Revelation 18:22

KJV

And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the voice {G5456} of harpers {G2790}, and {G2532} musicians {G3451}, and {G2532} of pipers {G834}, and {G2532} trumpeters {G4538}, shall be heard {G191} no more {G3364} at all {G2089} in {G1722} thee {G4671}; and {G2532} no {G3364}{G3956} craftsman {G5079}, of whatsoever {G3956} craft {G5078} he be, shall be found {G2147} any more {G2089} in {G1722} thee {G4671}; and {G2532} the sound {G5456} of a millstone {G3458} shall be heard {G191} no more {G3364} at all {G2089} in {G1722} thee {G4671};

Complete Jewish Bible

“The sound of harpists and musicians,
flute-players and trumpeters
will never again be heard in you.
No worker of any trade
will ever again be found in you,
the sound of a mill
will never again be heard in you,

Berean Standard Bible

And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again.

American Standard Version

And the voice of harpers and minstrels and flute-players and trumpeters shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft, shall be found any more at all in thee; and the voice of a mill shall be heard no more at all in thee;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 18:22 vividly portrays the absolute and irreversible desolation of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing the world's anti-God systems of commerce, culture, and power. This verse marks the complete cessation of all sounds of joy, celebration, productivity, and daily life within it, underscoring the finality and totality of God's righteous judgment against a system that exalted itself against the divine will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Revelation 18:22 is a pivotal verse within the larger prophetic lament over the fall of Babylon the Great, which begins in [Revelation 18:1](/revelation/18-1 "Revelation 18:1 - The Fall of Babylon Announced"). The preceding verses detail Babylon's immense wealth, its spiritual harlotry, and the immediate, overwhelming nature of its destruction, announced by a mighty angel. The kings of the earth and the merchants, who grew rich from Babylon's luxuries, are depicted mourning its demise from afar, acknowledging its sudden downfall. This specific verse, 18:22, shifts from the general lament to a granular depiction of the silence and emptiness that will pervade the fallen city, providing concrete examples of the eradicated activities—music, craftsmanship, and daily sustenance—to emphasize the utter finality of its judgment. It serves as a stark contrast to the vibrant, bustling life described earlier in the chapter, reinforcing the completeness of its ruin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery used in Revelation 18 draws heavily on Old Testament prophetic pronouncements against ancient cities like Tyre and Babylon, which were renowned for their commercial prowess, luxury, and idolatry (e.g., [Isaiah 23](/isaiah/23 "Isaiah 23 - The Burden Against Tyre") concerning Tyre; [Jeremiah 50-51](/jeremiah/50 "Jeremiah 50 - The Fall of Babylon") concerning Babylon). In the Roman world of John's time, major cities were centers of vibrant cultural life, economic activity, and political power. Music, craftsmanship, and the grinding of millstones (essential for daily bread) were ubiquitous sounds of a thriving metropolis. The absence of these sounds would signify not just economic collapse but the complete eradication of civic life, joy, and even the basic means of survival. The "craftsman" (Greek: _technitēs_) would include a wide range of skilled artisans, from builders to jewelers, representing the sophisticated economic engine of a great city. The "millstone" was a common household item, its sound indicating the preparation of food, thus its silence pointed to the absence of life itself.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Retribution**, demonstrating God's righteous response to human rebellion and the systems that oppose Him. Babylon's destruction is not random but a just recompense for its sins, particularly its spiritual fornication and oppression of the saints, as seen in [Revelation 18:6-7](/revelation/18-6-7 "Revelation 18:6-7 - Babylon's Punishment"). Secondly, it underscores the **Transience of Worldly Power and Glory**. Despite its immense wealth and influence, Babylon's dominion is ephemeral, contrasting sharply with the eternal nature of God's kingdom (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom")). Finally, the pervasive silence emphasizes the theme of **Utter Desolation and Emptiness**, a direct consequence of God's wrath. The absence of music, craft, and the millstone's sound symbolizes a complete void, a reversal of the creation and life that God intends, serving as a stark warning against placing trust in any earthly system apart from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ_):** This word, G5456, refers to a tone, sound, or language. In this context, it encompasses the audible expressions of human activity and joy—the sounds of harpers, musicians, pipers, and trumpeters. Its cessation signifies the complete absence of celebration, entertainment, and the vibrant cultural life characteristic of a thriving city. The silence of these "voices" is a powerful indicator of utter desolation.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō_):** G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including to perceive sound or to understand. The repeated phrase "shall be heard no more at all" emphasizes the sensory experience of absence. It's not just that these activities cease, but that their very sounds, which once filled the city, will be completely absent, reinforcing the theme of absolute emptiness and permanent silence.
* **no more at all (Greek, _ou mḗ eti_):** This powerful double negative (G3364 and G2089, with G2089 meaning "still" or "yet") strengthens the denial, conveying an absolute and irreversible cessation. It signifies that the described activities will not merely diminish or be temporarily interrupted, but will definitively and permanently vanish. This phrase underscores the finality of God's judgment and the eternal ruin of Babylon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee;":** This clause describes the end of all sounds of joy, celebration, and cultural life. Harpers, musicians, pipers, and trumpeters represent various forms of entertainment and festivity, often associated with prosperity, feasts, and public gatherings. Their silence signifies the complete eradication of happiness, leisure, and the vibrant social fabric of the city. The absence of these sounds points to a place devoid of life and mirth.
* **"and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee;":** This segment focuses on the cessation of economic activity and productive labor. "Craftsman" (Greek: _technitēs_) refers to skilled artisans of any trade, from builders to jewelers, who contribute to the city's wealth and infrastructure. Their disappearance means the end of all industry, commerce, and the very means of production that once made Babylon rich and powerful. This signifies not just economic collapse but the complete absence of human ingenuity and constructive effort.
* **"and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;":** This final clause highlights the absence of basic daily life and sustenance. The grinding of a millstone was a common, essential sound in ancient homes and communities, indicating the preparation of flour for bread—the most fundamental necessity of life. Its silence points to the complete lack of inhabitants, the absence of daily routines, and ultimately, the impossibility of sustaining life within the city. It underscores the utter desolation to the point of being uninhabitable.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 18:22 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of absolute destruction. **Anaphora** is evident in the repeated phrase "shall be heard no more at all in thee," which powerfully emphasizes the permanence and totality of Babylon's desolation. This repetition creates a rhythmic, dirge-like quality, underscoring the finality of the judgment. **Synecdoche** is used by listing specific examples—harpers, musicians, craftsmen, millstones—to represent the entirety of a city's vibrant life, economic activity, and daily existence. By focusing on these particular elements, the passage evokes a comprehensive sense of loss. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **auditory imagery** to paint a vivid picture of silence, contrasting the former sounds of a bustling city with the eerie quiet of its ruin. This sensory detail allows the reader to "hear" the absence, making the desolation palpable and profoundly impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 18:22 serves as a stark theological declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers and His unwavering commitment to justice. It vividly illustrates that any system, empire, or culture that exalts itself against God, promotes idolatry, and oppresses His people will ultimately face His righteous judgment and be brought to utter ruin. This principle resonates throughout biblical history, from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to the fall of ancient empires, reminding us that no human construct, however powerful or seemingly enduring, can withstand the divine will. The silence described in the verse is not merely an absence of noise but the profound spiritual emptiness that results when a society rejects its Creator and embraces self-sufficiency and moral decay. It is a powerful warning against placing ultimate trust in transient worldly comforts and achievements.

* [Isaiah 24:8](/isaiah/24-8 "Isaiah 24:8 - The Sounds of Joy Cease")
* [Jeremiah 25:10](/jeremiah/25-10 "Jeremiah 25:10 - Silence in the Land")
* [Zephaniah 1:13](/zephaniah/1-13 "Zephaniah 1:13 - Desolation of Wealth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 18:22 offers a profound opportunity for reflection on our own values and allegiances. In a world that often prioritizes material wealth, fleeting entertainment, and self-made success, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the temporary nature of all earthly kingdoms and achievements. It challenges us to examine where our true security and joy lie. Are we investing our lives in things that will ultimately perish, or in the eternal kingdom of God? The silence of Babylon should prompt us to cultivate a life that is not dependent on the transient pleasures and systems of this world, but on the enduring truth and promises of God. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that true prosperity and lasting joy are found only in Christ, not in the fleeting glories of human enterprise. This passage also reinforces our hope in God's justice, knowing that all evil and oppression will ultimately be judged and eradicated, paving the way for His perfect and righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sounds" or activities in my life might represent the fleeting pleasures and pursuits of this world, and how might I reorient my focus towards eternal things?**
* **In what ways might I be placing my trust or security in worldly systems (e.g., economic stability, cultural trends, personal achievements) rather than solely in God?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment against evil motivate me to live a life of greater holiness and devotion to Him?**
* **What practical steps can I take to detach myself from the allure of worldly Babylon and more fully embrace the values of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "Babylon the Great" symbolize in Revelation 18?**

Answer: "Babylon the Great" is a complex and multifaceted symbol in Revelation, primarily representing the culmination of all human systems and powers that stand in rebellion against God. It embodies the world's corrupt economic, political, and cultural structures, characterized by idolatry, luxury, oppression, and spiritual deception. While some interpretations connect it to a literal city, its primary function in Revelation is symbolic, encompassing the globalized anti-God system that seduces humanity with its wealth and power, ultimately leading to the persecution of God's people and the rejection of divine truth. Its fall signifies the ultimate triumph of God's justice over all forms of human rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 18:22, depicting the absolute desolation of Babylon, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment not in a direct prophecy of Jesus' first coming, but in the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and the establishment of the New Heavens and New Earth. The silence and emptiness that fall upon Babylon are the antithesis of the vibrant, eternal life promised in Christ. While Babylon represents the world system that rejected and crucified the Messiah, its destruction foreshadows the complete vanquishing of all evil and opposition to God's reign. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, secured victory over sin and death (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The judgment on Babylon, therefore, is a necessary precursor to the full manifestation of Christ's righteous rule, where there will be no more sorrow, pain, or ungodliness (cf. [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). The silence of Babylon paves the way for the eternal praises and worship of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem, where the "voice" of God's people will resound forever in joyful communion with Him (cf. [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")). Thus, the desolation of Babylon underscores the ultimate and glorious reign of Christ, where all that opposes Him is silenced, and His eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness prevails.

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

Ezekiel 26:13

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall be no more heard.

Jeremiah 25:10

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

Jeremiah 16:9

For thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.

Jeremiah 7:34

Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride: for the land shall be desolate.

Isaiah 24:8

The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.

Isaiah 24:9

They shall not drink wine with a song; strong drink shall be bitter to them that drink it.

Ecclesiastes 12:4

And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low;