Revelation 18:22
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνὴ
the sound
G5456
φωνὴ
the sound
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
2 of 35
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 35
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 #:
6 of 35
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 #:
8 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
11 of 35
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τέχνης
craft
G5078
τέχνης
craft
Strong's:
G5078
Word #:
20 of 35
art (as productive), i.e., (specially), a trade, or (generally) skill
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
22 of 35
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
27 of 35
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φωνὴ
the sound
G5456
φωνὴ
the sound
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
28 of 35
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
μύλου
of a millstone
G3458
μύλου
of a millstone
Strong's:
G3458
Word #:
29 of 35
a "mill", i.e., (by implication), a grinder (millstone)
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
31 of 35
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Ezekiel 26:13And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.Jeremiah 25:10Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.Jeremiah 16:9For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.Jeremiah 7:34Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.
Historical Context
Ancient cities' soundscapes included music from celebrations, craftsmen at work, and millstones grinding grain. These sounds indicated vibrant urban life. Their silencing fulfilled prophetic patterns (Jeremiah 25:10, Ezekiel 26:13 on Babylon and Tyre). The vision communicated total desolation—not partial destruction but complete end of civilization's normal activities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the silencing of daily sounds (music, craftsmen, millstones) illustrate judgment's comprehensive nature—affecting all areas of life?
- What does this permanent end ('no more at all') teach about the finality of God's judgments on unrepentant systems?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The silencing of musicians, craftsmen, and millstones represents complete cessation of cultural and economic life. Harps and music symbolize joy and celebration; their absence indicates mourning. Craftsmen represent productive labor and economic activity. The millstone's sound was daily life's rhythm; its silence means desolation. The phrase 'no more at all' appears repeatedly, emphasizing permanent end. Reformed theology sees this as comprehensive judgment—cultural, economic, and domestic life all cease. Joy built on injustice cannot last; true joy comes from God alone.