
Word #:
4 of 29
an aroma, i.e., fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 29
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 #:
7 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λίβανον
frankincense
G3030
λίβανον
frankincense
Strong's:
G3030
Word #:
8 of 29
the incense-tree, i.e., (by implication) incense itself
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 29
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 #:
11 of 29
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 #:
13 of 29
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 #:
15 of 29
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 #:
17 of 29
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 #:
19 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
20 of 29
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 29
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 #:
23 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ῥεδῶν
chariots
G4480
ῥεδῶν
chariots
Strong's:
G4480
Word #:
24 of 29
a rheda, i.e., four-wheeled carriage (wagon for riding)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
25 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σωμάτων
slaves
G4983
σωμάτων
slaves
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
26 of 29
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Ezekiel 27:13Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.Amos 2:6Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;Isaiah 50:1Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Nehemiah 5:8And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.Exodus 21:16And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.Deuteronomy 24:7If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Historical Context
Roman economy depended heavily on slavery, with estimates of 25-40% of Italy's population enslaved. Slaves were legal property, bought and sold as merchandise. This included sex trafficking and forced labor. Early Christianity's countercultural treatment of slaves as brothers in Christ (Philemon) challenged Roman society. The vision condemned economic systems built on human trafficking.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mention of human trafficking at the merchandise list's end reveal God's priority in judging economic systems—how they treat people?
- What modern economic systems or practices involve exploitation of human beings ('souls of men') for profit?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The merchandise list concludes with 'slaves, and souls of men,' exposing Rome's dehumanization through slavery. The distinction between 'slaves' (Greek 'sōmatōn,' bodies) and 'souls of men' may emphasize the complete exploitation—not just bodies but personhood itself commodified. Reformed theology condemns treating image-bearers as property. This indictment reveals Babylon's moral bankruptcy—pursuing luxury through human trafficking. The placement at the list's end emphasizes this sin's grievousness. Material prosperity built on human exploitation faces certain judgment.