Revelation 18:11

KJV

And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the merchants {G1713} of the earth {G1093} shall weep {G2799} and {G2532} mourn {G3996} over {G1909} her {G846}; for {G3754} no man {G3762} buyeth {G59} their {G846} merchandise {G1117} any more {G3765}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The world’s businessmen weep and mourn over her, because no one is buying their merchandise any more —

Berean Standard Bible

And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo—

American Standard Version

And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, for no man buyeth their merchandise any more;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:11 vividly portrays the profound lament of the world's merchants following the sudden and catastrophic fall of "Babylon the Great." Their sorrow is not born of repentance or spiritual grief, but rather from the complete and irreversible cessation of their lucrative global trade, signifying the devastating economic fallout that accompanies divine judgment on systems built on materialism and exploitation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader prophetic vision in Revelation, specifically detailing the judgment and destruction of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing a powerful, corrupt system that has dominated the world through spiritual deception, political influence, and economic exploitation. Chapters 17 and 18 are intrinsically linked, with [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Harlot and the Beast") focusing on the harlot's religious and political aspects, while [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") elaborates on her economic power and subsequent demise. Verses 9-10 describe the kings of the earth mourning Babylon's fall, setting the stage for the lament of the merchants in verse 11, and later, the mariners and shipmasters in [Revelation 18:17-19](/revelation/18-17-19 "Revelation 18:17-19 - The Lament of the Mariners"), all deeply affected by the collapse of this global economic hub. The repeated laments underscore the widespread impact of Babylon's destruction on those who benefited from her system.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of merchants, trade, and luxury goods in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") draws heavily on Old Testament prophecies against powerful commercial cities like Tyre ([Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Lament for Tyre")) and Babylon ([Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13-14 "Isaiah 13-14 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). In the Roman world of John's time, commerce was vital, and cities like Rome itself were centers of immense wealth and trade, importing goods from across the empire. The "merchants of the earth" would have been understood as those who profited immensely from this globalized trade network, often at the expense of justice and righteousness. The sudden collapse of such a powerful economic system would have been culturally devastating, akin to the fall of a major trading empire, causing widespread financial ruin and despair among those whose livelihoods depended on it.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Worldly Systems**, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and His ultimate judgment on all human systems built on greed, materialism, and opposition to His will. The swift and complete destruction of Babylon signifies that no worldly power, however vast or entrenched, can stand against divine decree, echoing the prophetic warnings found in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of the Statue"). Secondly, it underscores **The Ephemeral Nature of Worldly Wealth**, as the merchants' weeping reveals their profound attachment to material possessions and profit. Their grief is purely self-serving, lamenting the loss of income and luxurious lifestyles rather than any moral or spiritual failing of Babylon, serving as a stark reminder that [worldly treasures are fleeting and can be lost in an instant](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"). Lastly, the phrase "no man buyeth their merchandise any more" signifies a total **Economic Collapse**, portraying the fragility of an economy built on exploitation and consumerism, prophesying a time when such a system will utterly fail.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merchants (Greek, _émporos'_):** Derived from a word related to "going on a journey," this term refers to a "wholesale tradesman" or one engaged in large-scale commerce, often across seas. In this context, it signifies those who amassed great wealth through international trade, benefiting directly from Babylon's economic dominance and consumerism. Their identity is intrinsically tied to their commercial activity and the profits it yields.
* **Weep (Greek, _klaíō'_):** This word describes a loud, audible wailing, a public expression of intense sorrow and grief, distinct from silent crying. The use of this term emphasizes the profound, unrestrained, and public nature of the merchants' lament, indicative of severe distress and loss. Their weeping is not a quiet, private sorrow but a dramatic, outward display of anguish.
* **Merchandise (Greek, _gómos'_):** Meaning "a load (as filling)," this term specifically refers to a cargo or wares. It encompasses the vast array of goods, often luxurious and exotic, that were traded and consumed by Babylon and its global network. The cessation of demand for this "merchandise" is the direct cause of the merchants' despair, highlighting their dependency on the system they helped to build and exploit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her":** This clause introduces the primary subjects of the verse—the "merchants of the earth"—identifying them as global traders whose livelihoods are intertwined with Babylon's economic system. Their reaction to Babylon's fall is one of intense sorrow, expressed through both "weeping" (loud wailing) and "mourning" (grieving, lamenting). This sorrow is directed "over her," meaning over the destruction of Babylon, the source of their wealth.
* **"for no man buyeth their merchandise any more":** This second clause provides the direct reason for the merchants' profound grief. The phrase "no man buyeth" signifies a complete and utter cessation of trade, an absolute economic standstill. The term "any more" emphasizes the finality and permanence of this collapse. Their despair is purely pragmatic and self-centered, stemming from the loss of their income, profits, and the luxurious lifestyle that Babylon's trade afforded them, rather than any moral or spiritual distress over Babylon's wickedness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with "Babylon the Great" symbolizing a global system of economic and spiritual corruption, and the "merchants of the earth" representing those who profit from and are deeply invested in such a system. The **hyperbole** in "no man buyeth their merchandise any more" emphasizes the absolute and irreversible nature of Babylon's economic collapse, signifying a total cessation of trade rather than merely a decline. There is also a strong sense of **irony** in the merchants' lament: they mourn not for the injustices or spiritual depravity of Babylon, but solely for their lost profits, highlighting their materialistic values and the emptiness of their pursuits. This self-serving grief underscores the **contrast** between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, which leads to repentance ([2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:11 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of worldly wealth and the inevitability of divine judgment. It reveals that systems built on materialism, exploitation, and opposition to God's righteous standards are inherently unstable and destined for collapse. The merchants' lament underscores the transient nature of earthly riches and the spiritual peril of placing one's security and identity in them. Their sorrow, devoid of repentance, highlights the self-centeredness of those who prioritize profit over righteousness, illustrating the ultimate futility of a life consumed by accumulation. This passage calls believers to re-evaluate their own priorities, recognizing that true and lasting security is found not in the fleeting gains of this world, but in the eternal kingdom of God.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "James 5:1-6 - Warning to the Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:11 offers a profound challenge for contemporary believers, urging us to consider where our ultimate allegiance and security lie. The despair of the merchants, rooted solely in financial loss, serves as a powerful warning against the seductive power of materialism and consumerism. In a world increasingly driven by economic indicators and the pursuit of wealth, this verse reminds us that all earthly systems, however powerful or prosperous, are temporary and subject to God's sovereign judgment. Our hope and identity must not be anchored in fluctuating markets, fleeting possessions, or the approval of worldly systems, but in the unshakeable kingdom of God and the eternal riches found in Christ. This passage calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, investing our lives in what truly lasts—spiritual growth, righteous living, and the advancement of God's kingdom—rather than in the accumulation of perishable goods. It prompts us to examine our hearts: do we mourn more over financial setbacks or over spiritual compromise?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I find my primary security and hope: in worldly resources or in God's provision and promises?**
* **How might the pursuit of wealth or material possessions subtly lead me to compromise my values or neglect spiritual priorities?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more eternal perspective in my daily life and financial decisions?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "merchants of the earth" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "merchants of the earth" represent those individuals and entities globally who have amassed great wealth and power through their commercial dealings with "Babylon the Great." They symbolize the economic elite and the vast network of traders, businesses, and financial institutions that benefit from and perpetuate the corrupt, materialistic system that Babylon embodies. Their identity is defined by their pursuit of profit and their reliance on this system for their prosperity, making them deeply invested in its continued existence. Their lament is purely economic, mourning the loss of their income and luxurious lifestyles, not the moral or spiritual implications of Babylon's destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 18:11 describes the lament over a fallen economic system, its ultimate fulfillment points to the triumph of Christ and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, which stands in stark contrast to all transient earthly powers. The weeping of the merchants over their lost profits foreshadows the ultimate futility of placing one's hope in anything other than Christ. Their despair highlights the emptiness of a world without God, where even immense wealth cannot provide lasting security or joy. In contrast, Jesus declared that true treasure is found not on earth, where moth and rust destroy, but in heaven ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Christ's victory over sin and death, culminating in His glorious return, signifies the complete overthrow of all systems that oppose God, including the economic and materialistic structures represented by Babylon. He is the one who "buys" us, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")), redeeming us from the futility of worldly pursuits and bringing us into an eternal kingdom where there is no more weeping or mourning, except for joy ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). The finality of "no man buyeth their merchandise any more" in Revelation 18:11 serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly economies will eventually cease, but the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ will endure forever ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Seventh Trumpet")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 18:3

For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

Revelation 18:23

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.

Ezekiel 27:27

Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that [are] in thee, and in all thy company which [is] in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

Ezekiel 27:36

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

Revelation 13:16

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 13:17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.