Revelation 18:17

KJV

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} in one {G3391} hour {G5610} so great {G5118} riches {G4149} is come to nought {G2049}. And {G2532} every {G3956} shipmaster {G2942}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the company {G3658} in {G1909} ships {G4143}, and {G2532} sailors {G3492}, and {G2532} as many as {G3745} trade {G2038} by sea {G2281}, stood {G2476} afar {G3113} off {G575},

Complete Jewish Bible

Such great wealth —
in a single hour, ruined!”

All the ship masters, passengers, sailors and everyone making his living from the sea stood at a distance

Berean Standard Bible

For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance

American Standard Version

for in one hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:17 dramatically portrays the swift and utter destruction of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing a powerful, corrupt global economic and political system. The verse emphasizes the sudden collapse of its immense wealth, declaring that "in one hour so great riches is come to nought." It then shifts focus to the profound shock and helplessness of those who profited from this system, specifically "every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea," who are depicted standing "afar off," witnessing the catastrophic ruin from a distance, unable to intervene or salvage anything.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18 unfolds as a prophetic lament over the fall of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic city representing a global system of economic power, luxury, and spiritual harlotry that has corrupted the nations. Following the initial announcement of Babylon's fall in [Revelation 18:2](/revelation/18-2 "Revelation 18:2 - The Fall of Babylon"), the chapter proceeds with a series of laments from various groups who benefited from her wealth and influence. [Revelation 18:9-10](/revelation/18-9-10 "Revelation 18:9-10 - Lament of the Kings") describe the kings of the earth mourning her destruction, while [Revelation 18:11-16](/revelation/18-11-16 "Revelation 18:11-16 - Lament of the Merchants") detail the merchants' grief over the loss of their vast trade. Verse 17 directly continues this lament, specifically focusing on the maritime community—shipmasters, sailors, and all involved in sea trade—who are depicted as helpless onlookers. The repeated phrase "in one hour" throughout [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon") (verses 10, 17, 19) underscores the suddenness and decisiveness of this divine judgment, linking the laments of different groups by this shared experience of instantaneous ruin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, maritime trade was the backbone of global commerce, connecting empires and facilitating the exchange of vast wealth. Major port cities like Rome, Alexandria, and Ephesus were centers of immense economic activity and cultural influence. The imagery of "Babylon the Great" in Revelation draws parallels to historical empires known for their commercial dominance and spiritual corruption, such as ancient Babylon and later, the Roman Empire. Rome, with its extensive network of trade routes across the Mediterranean, served as a powerful contemporary example of a global economic superpower. The lament of shipmasters and sailors would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who understood the critical role of sea trade in their daily lives and the devastating impact of its disruption. The sudden "come to nought" of such riches would evoke the total collapse of an entire economic system, mirroring the historical destruction of powerful cities that once seemed invincible.

* **Key Themes:** Revelation 18:17 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **sudden and complete destruction** of worldly power and wealth. The phrase "in one hour" emphasizes the swiftness and decisiveness of God's judgment, demonstrating the fragility of earthly glory and the transience of material possessions, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalms/49-16-17 "Psalm 49:16-17 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **economic collapse** as a consequence of divine judgment. The detailed enumeration of those involved in sea trade underscores the global reach and devastating impact of Babylon's downfall on the world's economy. Thirdly, the imagery of "standing afar off" conveys the **lamentation and helplessness** of those who profited from Babylon. They are not victims of war but stunned, powerless witnesses, unable to salvage anything, signifying both their awe at God's judgment and their despair over their lost livelihoods. Finally, underlying this destruction is the overarching theme of **divine justice and sovereignty**, where God brings righteous judgment against a system built on greed, luxury, and opposition to His kingdom, as seen in [Revelation 19:2](/revelation/19-2 "Revelation 19:2 - God's Just Judgments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **riches (Greek, _ploûtos'_):** This term refers to wealth, abundance, or valuable bestowments. In this context, it signifies the vast material possessions, commercial assets, and accumulated capital that characterized Babylon the Great. The use of "so great riches" emphasizes the immense scale of her economic power, making its sudden destruction even more shocking.
* **is come to nought (Greek, _erēmóō'_):** Derived from the root for "desolate," this verb means to lay waste, to make desolate, or to bring to nothing. It powerfully conveys the idea of complete annihilation, utter ruin, or absolute worthlessness. It signifies that Babylon's immense wealth does not merely diminish but becomes entirely undone, devoid of any value or substance.
* **afar off (Greek, _makróthen'_):** This adverb means "from a distance" or "from far." In the context of the shipmasters and sailors, it describes their physical separation from the scene of Babylon's destruction. This distance underscores their inability to intervene, their profound shock, and their fear, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the judgment and their utter powerlessness in its face.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in one hour so great riches is come to nought."**: This opening clause delivers the shocking news of Babylon's instantaneous economic collapse. The phrase "in one hour" (repeated from [Revelation 18:10](/revelation/18-10 "Revelation 18:10 - The Kings' Lament") and [18:19](/revelation/18-19 "Revelation 18:19 - The Merchants' Lament")) emphasizes the suddenness and decisiveness of the judgment. The "great riches" refer to the vast wealth and material prosperity accumulated by Babylon, which is now utterly annihilated, rendered worthless. This highlights the fragility and transient nature of worldly wealth when confronted by divine judgment.
* **"And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea,"**: This clause meticulously lists the various groups within the maritime community who are directly impacted by Babylon's fall. "Shipmaster" (κυβερνήτης, _kybernētēs_) refers to the helmsman or captain, the one in charge of the vessel. "Company in ships" (ὅμιλος, _hómilos_) signifies the entire crew or multitude of those associated with the vessels. "Sailors" (ναύτης, _naútēs_) are the general seamen, and "as many as trade by sea" (ἐργάζομαι, _ergázomai_ by θάλασσα, _thálassa_) encompasses all others whose livelihoods depend on maritime commerce. This comprehensive enumeration underscores the widespread and devastating economic ripple effect of Babylon's destruction across the global trading network.
* **"stood afar off,"**: This concluding phrase vividly portrays the reaction of the maritime community. Their act of "standing afar off" signifies their profound shock, fear, and helplessness. They are not participants in the destruction but stunned, distant observers, unable to approach the scene of ruin, intervene, or salvage anything from the wreckage. This imagery conveys their utter despair and the overwhelming scale of the judgment, which leaves them powerless and bereft of their source of income.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "in one hour," which, while literally meaning a short duration, functions hyperbolically to emphasize the astonishing speed and decisiveness of Babylon's destruction, contrasting sharply with the years it took to accumulate such "great riches." The detailed listing of "every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea" is an example of **Enumeration**, serving to underscore the comprehensive and widespread impact of Babylon's fall on the entire global economy, particularly the maritime sector. **Imagery** is powerfully used in the depiction of these individuals "standing afar off," creating a vivid mental picture of their stunned helplessness and the overwhelming nature of the catastrophe. This also suggests a sense of **Irony**, as those who once profited immensely from Babylon's trade are now reduced to powerless spectators of its demise. Finally, the entire verse contributes to the broader **Lament** genre of [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), expressing profound sorrow and despair over the loss of a once-mighty economic power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:17 serves as a stark theological declaration concerning the transience of all earthly power and wealth that stands in opposition to God. It underscores the principle that systems built on greed, idolatry, and exploitation, no matter how vast or seemingly invincible, are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The suddenness of Babylon's fall highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to bring down even the most entrenched worldly empires in an instant. This judgment is not arbitrary but righteous, a consequence of Babylon's spiritual harlotry and the corruption she inflicted upon the nations. For believers, this passage offers a profound warning against placing ultimate trust or hope in material riches, economic systems, or political powers, reminding them that true security and lasting treasure are found only in God's eternal kingdom. It reinforces the call to discern between the temporary allure of the world and the enduring reality of God's righteous reign.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath")
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Do Not Trust in Uncertain Riches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:17 challenges us to critically examine where our ultimate security and hope truly lie. In a world often driven by economic indicators, material accumulation, and the pursuit of worldly power, this verse serves as a sobering reminder that all such foundations are ultimately fragile and temporary. For the believer, it calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, urging us to invest our lives and resources not in systems destined for "nought," but in the eternal kingdom of God. This means cultivating a spirit of detachment from the fleeting allure of wealth, practicing generosity and justice, and discerning the subtle ways in which worldly values can infiltrate our hearts and churches. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true prosperity is found in our relationship with Christ and our participation in His mission, rather than in the shifting sands of global economies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "riches" or worldly systems do I tend to place my trust in, consciously or unconsciously?**
* **How does the "one hour" destruction of Babylon's wealth challenge my perception of security and permanence?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate that my ultimate hope is in God's eternal kingdom, not in earthly prosperity?**
* **How does the helplessness of the shipmasters standing "afar off" speak to my own sense of control or power in the face of global events?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Babylon the Great" in Revelation, and why is its destruction so significant?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" in Revelation is widely understood as a symbolic representation, not a literal city in John's time, but rather a powerful, corrupt global system that embodies spiritual idolatry, economic exploitation, and political oppression, standing in opposition to God's kingdom. While some interpret it as a specific historical empire (like Rome) or a future geopolitical entity, its primary significance lies in its symbolic role as the epitome of human rebellion against God, characterized by immense wealth, luxury, and the persecution of God's people (as seen in [Revelation 17:6](/revelation/17-6 "Revelation 17:6 - Babylon Drunk with the Blood of Saints")). Its destruction, as described throughout [Revelation 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"), is profoundly significant because it signifies God's ultimate triumph over all forms of evil, injustice, and worldly systems that defy His righteous rule, paving the way for the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "in one hour" in Revelation 18?**

Answer: The phrase "in one hour" (found in [Revelation 18:10](/revelation/18-10 "Revelation 18:10 - The Kings' Lament"), [18:17](/revelation/18-17 "Revelation 18:17 - The Maritime Lament"), and [18:19](/revelation/18-19 "Revelation 18:19 - The Merchants' Lament")) is highly significant because it emphasizes the astonishing speed, suddenness, and decisiveness of God's judgment upon Babylon the Great. It highlights that the destruction of this seemingly invincible global power will not be a gradual decline but an instantaneous, catastrophic event. This swiftness underscores God's absolute sovereignty and power, demonstrating that what took centuries to build can be brought to "nought" in a moment. It serves as a powerful warning against relying on the perceived stability of worldly systems and underscores the certainty and finality of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:17, depicting the sudden and complete collapse of earthly riches and power, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the triumph of God's eternal kingdom over all temporal dominion. While Babylon represents the pinnacle of human rebellion and self-sufficiency, Christ embodies the true and lasting King whose kingdom "is not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The "riches" that come to nought in one hour stand in stark contrast to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ"))—spiritual blessings, eternal life, and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). The lament of the shipmasters and traders, standing "afar off" in despair, foreshadows the ultimate judgment where every knee will bow before Christ ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")) and those who rejected Him will face eternal separation. However, for those who have placed their faith in the Lamb of God, the fall of Babylon is not a cause for despair but for rejoicing, as it signals the imminent establishment of the New Jerusalem, where God Himself dwells with His people ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Jerusalem")), and where true and lasting peace, justice, and prosperity are found under the reign of Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

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 17:16

And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

Isaiah 23:14

Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

Ezekiel 27:27

Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that [are] in thee, and in all thy company which [is] in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

Ezekiel 27:36

The merchants among the people shall hiss at thee; thou shalt be a terror, and never [shalt be] any more.

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.

Jeremiah 51:8

Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

Jonah 1:6

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.