Revelation 18:13

Translation
King James Version
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
cinnamon, cardamom, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, flour, grain, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots — and bodies — and people’s souls.
Ask
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.
Ask
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.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and people’s bodies and souls.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
And of cinamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oyle, and fine floure, and wheate, and beastes, and sheepe, and horses, and charets, and seruants, and soules of men.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
and cinnamon, and odours, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep, and of horses, and of chariots, and of bodies and souls of men.
Ask
See also
Ezekiel 27:13Amos 2:62 Peter 2:3Nehemiah 5:8Isaiah 50:1Exodus 21:16Deuteronomy 24:7
See on the biblical-era map
Revelation
Revelation View full PDF
Epistles Overview
Epistles Overview View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 31,007 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. 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, 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 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Oil (Greek, élaion', G1637): 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', G4983): 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', G5590): 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: 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: 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: 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 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 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. 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, 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. 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.

Copy as

Commentary on Revelation 18 verses 9–24

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

Here we have,

I. A doleful lamentation made by Babylon's friends for her fall; and here observe,

1.Who are the mourners, namely, those who had been bewitched by her fornication, those who had been sharers in her sensual pleasures, and those who had been gainers by her wealth and trade - the kings and the merchants of the earth: the kings of the earth, whom she had flattered into idolatry by allowing them to be arbitrary and tyrannical over their subjects, while they were obsequious to her; and the merchants, that is, those who trafficked with her for indulgences, pardons, dispensations, and preferments; these will mourn, because by this craft they got their wealth.

2.What was the manner of their mourning. (1.) They stood afar off, they durst not come nigh her. Even Babylon's friends will stand at a distance from her fall. Though they had been partakers with her in her sins, and in her sinful pleasures and profits, they were not willing to bear a share in her plagues. (2.) They made a grievous outcry: Alas! alas! that great city, Babylon, that mighty city! (3.) They wept, and cast dust upon their heads, Rev 18:19. The pleasures of sin are but for a season, and they will end in dismal sorrow. All those who rejoice in the success of the church's enemies will share with them in their downfall; and those who have most indulged themselves in pride and pleasure are the least able to bear calamities; their sorrows will be as excessive as their pleasure and jollity were before.

3.What was the cause of their mourning; not their sin, but their punishment. They did not lament their fall into idolatry, and luxury, and persecution, but their fall into ruin - the loss of their traffic and of their wealth and power. The spirit of antichrist is a worldly spirit, and their sorrow is a mere worldly sorrow; they did not lament for the anger of God, that had now fallen upon them, but for the loss of their outward comfort. We have a large schedule and inventory of the wealth and merchandise of this city, all which was suddenly lost (Rev 18:12, Rev 18:13), and lost irrecoverably (Rev 18:14): All things which were dainty and goodly have departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all. The church of God may fall for a time, but she shall rise again; but the fall of Babylon will be an utter overthrow, like that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Godly sorrow is some support under affliction, but mere worldly sorrow adds to the calamity.

II. An account of the joy and triumph there was both in heaven and earth at the irrecoverable fall of Babylon: while her own people were bewailing her, the servants of God were called to rejoice over her, Rev 18:20. Here observe, 1. How universal this joy would be: heaven and earth, angels and saints, would join in it; that which is matter of rejoicing to the servants of God in this world is matter of rejoicing to the angels in heaven. 2. How just and reasonable; and that, (1.) Because the fall of Babylon was an act of God's vindictive justice. God was then avenging his people's cause. They had committed their cause to him to whom vengeance belongs, and now the year of recompence had come for the controversies of Zion; and, though they did not take pleasure in the miseries of any, yet they had reason to rejoice in the discoveries of the glorious justice of God. (2.) Because it was an irrecoverable ruin. This enemy should never molest them any more, and of this they were assured by a remarkable token (Rev 18:21): An angel from heaven took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus shall Babylon be thrown down with violence, and be found no more at all; the place shall be no longer habitable by man, no work shall be done there, no comfort enjoyed, no light seen there, but utter darkness and desolation, as the reward of her great wickedness, first in deceiving the nations with her sorceries, and secondly in destroying and murdering those whom she could not deceive," Rev 18:24. Such abominable sins deserved so great a ruin.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–24. Public domain.
Copy as
OecumeniusAD 990
Commentary on Revelation
And he says horses and chariots and bodies. The word "chariots" is a Latin term; for with the Romans holding sway it is not inappropriate for the divine evangelist to have used a Latin word. The Scripture has put it into Greek. For in Latin the chariot is called rheda [ῥεδιον], and they put a general plural ending in the case; and one ought according to the Romans to say rhedioroum [ῥεδιοροὺμ], as having Hellenized it he wrote a Greek ending, having said rhedōn [ῥέδων], so that the said thing may be such. And he says horses and chariots and bodies, like also horses suitable for chariots, and bodies, that is, cavalry and made for riders.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Revelation 18:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.