Revelation 18:23

Authorized King James Version

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

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

φῶς

G5457

the light

luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)

λύχνου

G3088

of a candle

a portable lamp or other illuminator (literally or figuratively)

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

φάνῃ

G5316

shall shine

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

ἐν

G1722

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

σοὶ

G4671

thee

to thee

ἔτι·

G2089

at all

"yet," still (of time or degree)

#10

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#11

φωνὴ

G5456

the voice

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

#12

νυμφίου

G3566

of the bridegroom

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

#13

καὶ

G2532

And

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

#14

νύμφης

G3565

of the bride

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

#15

οὐ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#16

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#17

ἀκουσθῇ

G191

shall be heard

to hear (in various senses)

#18

ἐν

G1722

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

#19

σοὶ

G4671

thee

to thee

#20

ἔτι·

G2089

at all

"yet," still (of time or degree)

#21

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#22

οἱ

G3588

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

#23

ἔμποροί

G1713

merchants

a (wholesale) tradesman

#24

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#25

ἦσαν

G2258

were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#26

οἱ

G3588

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

#27

μεγιστᾶνες

G3175

the great men

grandees

#28

τῆς

G3588

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

#29

γῆς

G1093

of the earth

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

#30

ὅτι

G3754

for

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#31

ἐν

G1722

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

#32

τῇ

G3588

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

#33

φαρμακείᾳ

G5331

sorceries

medication ("pharmacy"), i.e., (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively)

#34

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#35

ἐπλανήθησαν

G4105

deceived

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

#36

πάντα

G3956

all

all, any, every, the whole

#37

τὰ

G3588

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

#38

ἔθνη

G1484

nations

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?