And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

REVELATION 18:13KJV
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Revelation 18:13 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:13 mean?

Revelation 18:13 lists a series of luxury goods and valuable commodities, including spices, animals, and even people, to show the wealth and excess tied to the fall of "Babylon," a symbol of a corrupt and powerful city or system. The verse highlights how trade in these items, even in human lives, was central to the city's prosperity and its coming judgment.

In this part of Revelation, an angel is describing the downfall of Babylon to John, the book’s author. The long list of goods paints a picture of a society obsessed with material wealth and willing to exploit anything or anyone for profit. The mention of "slaves, and souls of men" at the end is especially striking, showing that people themselves were treated as commodities in this corrupt system.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:13

  • The word for "slaves" is σώματα (sōmata), which literally means "bodies." In this context, it is often understood as referring to enslaved people, emphasizing their treatment as property rather than persons.
  • The phrase "souls of men" uses ψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων (psychas anthrōpōn). ψυχή (psychē) means "soul" or "life," so this phrase underscores the total dehumanization—trading not just bodies, but the very lives or identities of people.
  • The list includes both luxury items (like κιννάμωμον, kinnamōmon, "cinnamon") and everyday necessities (like σῖτος, sitos, "wheat"), showing the wide range of goods that fueled Babylon’s economy and the depth of its materialism.

Why Revelation 18:13 matters

  • This verse makes clear that the corruption of Babylon is not just spiritual or political but deeply economic, involving the exploitation of both resources and people.
  • The mention of "slaves, and souls of men" reveals the extent of human suffering and moral decay hidden behind the city’s wealth.
  • By listing these goods, Revelation 18:13 connects the judgment of Babylon to its greed and inhumanity, helping readers see the moral consequences of treating people and creation as mere commodities.

Where else these words appear

“frankincense” Greek G3030 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

“beasts” Greek G2934 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

“odours” Greek G2368 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 1:10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.
  • Luke 1:11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
  • Revelation 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

“oil” Greek G1637 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
  • Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
  • Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.