Revelation 18:16

And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

And {G2532} saying {G3004}, Alas {G3759}, alas {G3759}, that great {G3173} city {G4172}, that was clothed in {G4016} fine linen {G1039}, and {G2532} purple {G4210}, and {G2532} scarlet {G2847}, and {G2532} decked {G5558} with {G1722} gold {G5557}, and {G2532} precious {G5093} stones {G3037}, and {G2532} pearls {G3135}!

and saying,

“Oh no! The great city used to wear fine linen, purple and scarlet!
She glittered with gold, precious stones and pearls!

saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls!

saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl!

Commentary

Revelation 18:16 captures the dramatic lament of those who profited from "Babylon the Great," as they witness its sudden and complete destruction. This verse specifically highlights the immense wealth and opulent display that characterized this symbolic city or system, emphasizing the very things that are now lost.

Context of the Lament

This verse is part of a series of "alas, alas" laments found in Revelation chapter 18, uttered by kings, merchants, and mariners who mourn the swift judgment that has fallen upon Babylon. Prior verses (18:11-15) meticulously list the vast array of precious commodities traded by this powerful entity, from gold and silver to spices and fine textiles. Verse 16 serves as a summary, personifying the city as being "clothed" and "decked" in its extravagant riches, underscoring the material basis of its power and appeal.

Key Themes and Imagery

  • Exorbitant Wealth and Luxury: The description "fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls" paints a vivid picture of extreme opulence. These materials were the epitome of luxury in the ancient world, associated with royalty, power, and high status.
    • Fine linen was costly and often worn by the wealthy.
    • Purple dye was exceedingly rare and expensive, reserved for emperors, kings, and the elite (e.g., the rich man in Luke 16:19).
    • Scarlet was another vibrant and expensive dye, often linked to luxury and sometimes moral impurity.
    • Gold, precious stones, and pearls further signify unimaginable riches and ostentatious display.
  • The Transient Nature of Earthly Riches: The lament itself underscores the core message: all this material splendor is fleeting. What was once a source of pride and profit is now utterly destroyed, revealing the emptiness of worldly treasures when confronted with divine judgment. This contrasts sharply with treasures stored in heaven.
  • Divine Judgment on Materialism: The verse implicitly highlights God's judgment against a system characterized by excessive materialism, self-indulgence, and exploitation, where wealth became an idol. The suddenness of its downfall is a stark warning against placing trust in worldly power and possessions.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

The imagery of "clothing" and "decking" is not merely descriptive but symbolic. It suggests that Babylon's very identity and outward appearance were defined by its wealth and luxury. The Greek word for "clothed" (περιβεβλημένη, peribeblēmenē) emphasizes being completely enveloped or surrounded by these costly materials, reflecting a lifestyle saturated with extravagance. The specific colors—purple and scarlet—have rich biblical symbolism, often associated with royalty, power, but also with harlotry and sin in other prophetic contexts (e.g., Revelation 17:4 describes the harlot in similar attire).

Practical Application

For believers today, Revelation 18:16 serves as a powerful reminder about the dangers of placing ultimate value on material possessions and worldly success. It challenges us to examine where our true security and joy lie. The sudden collapse of "Babylon" illustrates that earthly empires and their associated wealth are temporary and subject to God's ultimate authority and judgment. This encourages a focus on eternal values, spiritual riches, and a life lived in accordance with God's will, rather than chasing after fleeting earthly glory.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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:

  • Luke 16:19

    There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

  • Luke 16:31

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

  • Revelation 18:19

    And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

  • 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:
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