Revelation 18:19

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔβαλον

G906

they cast

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

χοῦν

G5522

dust

a heap (as poured out), i.e., rubbish; loose dirt

ἐπὶ

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κεφαλὰς

G2776

heads

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

αὐτῆς

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔκραζον

G2896

cried

properly, to "croak" (as a raven) or scream, i.e., (genitive case) to call aloud (shriek, exclaim, intreat)

#10

κλαίοντες

G2799

weeping

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

#11

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

πενθοῦντες

G3996

wailing

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

#13

λέγοντες

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#14

οὐαί

G3759

Alas

woe

#15

οὐαί

G3759

Alas

woe

#16

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

πόλις

G4172

city

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

#18

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

μεγάλη

G3173

that great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

#20

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#21

ᾗ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#22

ἐπλούτησαν

G4147

were made rich

to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)

#23

πάντες

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#24

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

ἔχοντες

G2192

that had

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

#26

πλοῖα

G4143

ships

a sailer, i.e., vessel

#27

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#28

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

θαλάσσῃ

G2281

the sea

the sea (genitive case or specially)

#30

ἐκ

G1537

by reason of

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#31

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#32

τιμιότητος

G5094

costliness

expensiveness, i.e., (by implication) magnificence

#33

αὐτῆς

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#34

ὅτι

G3754

! for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#35

μιᾷ

G1520

one

#36

ὥρᾳ

G5610

hour

an "hour" (literally or figuratively)

#37

ἠρημώθη

G2049

is she made desolate

to lay waste (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Revelation. The concept of divine revelation reflects the ultimate establishment of divine rule over creation. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to apocalyptic literature revealing God's ultimate victory, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the Domitian persecution period (c. 95 CE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Revelation chapter 18 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?