Revelation 18:14

KJV

And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the fruits {G3703} that thy {G4675} soul {G5590} lusted after {G1939} are departed {G565} from {G575} thee {G4675}, and {G2532} all things {G3956} which {G3588} were dainty {G3045} and {G2532} goodly {G2986} are departed {G565} from {G575} thee {G4675}, and {G2532} thou shalt find {G2147} them {G846} no more {G3765} at all {G3364}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The fruits you lusted for with all your heart have gone!
All the luxury and flashiness have been destroyed, never to return!

Berean Standard Bible

And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again.”

American Standard Version

And the fruits which thy soul lusted after are gone from thee, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous are perished from thee, and men shall find them no more at all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:14 delivers a stark pronouncement of irreversible loss for "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of the world's corrupt, materialistic, and anti-God systems. This verse vividly portrays the sudden and absolute removal of all that this fallen entity once coveted and enjoyed, emphasizing the complete and permanent departure of her self-indulgent pleasures and magnificent possessions, which she will never recover.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a poignant lament within the broader prophetic judgment against Babylon, detailed in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Harlot and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Specifically, [Revelation 18:9-19](/revelation/18-9-19 "Revelation 18:9-19 - Kings, Merchants, and Mariners Mourn Babylon") describes the mourning of kings, merchants, and mariners who had profited from and reveled in Babylon's immense luxury and corrupting influence. Having boasted of her invincibility and self-sufficiency in [Revelation 18:7](/revelation/18-7 "Revelation 18:7 - Babylon's Boast"), Babylon now faces a swift and devastating destruction. Verse 14 serves as a direct, almost taunting, address to Babylon herself, underscoring the finality of her downfall and the permanent departure of her most cherished possessions, contrasting sharply with her earlier arrogance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** "Babylon the Great" is a multifaceted symbol. Historically, it evokes ancient Babylon, notorious for its idolatry, pride, and oppression of God's people (e.g., [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - Prophecy Against Babylon")). In John's time, it likely alluded to the Roman Empire, which embodied imperial power, economic dominance, and persecution of Christians, often characterized by extravagant wealth and moral depravity. The "fruits," "dainty," and "goodly" things reflect the opulent lifestyles of imperial Rome and its elite, built upon exploitation and worldly pursuits. The lament over lost trade goods and luxuries would have resonated deeply with the economic realities of the Roman world, where trade routes and material wealth were central to power and influence.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:14 powerfully contributes to several major themes within the book of Revelation and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Irreversible Loss and Divine Judgment**, highlighting the absolute and permanent nature of God's justice against systems that oppose Him. The phrase "departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all" unequivocally conveys the finality of this judgment. Secondly, it underscores the **Vanity and Transience of Earthly Riches and Pleasures**. What was "lusted after" and considered "dainty and goodly" ultimately offers no lasting security or satisfaction, proving worthless in the face of divine reckoning. This contrasts sharply with the enduring nature of God's kingdom and the true riches found in Christ (cf. [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")). Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Righteous Justice**, affirming His sovereignty over all earthly powers and His commitment to bringing an end to corruption and rebellion, ensuring that every system built on unrighteousness will ultimately collapse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fruits (Greek, _opṓra'_):** From the base of *opsé* (late) and *hōra* (season), referring properly to the evening-tide of the summer season, specifically the dog-days. By implication, it denotes ripe fruit. In this context, it symbolizes the desirable, mature produce of Babylon's prosperity – the culmination of her worldly endeavors and luxurious living.
* **lusted after (Greek, _epithymía'_):** From *epithymeō*, meaning a longing, especially for what is forbidden. This term indicates a strong, often illicit or sinful, craving or intense desire. It suggests that Babylon's pursuit of these "fruits" was not merely a natural desire but an idolatrous, greedy, and insatiable craving for worldly pleasures and possessions, revealing the depth of her moral corruption.
* **dainty (Greek, _liparós'_):** From *lipa* (grease), meaning fat. Figuratively, it describes something sumptuous, rich, or opulent, particularly in reference to foods or luxurious living. It emphasizes the extravagant and indulgent nature of Babylon's material wealth and her self-serving pleasures.
* **goodly (Greek, _lamprós'_):** From the same root as *lampas* (lamp), meaning radiant or bright. By analogy, it signifies something limpid, magnificent, or sumptuous in appearance. This word highlights the outward splendor, grandeur, and attractive facade of Babylon's possessions, emphasizing their visual allure and perceived value.
* **no more at all (Greek, _ou mḗ'_):** A double negative formed from *ou* (not) and *mē* (not), which serves to strengthen the denial. It means "not at all," "by no means," or "never again." This powerful phrase underscores the absolute and irrevocable nature of the loss, signifying that Babylon's cherished possessions are gone forever, with no possibility of recovery or return.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee":** This clause introduces the first category of loss: the "fruits" of Babylon's prosperity, which she intensely craved. The phrase "thy soul lusted after" highlights an insatiable, perhaps sinful, desire that defined her character. The "fruits" represent the culmination of her worldly pursuits—her material gains, pleasures, and the results of her corrupt enterprises. The declaration "are departed from thee" signifies their sudden and complete removal, indicating that her source of gratification and power has been severed.
* **"and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee":** This expands on the nature of Babylon's loss, encompassing "all things" that were characterized by opulence ("dainty") and magnificent splendor ("goodly"). "Dainty" speaks to the luxurious and indulgent aspects, perhaps rich foods, fine garments, and lavish living, while "goodly" refers to things of great beauty, grandeur, or perceived value. The repetition of "are departed from thee" reinforces the comprehensive and irreversible nature of the loss, leaving no aspect of her former glory untouched.
* **"and thou shalt find them no more at all":** This final, emphatic statement seals the judgment, declaring the absolute finality of Babylon's loss. The inability to "find them" implies not just a temporary absence but a permanent disappearance. The double negative "no more at all" (Greek *ou mē*) intensifies this denial, leaving no room for hope of recovery or restoration. It underscores that Babylon's reign of luxury and self-indulgence has definitively ended, and her treasures are gone forever.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of ultimate judgment. **Personification** is evident as "Babylon" is addressed directly as "thee," a female entity whose "soul lusted after" certain things, making the judgment feel personal and immediate. The verse utilizes **Repetition** with the phrase "are departed from thee," which appears twice, emphasizing the comprehensive and undeniable nature of the loss. This repetition creates a rhythmic, almost mournful, cadence, reinforcing the finality of Babylon's demise. **Symbolism** is central, with "fruits," "dainty," and "goodly" things representing the full spectrum of earthly wealth, luxury, and sensual pleasures that define a materialistic and corrupt system. The phrase "no more at all" acts as a form of **Hyperbole**, an emphatic overstatement to stress the absolute and irreversible nature of the judgment, leaving no doubt about the permanent destruction of Babylon's former glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:14 stands as a profound theological declaration concerning God's righteous judgment against all forms of human rebellion, particularly those manifested in systems of economic exploitation, idolatrous materialism, and moral corruption. It teaches that earthly wealth, power, and pleasure, when pursued as ultimate ends or obtained through unrighteous means, are inherently transient and will ultimately fail in the face of divine reckoning. The verse underscores God's sovereignty over all human endeavors and His commitment to justice, demonstrating that no empire, however grand or seemingly invincible, can withstand His ultimate decree. It serves as a stark reminder that true security and lasting satisfaction are not found in the accumulation of temporal treasures but in alignment with God's eternal purposes.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches do not profit in the day of wrath")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:14 serves as a potent warning and a call to profound introspection for believers in every age. It challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate desires and allegiances lie. In a world that constantly entices us with promises of wealth, pleasure, and status, this verse reminds us that all earthly pursuits, when detached from God's will, are fleeting and will ultimately "depart." It urges us to cultivate a heavenly perspective, recognizing that true and lasting treasure is found not in what we accumulate on earth, but in our relationship with Christ and our investment in His eternal kingdom. This passage encourages us to live with an awareness of the impermanence of worldly systems and to prioritize spiritual riches, righteousness, and justice, trusting that God's ultimate judgment will bring all corruption to an end and establish His righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruits" or "dainty and goodly things" in my life might I be lusting after, or placing too much value on, that are ultimately transient?**
* **How does the finality of "thou shalt find them no more at all" challenge my perspective on material possessions and worldly success?**
* **In what ways can I actively shift my focus from accumulating earthly treasures to investing in eternal values and God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "Babylon the Great" symbolize in Revelation?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" is a multifaceted symbol in Revelation. It primarily represents a global system of spiritual rebellion, economic exploitation, and moral corruption that stands in opposition to God. While it has historical echoes of ancient Babylon and could allude to the Roman Empire in John's day, its ultimate meaning extends beyond any single historical entity to encompass any and all human systems, governments, or ideologies that are characterized by pride, idolatry, materialism, and persecution of God's people. It is the antithesis of God's righteous kingdom, embodying the world's resistance to divine authority, as seen in its description in [Revelation 17](/revelation/17 "Revelation 17 - The Great Harlot and the Beast") and [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon").

**Why is the loss described as "no more at all"?**

Answer: The phrase "no more at all" (Greek *ou mē*) is a powerful double negative, emphasizing the absolute and irreversible nature of Babylon's loss. It signifies that the judgment is final, complete, and without any possibility of recovery or restoration. This is crucial for understanding the finality of God's justice. Unlike temporary setbacks or economic downturns, Babylon's destruction is permanent, ensuring that her corrupt influence and self-indulgent lifestyle will never return. It underscores the definitive triumph of God's righteous judgment over all that opposes Him, as prophesied throughout [Revelation](/revelation "The Book of Revelation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:14, while a declaration of judgment against Babylon, ultimately points to the supreme and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. The transient nature of Babylon's "fruits" and "dainty and goodly things" stands in stark contrast to the enduring and incorruptible treasures found in Christ's kingdom. While earthly systems built on self-indulgence and rebellion will inevitably "depart" and be "found no more at all," Christ offers a kingdom that "cannot be shaken" ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). The "lust" for worldly things, described as *epithymía*, is precisely what Christ came to deliver us from, calling us instead to seek first His kingdom and righteousness ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")). He is the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whose sacrifice overcomes the sin and corruption that characterize Babylon. Believers are called to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated ([Colossians 3:1-2](/colossians/3-1-2 "Colossians 3:1-2 - Setting Your Minds on Things Above")), understanding that our true wealth and satisfaction are found in Him and His eternal promises, not in the fleeting glories of this world that are destined to pass away. The ultimate fulfillment is in Christ's final victory, ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and there is no more sorrow or pain ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

1 Corinthians 10:6

¶ Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

Psalms 106:14

But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.

James 4:2

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

1 John 2:16

For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Luke 16:25

But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Numbers 11:4

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?