Revelation 18:16

KJV

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!

KJV (with Strong's)

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}!

Complete Jewish Bible

and saying,

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:16 powerfully conveys the lament of those who profited from "Babylon the Great," as they witness its sudden and catastrophic destruction. This verse vividly portrays the city's immense, ostentatious wealth and luxurious adornment, emphasizing the very material possessions and symbols of power that are now utterly lost in its swift judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the "lament over Babylon" found in [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). Following the initial announcement of Babylon's fall in [Revelation 18:1-8](/revelation/18-1-8 "Revelation 18:1-8 - Announcement of Babylon's Fall"), a series of mournful cries erupts from those who benefited from its economic and political dominance. [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9-10 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Kings Lament Babylon") records the lament of the kings of the earth, while [Revelation 18:11-16](/revelation/18-11-16 "Revelation 18:11-16 - Merchants Lament Babylon") details the sorrow of the merchants, who meticulously list the vast array of commodities that constituted Babylon's wealth. Verse 16 serves as a climactic summary of this material opulence, personifying the city as adorned in the very riches whose destruction they now mourn. It sets the stage for the mariners' lament in the subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation 18:16 draws heavily on the ancient world's understanding of wealth, luxury, and imperial power. "Fine linen, purple, and scarlet" were not merely expensive fabrics but potent symbols of royalty, status, and immense prosperity. Purple dye, derived from murex snails, was notoriously difficult and costly to produce, making purple garments exclusive to emperors, kings, and the ultra-rich. Scarlet was also a vibrant and expensive dye, often associated with luxury and sometimes with illicit indulgence. Gold, precious stones, and pearls were the ultimate markers of accumulated wealth and ostentatious display. This description would have immediately evoked images of powerful empires like Rome, known for its vast trade networks, extravagant displays of wealth, and imperial cult, which often demanded worship and economic allegiance. The lament over the loss of such material splendor underscores the transient nature of even the most formidable earthly powers.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **exorbitant wealth and materialism**, portraying Babylon as a system utterly defined by its accumulation and display of earthly riches. This stands in stark contrast to the values of God's kingdom, where true treasure is found in spiritual realities rather than material possessions, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **transient nature of earthly power and riches**. The very things that made Babylon "great" are now the cause of its mourners' despair, revealing the futility of placing ultimate trust in worldly systems and their fleeting glories. This resonates with the wisdom literature that warns against the deceitfulness of wealth, as seen in [Proverbs 23:5](/proverbs/23-5 "Proverbs 23:5 - Riches take flight"). Finally, the lament implicitly points to the theme of **divine judgment on idolatry and exploitation**. Babylon's downfall is presented as God's righteous judgment against a system characterized by self-indulgence, greed, and the oppression of others through its vast economic influence, echoing prophetic warnings against nations that trust in their wealth rather than God, such as those found in [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - Prophecy Against Tyre").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clothed in (Greek, _peribállō_):** From the verb `peribállō`, meaning "to throw all around," "to invest (with clothing)." The use of this word in the perfect passive participle ("was clothed in") emphasizes a state of being completely enveloped or surrounded by something. Here, it vividly portrays Babylon's very identity and outward appearance as being saturated and defined by its luxurious materials, suggesting an intrinsic connection between the city and its material splendor.
* **fine linen (Greek, _býssinos_):** Derived from `býssos`, referring to fine, costly linen. This material was highly prized in the ancient world, often associated with purity, wealth, and high status. Its inclusion here underscores the extreme luxury and expense of Babylon's adornment, placing it among the most elite and opulent entities.
* **decked (Greek, _chrysóō_):** From `chrysós` (gold), this verb means "to gild" or "to bespangle with golden ornaments." It implies not just possession of gold, but its active application and display as an ornament. This word highlights the deliberate and ostentatious nature of Babylon's wealth, suggesting a city that not only possessed riches but flaunted them extravagantly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saying, Alas, alas, that great city,"**: This phrase introduces the mournful cry of those who lament Babylon's destruction. The repetition of "Alas, alas" (Greek, _ouaí, ouaí_) is an emphatic expression of deep grief, sorrow, and despair. It signifies a profound sense of loss and devastation for the "great city," which had been a source of immense profit and power for them. The term "great city" (Greek, _pólis mégas_) underscores its former prominence and influence, making its fall all the more shocking and lamentable to its beneficiaries.
* **"that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet,"**: This clause details the luxurious fabrics that adorned the city, personifying it as a grand figure dressed in the most expensive attire. "Fine linen" (Greek, _býssinos_) signifies purity and immense wealth, often worn by the elite. "Purple" (Greek, _porphyroûs_) and "scarlet" (Greek, _kókkinos_) were dyes of extraordinary cost and rarity, typically reserved for royalty, emperors, and those of the highest social standing. These colors and materials collectively symbolize Babylon's unparalleled opulence, its imperial authority, and, in other Revelation contexts, its moral corruption and harlotry.
* **"and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!"**: This final clause completes the portrait of extravagant wealth, describing the city's embellishment with the most valuable minerals and gems. "Decked" (Greek, _chrysóō_) implies a deliberate and lavish application of these treasures, not merely their possession. "Gold" (Greek, _chrysós_), "precious stones" (Greek, _tímios líthos_), and "pearls" (Greek, _margarítēs_) represent the pinnacle of material riches and ostentatious display in the ancient world. The exclamation mark, though not in the original Greek, captures the awe and despair of the onlookers at the sheer magnitude of what has been lost, emphasizing the city's former glory and the completeness of its ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:16 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Personification** is central, as the city of Babylon is described as being "clothed" and "decked," as if it were a living entity adorned in luxurious garments and jewels. This makes its fall more poignant and relatable, as if a grand queen has been stripped of her finery. **Symbolism** permeates the verse, with "fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls" serving as potent symbols of immense wealth, worldly power, luxury, and imperial grandeur. These materials are not merely descriptive but carry layers of meaning, often associated with royalty, trade, and even the "harlot" imagery elsewhere in Revelation. The sheer accumulation of these opulent items also borders on **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the city's wealth to underscore the magnitude of its former glory and the devastating impact of its sudden destruction. Finally, there is an underlying sense of **Irony** in the lament itself: the very things that made Babylon "great" and desirable are now the cause of profound grief, revealing their ultimate emptiness and transience when confronted with divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:16 stands as a stark biblical commentary on the dangers of materialism, the transient nature of worldly power, and the certainty of divine judgment against systems that prioritize wealth and self-indulgence over righteousness and justice. The lavish description of Babylon's adornment serves to highlight the idolatry inherent in placing ultimate value on created things rather than the Creator. This passage underscores a consistent biblical theme: earthly treasures, though seemingly secure, are fleeting and ultimately subject to decay and destruction, whereas spiritual riches and a relationship with God endure eternally. The lament of those who profited from Babylon's wealth reveals the profound emptiness that results when one's security and identity are rooted in material possessions, which can be lost in a moment.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven"): Jesus teaches His disciples to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure from decay and theft, contrasting with earthly treasures that are vulnerable.
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"): The parable of the rich fool illustrates the folly of accumulating vast wealth for oneself without being rich toward God, as life and possessions can be taken away unexpectedly.
* [James 5:1-3](/james/5-1-3 "James 5:1-3 - Warning to the Rich"): James issues a stern warning to the rich, whose wealth will rot and whose gold and silver will corrode, serving as a testimony against them for their self-indulgence and oppression.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:16 serves as a profound mirror for contemporary society, challenging believers to critically examine their relationship with material wealth and the allure of worldly systems. The lament over Babylon's lost splendor compels us to consider where our true security, joy, and identity lie. In a world often driven by consumerism and the pursuit of status symbols, this verse reminds us that all earthly empires, economic systems, and personal accumulations are temporary and ultimately subject to God's sovereign judgment. It calls us to cultivate an eternal perspective, investing our lives in things that truly last—spiritual growth, righteous living, acts of love and justice, and the advancement of God's kingdom. The suddenness of Babylon's fall should inspire a healthy detachment from the fleeting glories of this world and a deeper commitment to the enduring values of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls" in my own life or culture might I be tempted to place my ultimate trust in, rather than in God?**
* **How does the transient nature of Babylon's wealth challenge my understanding of true security and lasting value?**
* **In what ways might I be complicit in or benefit from systems that, like Babylon, are characterized by materialism or exploitation, and how can I reorient my choices to align with God's justice?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific materials mentioned in Revelation 18:16?**

Answer: The materials—fine linen, purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls—are highly significant because they represent the epitome of luxury, wealth, and imperial power in the ancient world. "Fine linen" (býssinos) was costly and associated with purity and high status. "Purple" (porphyroûs) and "scarlet" (kókkinos) dyes were exceedingly expensive to produce, making garments of these colors exclusive to royalty and the elite, symbolizing immense power and prestige. "Gold" (chrysós), "precious stones" (tímios líthos), and "pearls" (margarítēs) were the most valuable commodities, indicating unimaginable riches and ostentatious display. Collectively, they paint a vivid picture of Babylon's unparalleled economic might and its self-indulgent, idolatrous pursuit of worldly glory. This imagery is consistent with other biblical descriptions of corrupt power, such as the harlot in [Revelation 17:4](/revelation/17-4 "Revelation 17:4 - The Harlot's Adornment"), who is similarly arrayed, underscoring the spiritual harlotry inherent in trusting in worldly wealth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:16, with its vivid depiction of Babylon's opulent yet ultimately doomed splendor, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the transient glory of earthly kingdoms and the eternal, incorruptible glory of Christ's kingdom. While Babylon is "clothed" and "decked" in perishable riches that are swept away in a single hour, Christ's true wealth is not of this world. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who, though [He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"), that through His poverty we might become rich in spiritual and eternal blessings. The lament over Babylon's lost treasures highlights the futility of storing up earthly wealth, a theme Jesus powerfully addressed when He taught His disciples to [lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Treasures in Heaven"), where neither moth nor rust destroys. Ultimately, the fall of Babylon signifies Christ's triumph over all worldly systems that oppose God and His people, culminating in the establishment of His righteous and eternal kingdom, whose true riches are found in Him alone, far surpassing any gold or precious stones. He is the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"), whose reign will never end, and whose glory is not adorned with fleeting earthly finery but with truth, righteousness, and eternal life.

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 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: