Revelation 18:12

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:12 presents a detailed inventory of the lavish commodities that constituted the vast commercial empire of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing the world's corrupt systems in opposition to God. This verse, part of a lament by global merchants and rulers over Babylon's sudden collapse, vividly illustrates the extent of her materialistic wealth and the deep economic ties she forged, underscoring the profound loss experienced by those who profited from her opulence and highlighting the transient nature of earthly riches in the face of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:12 is embedded within a prophetic lament over the fall of Babylon, which is declared in [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - Proclamation of Babylon's Fall"). Following this declaration, verses 9-19 detail the sorrow of the "kings of the earth" and the "merchants of the earth" who had grown rich through their illicit dealings with Babylon. The preceding verses ([Revelation 18:4-8](/revelation/18-4-8 "Revelation 18:4-8 - Call to Come Out of Babylon and Her Judgment")) issue a call for God's people to separate themselves from Babylon and describe the swift and comprehensive judgment that will befall her. Verse 12 specifically initiates a lengthy catalog of goods, continuing through [Revelation 18:13](/revelation/18-13 "Revelation 18:13 - Further Inventory of Babylon's Merchandise"), which serves to emphasize the sheer scale of Babylon's economic power and the depth of the world's entanglement with her materialistic system. This list is a crucial element in portraying the devastating economic impact of her destruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Babylon in Revelation draws heavily on Old Testament prophecies against historical Babylon and Tyre, renowned ancient commercial centers known for their wealth, idolatry, and oppressive trade practices (e.g., [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre") and [Ezekiel 27](/ezekiel/27 "Ezekiel 27 - Lament Over Tyre")). In the Roman imperial context of John's writing, "Babylon" was widely understood as a veiled reference to Rome, the dominant global power whose vast network of trade routes brought immense wealth and luxury goods from across the empire. Rome's economic might was built on extensive commerce, often involving exploitation and a pervasive culture of idolatry and self-indulgence. The specific items listed in Revelation 18:12-13, such as gold, precious stones, fine linen, purple, silk, and exotic woods like thyine, were highly prized luxury items in the Roman world, signifying extreme wealth, status, and often, an association with imperial power and pagan rituals. The lament of merchants over lost trade would have resonated deeply with the economic realities of the time.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), contributes significantly to several key themes. It powerfully illustrates **Materialism and Idolatry**, showcasing the world's insatiable appetite for luxury and the way in which wealth can become an object of worship, distracting from allegiance to God. The extensive list of goods underscores the theme of **Global Economic Dependence and Corruption**, revealing how the world's systems are interconnected through trade, often built on greed and injustice, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Furthermore, the destruction of this vast merchandise highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment on Worldly Systems**. God's judgment is not merely spiritual but also extends to the economic and political structures that oppose His righteous rule. Finally, the detailed inventory serves to emphasize the **Vanity and Transience of Earthly Riches**, echoing the wisdom found in passages like [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth") and [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - Riches Take Flight"), reminding believers that true and lasting treasure is not found in perishable goods.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **merchandise (Greek, _gómos'_):** From the root meaning "to fill," this term refers to a load, cargo, or wares. In this context, it specifically denotes the goods and commodities that are bought and sold, emphasizing the commercial nature of Babylon's wealth. It highlights the vast quantity and variety of items that were traded, forming the economic backbone of her power.
* **fine linen (Greek, _býssos'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this word describes white linen, a highly valued and expensive fabric in the ancient world. It was often associated with royalty, wealth, and purity, but here it signifies the luxurious and extravagant nature of Babylon's material possessions, contrasting sharply with the spiritual purity God desires.
* **thyine wood (Greek, _thýïnos'_ from G2367, and _xýlon'_ from G3586):** This refers to a specific type of fragrant and highly prized wood, likely from the African cypress (Tetraclinis articulata), known for its beauty, durability, and aromatic qualities when burned. Its inclusion emphasizes the exotic, rare, and ultimate luxury goods that Babylon traded, often used for expensive furniture, incense, and possibly even pagan idols or temple furnishings, further underscoring the depth of her material and spiritual corruption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the immense value and opulence of Babylon's trade. Gold and silver were universal standards of wealth, while precious stones and pearls represented extreme luxury, rarity, and high status. This part of the list signifies the most concentrated forms of material wealth, indicating the vast financial power accrued by Babylon.
* **"and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet,"**: This segment shifts to valuable textiles, each carrying significant cultural and economic weight. Fine linen was a symbol of purity and wealth; purple dye was exceedingly expensive and reserved for royalty and the elite; silk was a rare import from the East, signifying ultimate luxury; and scarlet, another costly dye, often denoted power and illicit indulgence. Together, these items paint a picture of extravagant display and a society deeply invested in outward show and sensory pleasure.
* **"and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory,"**: Here, the focus moves to rare and exotic materials. Thyine wood, a fragrant and durable timber, was highly sought after for fine craftsmanship. Vessels of ivory, derived from elephant tusks, were exquisite and costly, representing sophisticated artistry and immense wealth. The use of "all manner" (Greek: _pâs_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of these luxury goods, indicating that no valuable material was beyond Babylon's grasp.
* **"and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,"**: This final part of the list broadens the scope to include other valuable materials used in construction, art, and daily life. "Most precious wood" reiterates the value of timber beyond just thyine. Brass and iron, while more common than gold or silver, were essential for tools, weapons, and decorative items, and marble was crucial for grand architecture and sculpture. Their inclusion completes the picture of a vast economic system that encompassed both the extremely rare and the foundational materials of a powerful, materialistic civilization.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Catalog** or **Inventory**, where a long, detailed list of items is presented. This exhaustive enumeration of luxury goods—gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine textiles, rare woods, and various vessels—serves to overwhelm the reader with the sheer scale of Babylon's wealth and excess. The cumulative effect underscores the depth of her materialism and the extent of her economic entanglement with the world. Closely related is **Polysyndeton**, the repetitive use of the conjunction "and" (Greek: _kai_) before each item in the list. This stylistic choice creates a sense of overwhelming abundance and relentless accumulation, emphasizing the seemingly endless nature of Babylon's merchandise. It also slows the pace of the text, allowing the reader to fully absorb the weight of each item and the vastness of the commercial enterprise being described. Finally, the entire list functions as **Symbolism**, where these material goods represent not just economic power but also the spiritual idolatry and moral corruption inherent in a system that prioritizes worldly gain over divine righteousness. The lament over their loss symbolizes the ultimate collapse of all human systems built on greed and rebellion against God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:12 vividly portrays the allure and ultimate emptiness of worldly wealth, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. The detailed inventory of luxury goods serves as a stark warning against materialism and the idolatry of riches, demonstrating how human systems, when detached from God, inevitably become consumed by greed and self-indulgence. This passage underscores the biblical truth that earthly treasures are fleeting and subject to decay, contrasting sharply with the enduring nature of spiritual riches. The judgment upon Babylon's merchandise highlights God's sovereignty over all human endeavors, including economic empires, and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reminds us that true security and lasting value are found not in accumulating perishable goods but in a relationship with the eternal God and His kingdom.

* [James 5:1-6](/james/5-1-6 "James 5:1-6 - Warning to the Rich Oppressors")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Loving Money")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:12 serves as a profound call to introspection for believers in every age. In a world still captivated by consumerism and the pursuit of material gain, this passage challenges us to critically examine our own hearts: Where do we place our trust? What do we truly value? The detailed list of Babylon's lost merchandise is a powerful reminder that all earthly possessions are temporary and will ultimately perish. This should compel us to cultivate a posture of detachment from the fleeting allure of wealth and status, recognizing that true security and lasting joy are found only in God. We are called to discern the spirit of the age, resisting the temptation to conform to worldly systems that prioritize profit over people, and accumulation over compassion. Instead, we are invited to invest in eternal treasures, to live with open hands, and to use our resources for God's glory and the good of others, understanding that our citizenship is in heaven and our ultimate hope rests in the coming kingdom of God, which is not built on perishable goods.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "merchandise" of our modern world subtly draw our hearts away from God?**
* **How does the transient nature of Babylon's wealth challenge my own priorities and investments of time, energy, and resources?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that prioritizes eternal riches over fleeting earthly gains?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific items listed in Revelation 18:12?**

Answer: The specific items listed in [Revelation 18:12](/revelation/18-12 "Revelation 18:12 - Babylon's Merchandise") (gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, thyine wood, ivory, precious wood, brass, iron, and marble) are not arbitrary. They represent the epitome of ancient luxury, wealth, and global trade. Each item was highly valued, often rare, and sourced from distant lands, signifying immense economic power, extravagant living, and the ability to command resources from across the known world. The list emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Babylon's material opulence and the depth of the world's entanglement with her system of commerce and self-indulgence. The inclusion of items like thyine wood also hints at the exotic and perhaps even idolatrous uses of such materials in a culture steeped in paganism.

**Does this passage condemn all wealth or commerce?**

Answer: No, this passage does not inherently condemn all wealth or commerce. Instead, it condemns the *spirit* of Babylon, which represents a system characterized by excessive materialism, greed, exploitation, and spiritual rebellion against God. The issue is not wealth itself, but the idolatrous pursuit of it, the unjust means by which it is acquired, and the self-sufficient pride it fosters, leading to a neglect of God and His righteous ways. The Bible often portrays righteous figures who were wealthy (e.g., Abraham, Job), but their wealth was stewarded for God's purposes and did not become an idol. The judgment in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") is against a system that has become an end in itself, fostering injustice and drawing people away from God, rather than a blanket condemnation of economic activity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:12, with its vivid depiction of Babylon's opulent yet ultimately perishable merchandise, stands in stark contrast to the eternal, spiritual riches found in Christ. While Babylon's glory is measured in gold, silver, and precious stones that will vanish, the true wealth of God's kingdom is revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty and Our Riches")). The earthly treasures listed here are fleeting, but Christ offers an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The lament over lost merchandise underscores the vanity of a kingdom built on material possessions, while Jesus declared, "My kingdom is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), offering a spiritual reign that transcends earthly economies. Ultimately, the fall of Babylon's commercial empire foreshadows the triumph of God's eternal kingdom, whose foundations are not brass and marble, but the glory of God and the Lamb, where the city itself is adorned with true, spiritual preciousness, far surpassing any earthly commodity ([Revelation 21:18-21](/revelation/21-18-21 "Revelation 21:18-21 - The New Jerusalem's Splendor")). In Christ, believers find true and lasting treasure, a divine exchange where the perishable is traded for the eternal, and the fleeting allure of worldly goods gives way to the enduring glory of God.

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 17:4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:

Proverbs 8:10

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Ezekiel 27:5

They have made all thy [ship] boards of fir trees of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee.

Ezekiel 27:25

The ships of Tarshish did sing of thee in thy market: and thou wast replenished, and made very glorious in the midst of the seas.

1 Kings 10:11

And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones.

1 Kings 10:12

And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the LORD, and for the king's house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.