Revelation 18:16 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:16 mean?

Revelation 18:16 describes people mourning the downfall of a wealthy and powerful city, known for its luxurious clothing and riches, as they cry out in shock and sorrow over its sudden destruction. The verse highlights the city’s former glory, emphasizing its fine linen, purple and scarlet fabrics, and its adornment with gold, precious stones, and pearls.

In this part of Revelation, merchants and others who benefited from the city’s wealth are speaking. They are witnessing the judgment and ruin of "that great city" (often understood as Babylon), which had been a center of luxury and commerce. The verse paints a vivid picture of lost splendor, showing how those who once admired or profited from the city now lament its fall.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:16

• ὀλού (ouai, transliterated as "alas"): This Greek word expresses deep grief or horror, not just mild regret. Its repetition in the verse intensifies the sense of shock and mourning.
• πορφύρα (porphyra, "purple") and κόκκινον (kokkinon, "scarlet"): These colors were associated with royalty and wealth in the ancient world, as the dyes were rare and expensive. Their mention highlights the city’s extravagant status.
• περιβεβλημένη (peribeblēménē, "clothed in" or "wrapped in"): This word suggests being fully covered or adorned, emphasizing how the city was enveloped in luxury.
• κεχρυσωμένη (kechrysōménē, "decked with gold"): This term means to be gilded or decorated with gold, underlining the outward display of wealth rather than inner value.

Why Revelation 18:16 matters

• The verse clarifies that the sorrow expressed is not for the people themselves, but for the loss of wealth and luxury; it exposes the self-interest of those mourning the city’s fall.
• By listing the city’s luxurious items, the verse connects to earlier descriptions in Revelation and to Old Testament prophecies about the fall of proud, wealthy cities.
• The vivid imagery helps readers understand the depth of the city’s former influence and the shock caused by its sudden destruction, setting the stage for the broader message about the dangers of pride and materialism.