Revelation 18:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

Complete Jewish Bible:

stocks of gold and silver, gems and pearls, fine linen and purple, silk and scarlet, all rare woods, all ivory goods, all kinds of things made of scented wood, brass, iron and marble;

Berean Standard Bible:

cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble;

American Standard Version:

merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

The merchandise^{G1117} of gold^{G5557}, and^{G2532} silver^{G696}, and^{G2532} precious^{G5093} stones^{G3037}, and^{G2532} of pearls^{G3135}, and^{G2532} fine linen^{G1040}, and^{G2532} purple^{G4209}, and^{G2532} silk^{G4596}, and^{G2532} scarlet^{G2847}, and^{G2532} all^{G3956} thyine^{G2367} wood^{G3586}, and^{G2532} all manner^{G3956} vessels^{G4632} of ivory^{G1661}, and^{G2532} all manner^{G3956} vessels^{G4632} of^{G1537} most precious^{G5093} wood^{G3586}, and^{G2532} of brass^{G5475}, and^{G2532} iron^{G4604}, and^{G2532} marble^{G3139},

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Commentary for Revelation 18:12

Revelation 18:12 is a verse from the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. This book is an apocalyptic text that contains prophecies, visions, and symbolic imagery concerning the end times and the ultimate triumph of God. The verse is part of a larger passage lamenting the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic city that represents the world's corrupt economic and political systems opposed to God.

In the historical context, the imagery of Babylon would have resonated with the book's original audience, familiar with the ancient city of Babylon known for its wealth and eventual downfall. The detailed list of luxury goods in Revelation 18:12 reflects the extensive trade networks of the time, particularly those of the Roman Empire, which were extensive and sophisticated.

The verse itself catalogs a wide array of expensive commodities: gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple and scarlet cloth (signifying wealth and status due to the costly dyes), silk (a luxury import from China), thyine wood (a costly and fragrant wood), ivory, precious woods, brass, iron, and marble. These items represent the height of material wealth and the opulence of the ancient world. The mention of these goods underscores the immense prosperity and extravagance of the city, as well as the interconnectedness of the global economy even in the first century.

The broader theme of Revelation 18:12 is the transience and ultimate insignificance of worldly wealth and power in the face of divine judgment. The verse serves as a warning against placing trust in material possessions and the fleeting nature of earthly empires. It calls for spiritual discernment and a recognition that God's kingdom stands in stark contrast to the ephemeral glory of human achievements. The lament over the loss of these luxuries is meant to highlight the folly of those who have invested in the world's system rather than seeking the kingdom of God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1117
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γόμος
   Transliteration: gómos
   Pronunciation: gom'-os
   Description: from γέμω; a load (as filling), i.e. (specially) a cargo, or (by extension) wares:--burden, merchandise.
   
2. Strong's Number: G5557
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: χρυσός
   Transliteration: chrysós
   Pronunciation: khroo-sos'
   Description: perhaps from the base of χράομαι (through the idea of the utility of the metal); gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin:--gold.
   
3. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
4. Strong's Number: G696
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄργυρος
   Transliteration: árgyros
   Pronunciation: ar'-goo-ros
   Description: from (shining); silver (the metal, in the articles or coin):--silver.
   
5. Strong's Number: G5093
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τίμιος
   Transliteration: tímios
   Pronunciation: tim-ee-o'-tat-os
   Description: from τιμή; valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved:--dear, honourable, (more, most) precious, had in reputation.
   
6. Strong's Number: G3037
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λίθος
   Transliteration: líthos
   Pronunciation: lee'-thos
   Description: apparently a primary word; a stone (literally or figuratively):--(mill-, stumbling-)stone.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3135
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μαργαρίτης
   Transliteration: margarítēs
   Pronunciation: mar-gar-ee'-tace
   Description: from (a pearl-oyster); a pearl:--pearl.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1040
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βύσσος
   Transliteration: býssos
   Pronunciation: boos'-sos
   Description: of Hebrew origin (בּוּץ); white linen:--fine linen.
   
9. Strong's Number: G4209
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πορφύρα
   Transliteration: porphýra
   Pronunciation: por-foo'-rah
   Description: of Latin origin; the "purple" mussel, i.e. (by implication) the red-blue color itself, and finally a garment dyed with it:--purple.
   
10. Strong's Number: G4596
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σηρικός
    Transliteration: sērikós
    Pronunciation: say-ree-kos'
    Description: from (an Indian tribe from whom silk was procured; hence the name of the silk-worm); Seric, i.e. silken (neuter as noun, a silky fabric):--silk.
    
11. Strong's Number: G2847
    There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: κόκκινος
    Transliteration: kókkinos
    Pronunciation: kok'-kee-nos
    Description: from κόκκος (from the kernel-shape of the insect); crimson-colored:--scarlet (colour, coloured).
    
12. Strong's Number: G3956
    There are 1075 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: πᾶς
    Transliteration: pâs
    Pronunciation: pas
    Description: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
    
13. Strong's Number: G2367
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: θύϊνος
    Transliteration: thýïnos
    Pronunciation: thoo'-ee-nos
    Description: from a derivative of θύω (in the sense of blowing; denoting a certain fragrant tree); made of citron-wood:--thyine.
    
14. Strong's Number: G3586
    There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ξύλον
    Transliteration: xýlon
    Pronunciation: xoo'-lon
    Description: from another form of the base of ξέστης; timber (as fuel or material); by implication, a stick, club or tree or other wooden article or substance:--staff, stocks, tree, wood.
    
15. Strong's Number: G4632
    There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σκεῦος
    Transliteration: skeûos
    Pronunciation: skyoo'-os
    Description: of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]):--goods, sail, stuff, vessel.
    
16. Strong's Number: G1661
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐλεφάντινος
    Transliteration: elephántinos
    Pronunciation: el-ef-an'-tee-nos
    Description: from (an "elephant"); elephantine, i.e. (by implication) composed of ivory:--of ivory.
    
17. Strong's Number: G1537
    There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐκ
    Transliteration: ek
    Pronunciation: ex
    Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
    
18. Strong's Number: G5475
    There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: χαλκός
    Transliteration: chalkós
    Pronunciation: khal-kos'
    Description: perhaps from χαλάω through the idea of hollowing out as a vessel (this metal being chiefly used for that purpose); copper (the substance, or some implement or coin made of it):--brass, money.
    
19. Strong's Number: G4604
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σίδηρος
    Transliteration: sídēros
    Pronunciation: sid'-ay-ros
    Description: of uncertain derivation; iron:--iron.
    
20. Strong's Number: G3139
    There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: μάρμαρος
    Transliteration: mármaros
    Pronunciation: mar'-mar-os
    Description: from (to glisten); marble (as sparkling white):--marble.