Revelation 18:17
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,
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοσοῦτος
so great
G5118
τοσοῦτος
so great
Strong's:
G5118
Word #:
6 of 27
apparently from g3588 and g3739) and g3778 (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e., such (in quantity, amount, number of space)
πλοῦτος
riches
G4149
πλοῦτος
riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
7 of 27
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 27
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 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 27
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 27
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 #:
20 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐργάζονται
trade
G2038
ἐργάζονται
trade
Strong's:
G2038
Word #:
24 of 27
to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc
Cross References
Revelation 17:16And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.Isaiah 23:14Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.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.Jeremiah 51:8Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.Jonah 1:6So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.
Historical Context
Mediterranean trade enriched coastal cities through maritime commerce. Rome's navy secured sea routes, enabling vast trade networks. The vision depicts complete collapse of this system. Ancient sea trade involved significant risk; shipwreck meant total loss. This imagery communicated that seemingly secure economic foundations could vanish instantly, devastating those dependent on them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'one hour' timing challenge your assumptions about the stability of economic systems or personal wealth?
- What practical steps can you take to ensure you're investing in eternal riches rather than trusting in uncertain earthly wealth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'in one hour' (repeated three times: vv. 10, 17, 19) emphasizes judgment's sudden swiftness despite long prosperity. Shipmasters, sailors, and all who trade by sea represent those depending on maritime commerce. Their standing afar off and crying demonstrates shock at rapid reversal. The 'great riches' becoming desolate warns against trusting uncertain wealth. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sovereignty over economic systems—what seems stable can collapse instantly at divine decree. The witnesses' distant position shows their inability to help or reverse judgment.