Revelation 18:13

KJV

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} cinnamon {G2792}, and {G2532} odours {G2368}, and {G2532} ointments {G3464}, and {G2532} frankincense {G3030}, and {G2532} wine {G3631}, and {G2532} oil {G1637}, and {G2532} fine flour {G4585}, and {G2532} wheat {G4621}, and {G2532} beasts {G2934}, and {G2532} sheep {G4263}, and {G2532} horses {G2462}, and {G2532} chariots {G4480}, and {G2532} slaves {G4983}, and {G2532} souls {G5590} of men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

cinnamon, cardamom, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, flour, grain, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots — and bodies — and people’s souls.

Berean Standard Bible

of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men.

American Standard Version

and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and merchandise of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:13 is a sobering verse that continues a detailed inventory of the vast commercial wealth of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing a corrupt global system opposed to God. This specific verse lists a diverse array of high-value commodities, ranging from exotic spices and aromatic goods to essential foodstuffs, livestock, and modes of transport. The list culminates shockingly with the inclusion of "slaves, and souls of men," revealing the profound moral depravity and ultimate commodification of human life inherent in Babylon's economic empire, underscoring the severity of the divine judgment pronounced against it.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18 details the dramatic and sudden fall of "Babylon the Great," an allegorical representation of a powerful, corrupt, and idolatrous world system that has historically oppressed God's people and led the nations astray through its spiritual fornication and economic allure. The chapter begins with an angelic announcement of Babylon's collapse, followed by a call for God's people to [come out of her](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Call to Come Out of Babylon"). Verses 9-19 describe the lamentations of the kings, merchants, and shipmasters who mourn the destruction of this once-dominant economic power, highlighting the immense wealth and extensive trade network that defined it. Verse 13 is a direct continuation of the comprehensive list of traded goods that began in [Revelation 18:12](/revelation/18-12 "Revelation 18:12 - Babylon's Riches"), serving to illustrate the sheer scale of Babylon's materialism and the foundation of its influence, leading to its ultimate judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, extensive and intricate trade networks were the backbone of powerful empires. Luxury goods such as spices (cinnamon, frankincense), precious metals, and fine textiles were highly valued and transported across vast distances, often serving as indicators of wealth and status. The Roman Empire, a significant historical backdrop for John's audience, was a major center for both commerce and slavery. Slavery was a deeply ingrained and widespread institution, with human beings frequently treated as mere property, bought and sold in markets. The lamentations of the merchants in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") reflect the profound economic shock that would accompany the collapse of such a powerful trading hub, underscoring the intertwining of wealth, power, and often, human exploitation in dominant empires of the era.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it starkly highlights **Materialism and Excess**, portraying Babylon's insatiable appetite for wealth and luxury as a primary characteristic of its corrupt nature, serving as a profound warning against economies built on greed and opulence. Secondly, the verse exposes **Human Exploitation**, culminating chillingly with "slaves, and souls of men," which is a severe condemnation of human trafficking and the dehumanization that occurs when profit is prioritized over the inherent dignity of individuals, revealing the ultimate moral bankruptcy of such a system. Finally, the context of the chapter emphasizes **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating God's righteous wrath against systems that promote injustice, exploitation, and spiritual rebellion, culminating in the permanent destruction of Babylon, as vividly depicted in [Revelation 18:21](/revelation/18-21 "Revelation 18:21 - Babylon's Finality").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oil (Greek, _élaion'_):** This term refers to olive oil, a staple commodity in the ancient world, used for cooking, fuel for lamps, anointing, and medicinal purposes. Its inclusion here, alongside other essential provisions like wine, fine flour, and wheat, indicates that Babylon's trade encompassed not only luxury items but also fundamental necessities, demonstrating the breadth of its economic control and the pervasive nature of its commercial influence over all aspects of life.
* **Slaves (Greek, _sōma'_):** While literally meaning "body" or "bodily," in this context, _sōma_ is used metonymically to refer to "slaves" or "bondservants." This signifies the trade in human bodies as physical labor, highlighting the brutal reality of human commodification where individuals are reduced to mere property, their physical capabilities exploited for profit, devoid of personal agency or inherent worth.
* **Souls (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** Derived from a word meaning "breath," _psychḗ_ here denotes the "soul," "life," or "personhood." Its pairing with "slaves" (_sōma_) is profoundly significant, indicating a trade that goes beyond mere physical bodies to encompass the very essence of human beings – their inner life, spirit, and personhood. This signifies the ultimate dehumanization, where individuals are not only treated as property but their very identity and intrinsic value as creations in God's image are bought and sold, revealing the apex of Babylon's depravity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense":** This opening segment of the verse lists highly prized aromatic goods and spices. Cinnamon was a valuable import, often used for perfume and medicine. "Odours" (incense) and "frankincense" were used in religious rituals, perfumes, and for their pleasant aroma, signifying luxury and often, idolatrous worship in Babylon's context. "Ointments" (perfumed oils) were also luxury items for personal adornment and anointing. This collection immediately establishes the opulent and exotic nature of Babylon's trade.
* **"and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat":** The list transitions from luxuries to essential foodstuffs. Wine, oil (olive oil), fine flour, and wheat were fundamental staples of the ancient diet and economy. Their inclusion demonstrates that Babylon's economic reach was not limited to exotic luxuries but extended to the very sustenance of life, indicating a comprehensive control over vital resources.
* **"and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots":** This part of the inventory covers livestock and means of transport. "Beasts" (domestic animals) and "sheep" represent agricultural wealth and food sources. "Horses" and "chariots" signify military power, prestige, and rapid transportation, further illustrating the vastness and diverse nature of Babylon's commercial and strategic assets.
* **"and slaves, and souls of men":** This is the chilling climax of the list. "Slaves" refers to human bodies used for labor, treated as chattel. The addition of "souls of men" (Greek: _psychas anthrōpōn_) elevates the horror, suggesting not just the trade in physical bodies but the commodification of human personhood, dignity, and even their spiritual essence. This phrase reveals the ultimate moral depravity of Babylon, where human beings, made in God's image, are reduced to mere items of commerce, the most valuable and tragic commodities of all.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Revelation 18:13, and indeed in the preceding verse, is **Catalog** or **List**. This exhaustive enumeration of commodities serves to vividly impress upon the reader the immense wealth, global reach, and materialistic nature of Babylon. The sheer volume and diversity of items underscore its economic dominance. Furthermore, the list employs **Climax**, building from exotic spices and essential provisions through livestock and military assets, culminating in the shocking and morally reprehensible inclusion of "slaves, and souls of men." This progression is not random; it is a deliberate rhetorical choice designed to highlight the ultimate depravity of Babylon's economic system, where even human beings are reduced to mere commodities. The entire description of Babylon and its trade also functions as **Symbolism**, where the city represents not just a historical empire but any world system that prioritizes material gain, power, and self-indulgence over righteousness, justice, and human dignity, ultimately leading to divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of systemic evil and divine judgment. The meticulous catalog of commodities, culminating in the trade of human beings, underscores the profound moral corruption of a system that prioritizes profit and power above all else. This verse reveals that the ultimate expression of materialism is the dehumanization and commodification of individuals, reducing them from image-bearers of God to mere economic units. Such a system, built on exploitation and greed, stands in direct opposition to God's character, which values justice, compassion, and the inherent dignity of every human life. God's judgment upon Babylon is therefore not merely an economic collapse but a righteous act against a civilization that has utterly perverted the divine order and trampled upon human worth.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image"): This foundational verse establishes humanity's inherent dignity and value as created in the image of God, directly contrasting with Babylon's commodification of "souls of men."
* [Amos 2:6](/amos/2-6 "Amos 2:6 - Judgment for Selling the Righteous"): The prophet Amos condemns Israel for selling the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, echoing the theme of exploiting the vulnerable for material gain, as seen in Babylon's trade.
* [1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil"): This verse warns that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," directly connecting the insatiable desire for wealth, which drives Babylon's trade, to widespread moral corruption and exploitation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:13 is a timeless mirror reflecting the dangers of an economy unmoored from ethical and spiritual principles. It challenges us to critically examine the systems we participate in, both locally and globally. Are we, directly or indirectly, contributing to or benefiting from practices that exploit others, devalue human life, or prioritize profit over people? This verse calls believers to a profound commitment to justice and human dignity, urging us to recognize the inherent worth of every individual, created in God's image, and to actively resist any system that treats people as commodities. It compels us to be discerning consumers, advocates for ethical labor practices, and voices for the vulnerable. Ultimately, it reminds us that true prosperity is not measured by material accumulation but by righteousness, compassion, and the pursuit of God's kingdom values, echoing the call to [come out of her, my people](/revelation/18-4 "Revelation 18:4 - Call to Come Out of Babylon") from Babylon's corrupting influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern economic systems, even subtly, commodify human beings or prioritize profit over human dignity?**
* **How can individual believers and the Church actively promote ethical consumption and advocate for justice in global supply chains?**
* **What personal values or desires might lead us to prioritize material gain over the well-being and dignity of others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "souls of men" being listed last in Babylon's merchandise?**

Answer: The placement of "souls of men" (Greek: _psychas anthrōpōn_) at the very end of the extensive list of commodities in [Revelation 18:13](/revelation/18-13 "Revelation 18:13 - Babylon's Merchandise") is highly significant and serves as a powerful literary and theological climax. It moves beyond the trade of material goods, even human bodies (slaves), to signify the ultimate depth of Babylon's depravity: the commodification of human personhood itself. This indicates that Babylon's greed was so profound and pervasive that it not only exploited physical labor but also sought to profit from the very essence, dignity, and spiritual being of individuals. It underscores the complete dehumanization inherent in such a system, where human beings, made in the image of God, are reduced to mere items of commerce, highlighting the extreme moral bankruptcy that incurs divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:13, with its chilling depiction of the trade in "slaves, and souls of men," stands in stark contrast to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Babylon seeks to commodify and exploit humanity, Jesus came to liberate and restore. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many, as stated in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Through His sacrifice, Christ redeems humanity from every form of spiritual and literal slavery, breaking the chains of sin and death that bind us. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Him, as declared in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ"), directly challenging any system that categorizes or devalues individuals. The Lamb of God, who was slain, purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, making them a kingdom and priests to our God, as sung in [Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Redemption"). This demonstrates that humanity's true worth is not found in its economic utility or market value, but in the immeasurable price paid by Christ, who restored our dignity and reconciled us to God, transforming us from commodities into cherished children of the Most High.

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

Ezekiel 27:13

Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they [were] thy merchants: they traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in thy market.

Amos 2:6

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Nehemiah 5:8

And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].

Isaiah 50:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Exodus 21:16

And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

Deuteronomy 24:7

If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you.