Revelation 18:15

KJV

The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

KJV (with Strong's)

The merchants {G1713} of these things {G5130}, which {G3588} were made rich {G4147} by {G575} her {G846}, shall stand {G2476} afar {G3113} off {G575} for {G1223} the fear {G5401} of her {G846} torment {G929}, weeping {G2799} and {G2532} wailing {G3996},

Complete Jewish Bible

The sellers of these things, who got rich from her, will stand at a distance, for fear of her torment, weeping and mourning,

Berean Standard Bible

The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn,

American Standard Version

The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:15 vividly portrays the profound despair of the world's merchants who had grown immensely wealthy through their dealings with "Babylon the Great," a symbolic representation of the global economic and political systems that oppose God. Upon witnessing Babylon's sudden and devastating judgment, these merchants are depicted standing at a distance, paralyzed by the terror of her torment, expressing their grief through intense weeping and wailing, not out of repentance or empathy, but solely over the catastrophic loss of their material riches and the collapse of their lucrative enterprises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader prophetic narrative of [Revelation chapter 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), which details the dramatic and irreversible fall of "Babylon the Great." Following the angelic announcement of her destruction in [Revelation 18:1-8](/revelation/18-1-8 "Revelation 18:1-8 - Announcement of Babylon's Fall"), the chapter shifts to a series of laments from various earthly figures who benefited from Babylon's power and prosperity. First, the kings of the earth mourn their lost political and economic alliances ([Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9-10 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Kings Lament Babylon's Fall")). Then, the focus narrows to the merchants in [Revelation 18:11-16](/revelation/18-11-16 "Revelation 18:11-16 - Merchants Lament Babylon's Fall"), lamenting the loss of their vast commercial empire and the luxurious goods they traded. This specific verse, [Revelation 18:15](/revelation/18-15 "Revelation 18:15 - Merchants' Despair"), highlights the merchants' personal anguish and self-serving sorrow, distinct from any moral or spiritual regret. The laments culminate with the shipmasters and sailors ([Revelation 18:17-19](/revelation/18-17-19 "Revelation 18:17-19 - Shipmasters Lament Babylon's Fall")), emphasizing the global impact of Babylon's demise. This sequence of laments underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the devastating consequences for those intertwined with the world's corrupt systems.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Babylon in Revelation draws heavily from Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning the historical city of Babylon, known for its immense wealth, political dominance, and idolatry (e.g., [Isaiah 13-14](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13-14 - Prophecy Against Babylon"), [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50-51 - Judgment on Babylon")). In John's apocalyptic vision, "Babylon the Great" transcends a single city to symbolize a global system of economic exploitation, political oppression, and spiritual apostasy that stands in opposition to God's kingdom. The "merchants" represent those who profit from this system, engaging in widespread trade of luxury goods, and perhaps even illicit activities, reflecting the commercial powerhouses of the Roman Empire. The act of "standing afar off" was a common cultural expression of fear, helplessness, and a desire to avoid the same fate, seen in ancient laments and even in the New Testament, such as the disciples standing afar off at Jesus' crucifixion ([Luke 23:49](/luke/23-49 "Luke 23:49 - Disciples Stand Afar Off")). Their "weeping and wailing" signifies public, demonstrative grief, typical of ancient mourning practices, but in this context, it is devoid of genuine repentance.
* **Key Themes:** [Revelation 18:15](/revelation/18-15 "Revelation 18:15 - Merchants' Despair") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Peril of Worldly Riches and Materialism**, demonstrating the fleeting and ultimately destructive nature of wealth acquired through unrighteous means or in allegiance with ungodly systems. The merchants' riches, once their source of security and status, vanish instantly with Babylon's fall, leading to profound despair, echoing Jesus' warnings about laying up [treasures on earth](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19 - Laying Up Treasures"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and its Inevitability**. God's judgment on Babylon is portrayed as absolute and terrifying, causing those who profited from her to recoil in fear, recognizing the overwhelming power behind her destruction. Their fear is not born of repentance but of self-preservation, a recognition of the just consequences for their complicity. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Self-Serving Sorrow vs. Godly Repentance**. The "weeping and wailing" of the merchants is not for Babylon's wickedness or any spiritual loss, but purely for the economic devastation they face. This starkly contrasts with the concept of [godly sorrow that leads to repentance](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow"), highlighting the spiritual bankruptcy of those whose lives are solely defined by worldly gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merchants (Greek, _émporos'_):** G1713. This term refers to a "wholesale tradesman" or one engaged in extensive commercial dealings. In the context of Revelation 18, it signifies those who are deeply entrenched in and profit from the global economic system represented by Babylon. Their identity is defined by their commercial success and their reliance on Babylon's vast network of trade.
* **Weeping (Greek, _klaíō'_):** G2799. This word denotes a loud, audible sobbing or wailing, often associated with intense grief or lamentation. It implies an outward, demonstrative expression of sorrow, distinguishing it from silent crying. Here, it underscores the profound, unrestrained despair of the merchants.
* **Wailing (Greek, _penthéō'_):** G3996. Derived from a root meaning "grief," this term signifies mourning or grieving, encompassing both the feeling and the act. When paired with _klaíō_, it emphasizes the depth and intensity of the merchants' sorrow, indicating a complete emotional breakdown in response to their loss.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her":** This clause identifies the specific group experiencing the lament: those who gained immense wealth ("made rich") through their commercial dealings ("merchants of these things") with "her," referring to Babylon. It establishes their direct, symbiotic relationship with the corrupt system, highlighting that their prosperity was intrinsically linked to Babylon's existence and practices.
* **"shall stand afar off":** This phrase describes their physical and emotional posture. They observe Babylon's destruction from a safe distance, indicating their inability or unwillingness to intervene, and their fear of being caught in the same judgment. It conveys a sense of helplessness and isolation, as their former source of power and connection has vanished.
* **"for the fear of her torment":** This explains the motivation behind their distant stance and their subsequent grief. Their sorrow is not for Babylon herself, nor for any victims of her wickedness, but for their own potential suffering. They are terrified that the same "torment" (judgment) inflicted upon Babylon might befall them, revealing a self-centered fear rather than a repentant heart.
* **"weeping and wailing,":** This final phrase describes their outward expression of grief. The repetition of these terms, signifying intense lamentation, underscores the depth of their despair. However, as the preceding clause indicates, this "weeping and wailing" is a manifestation of profound material loss and self-preservation, not spiritual remorse or a turning to God.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:15 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "Babylon the Great" serving as a multifaceted symbol not merely of a historical city but of the entire global system of economic exploitation, political tyranny, and spiritual rebellion against God. The "merchants" symbolize all who align themselves with and profit from this system. The scene itself is a vivid example of **Pathos**, as it evokes a sense of sorrow and pity for the merchants, yet this pity is immediately tempered by the understanding that their suffering is a direct consequence of their unrighteous choices. There is also a strong element of **Irony**: the very source of their immense wealth—Babylon—becomes the cause of their utter ruin and despair. Their "riches" prove to be fleeting and worthless in the face of divine judgment. Finally, the "weeping and wailing" acts as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of their grief, which is disproportionate to any moral or spiritual concern, highlighting their materialistic focus. This lament also stands in stark **Contrast** to the rejoicing of heaven and the saints over Babylon's judgment, as described in [Revelation 18:20](/revelation/18-20 "Revelation 18:20 - Heaven Rejoices Over Babylon").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the impermanence of worldly wealth and the ultimate accountability of all who align themselves with systems opposed to God. It highlights the biblical principle that true security and lasting joy are not found in material possessions or earthly power, which are ultimately subject to divine judgment and decay. The merchants' lament underscores the emptiness of a life built solely on fleeting economic gain, revealing that such a foundation will inevitably collapse, leading to profound despair rather than genuine repentance. This passage warns against the dangers of covetousness and idolatry, where the pursuit of riches supplants devotion to God, demonstrating that such misplaced trust results in utter desolation when the objects of one's devotion are destroyed.

* [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")
* [2 Corinthians 7:10](/2_corinthians/7-10 "2 Corinthians 7:10 - Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:15 is a stark mirror reflecting the dangers of a life consumed by materialism and worldly gain. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations upon which we build our lives and derive our security. Are our hopes and joys primarily tied to economic stability, career success, or the accumulation of possessions? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all earthly systems and their accompanying riches are temporary and vulnerable to sudden collapse, especially in the face of divine judgment. For believers, this passage calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, urging us to invest in eternal values—such as spiritual growth, acts of love and justice, and the advancement of God's kingdom—rather than in the fleeting gains of this world. It encourages a detachment from the allure of worldly prosperity and a deeper reliance on God as our ultimate source of provision and security, fostering a perspective that values what truly lasts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "things" in my life that I rely on for security and happiness, and how might they be vulnerable to "torment" or loss?**
* **How does my "weeping and wailing" manifest when I experience loss? Is it a worldly sorrow focused on what I've lost, or a godly sorrow that leads to deeper trust and repentance?**
* **In what ways might I be complicit in or benefit from systems that are contrary to God's kingdom, and how can I begin to disentangle myself?**
* **How can I cultivate a more eternal perspective in my daily life, shifting my focus from accumulating earthly treasures to investing in heavenly ones?**

### FAQ
**What does "Babylon the Great" symbolize in Revelation, and why are the merchants lamenting her fall?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" in Revelation is a powerful symbol, not a literal city, representing the entire global system of economic, political, and spiritual power that stands in opposition to God and His people. It embodies the corrupt, idolatrous, and oppressive aspects of human civilization that lure people away from God through the promise of wealth and pleasure. The merchants are lamenting her fall because they were "made rich by her." Their immense wealth, luxurious lifestyles, and commercial empires were directly dependent on Babylon's existence and influence. Her sudden destruction means the complete collapse of their economic foundation, leading to a self-serving grief over the loss of their material possessions and lucrative trade, rather than any moral or spiritual regret for Babylon's wickedness. Their sorrow is purely for their own financial ruin, as [Revelation 18:11-14](/revelation/18-11-14 "Revelation 18:11-14 - The Merchants' Riches") details the vast array of goods they traded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:15, depicting the despair of merchants over Babylon's fall, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the world's fleeting treasures and the eternal, unshakeable kingdom established by Jesus Christ. While the merchants mourn the loss of wealth gained through a corrupt system, Christ offers true riches that can never be destroyed. Jesus consistently warned His disciples about the dangers of materialism, urging them to [store up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven") where they are secure, unlike earthly possessions that perish. He taught that [one cannot serve both God and money](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - Cannot Serve Two Masters"), and illustrated the folly of building a life around material accumulation through parables like that of [the rich fool](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"). The judgment on Babylon, and the merchants' subsequent wailing, underscores Christ's authority as the righteous Judge, who will ultimately bring all earthly systems to account ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - Christ as Judge")). For those who place their faith in Him, the true "merchants" of the Kingdom seek not perishable goods, but the [pearl of great price](/matthew/13-45-46 "Matthew 13:45-46 - Parable of the Pearl of Great Price")—Christ Himself—in whom [all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures in Christ"). This passage, therefore, serves as a powerful call to abandon the pursuit of worldly gain that leads to ultimate sorrow, and instead to embrace the enduring, joyful reality of Christ's eternal kingdom, which [cannot be shaken](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom").

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.

Acts 19:24

For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Acts 19:27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

Ezekiel 27:31

And they shall make themselves utterly bald for thee, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for thee with bitterness of heart [and] bitter wailing.

Revelation 18:10

Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Revelation 18:11

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

Acts 16:19

And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,