Revelation 18:16
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!
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες,
saying
G3004
λέγοντες,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μεγάλη,
that great
G3173
μεγάλη,
that great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
8 of 24
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιβεβλημένη
that was clothed in
G4016
περιβεβλημένη
that was clothed in
Strong's:
G4016
Word #:
10 of 24
to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 24
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 #:
14 of 24
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 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χρυσῷ
gold
G5557
χρυσῷ
gold
Strong's:
G5557
Word #:
19 of 24
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τιμίῳ
precious
G5093
τιμίῳ
precious
Strong's:
G5093
Word #:
22 of 24
valuable, i.e., (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved
Cross References
Revelation 17:4And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:Revelation 18:19And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Historical Context
Roman elites displayed wealth through elaborate clothing and jewelry. Purple dye was extremely expensive, indicating high status. The description reflects historical reality and prophetic tradition condemning prideful display (Isaiah 3:18-24). The sudden loss of these status symbols would humiliate the proud, reducing them to equality with those they despised.
Questions for Reflection
- How much of your identity or self-worth is tied to external adornment or status symbols that could be suddenly lost?
- What does the focus on what Babylon wore rather than what she was reveal about superficial versus substantive values?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The repeated catalog of luxury goods (fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, pearls) emphasizes the splendor now lost. The exclamation 'Alas, alas' (Greek 'ouai') pronounces woe over sudden reversal. The city's adorning represents self-glorification through material display. Reformed theology warns against finding identity in possessions or status symbols. The destruction of external adornment reveals internal emptiness. The mourners focus on what she wore rather than who she was, showing materialism's shallowness.