Revelation 18:17

Authorized King James Version

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὅτι
G3754
For
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#2
μιᾷ
G1520
one
#3
ὥρᾳ
G5610
hour
an "hour" (literally or figuratively)
#4
ἠρημώθη
G2049
is come to nought
to lay waste (literally or figuratively)
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
τοσοῦτος
G5118
so great
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
#7
πλοῦτος
G4149
riches
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
#8
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
πᾶς
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#10
κυβερνήτης
G2942
shipmaster
helmsman, i.e., (by implication) captain
#11
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#12
πᾶς
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#13
ἐπὶ
G1909
in
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
πλοίων
G4143
ships
a sailer, i.e., vessel
#16
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
ὅμιλος,
G3658
the company
association together, i.e., a multitude
#18
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
ναῦται
G3492
sailors
a boatman, i.e., seaman
#20
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#21
ὅσοι
G3745
as many as
as (much, great, long, etc.) as
#22
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θάλασσαν
G2281
by sea
the sea (genitive case or specially)
#24
ἐργάζονται
G2038
trade
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
#25
ἀπὸ
G575
off
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#26
μακρόθεν
G3113
afar
from a distance or afar
#27
ἔστησαν
G2476
stood
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

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

This passage must be understood within imperial persecution under Domitian's demand for emperor worship. The author writes to address persecuted Christians in Asia Minor facing pressure to compromise, making the emphasis on kingdom of God particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection