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,

REVELATION 18:17KJV
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Revelation 18:17 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:17 mean?

Revelation 18:17 describes how, in a very short time, all the wealth and prosperity of a great city is suddenly destroyed, leaving those connected to its trade—especially shipmasters, sailors, and merchants—watching from a distance in shock. The verse highlights the suddenness and totality of the loss, focusing on those who depended on the city’s riches for their livelihood.

In the context of Revelation, this verse is part of a vision given to John, where an angel announces the downfall of "Babylon," a symbol for a powerful and corrupt city or system. The people mentioned—shipmasters, sailors, and traders—represent those who benefited from the city’s commerce and are now left helpless, witnessing its ruin from afar because they fear being caught up in its destruction.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:17

  • ὥρα (hōra, "hour"): This word often means a literal hour but can also refer to a very short period of time. Its use here stresses how quickly the disaster comes.
  • πλοῦτος (ploutos, "riches"): This word points to material wealth and abundance. The verse emphasizes that even great riches can vanish instantly.
  • ἐξηρημώθη (exērēmōthē, "is come to nought"): This verb means to be laid waste or made desolate. It underlines the total destruction and emptiness left behind.
  • πλοίαρχος (ploiarchos, "shipmaster") and ναύτης (nautēs, "sailor"): These specific terms highlight the maritime trade that was central to the city’s economy, showing the wide-reaching impact of its fall.

Why Revelation 18:17 matters

  • Revelation 18:17 makes clear that no matter how secure or prosperous something seems, it can be lost in an instant, which challenges assumptions about lasting security in wealth.
  • The verse emphasizes the global reach of the city’s influence, as even those far away and engaged in international trade are affected by its downfall.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme in Revelation of judgment against corrupt systems, showing the ripple effect of such judgment on everyday people and economies.

Where else these words appear

“shipmaster” Greek G2942 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

“sailors” Greek G3492 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 27:27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
  • Acts 27:30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

“nought” Greek G2049 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
  • Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
  • 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.

“afar” Greek G3113 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 26:58 But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.
  • Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
  • Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.