And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

REVELATION 18:23KJV
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Revelation 18:23 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:23 mean?

Revelation 18:23 describes the total end of Babylon’s prosperity and joy: no more light, no more celebrations, and no more commerce, because Babylon’s powerful merchants deceived all nations through their sorceries. The verse pictures a complete and final silence and darkness falling over a once-thriving city.

In this part of Revelation, an angel is speaking about the fall of “Babylon,” a symbol for a corrupt and wealthy city or system opposed to God. The verse uses vivid images—like the absence of candlelight and wedding celebrations—to show that every sign of life and happiness will disappear. The reason given is that Babylon’s merchants, who were influential across the earth, led people astray through deceptive practices described as “sorceries.”

The Greek behind Revelation 18:23

  • The word for “sorceries” is φαρμακεία (pharmakeia), which refers not just to magic, but also to the use of drugs, spells, or deceptive arts. In this context, it suggests that Babylon’s influence was both alluring and corrupting, leading people away from truth.
  • The word for “merchants” is ἔμπορος (emporos), meaning traders or businessmen. The verse highlights that these were not ordinary sellers, but the “great men of the earth,” showing their global power and reach.
  • The phrase “the light of a candle” uses λύχνος (lychnos), meaning a small oil lamp. This image emphasizes the complete removal of even the smallest source of hope or guidance from Babylon.

Why Revelation 18:23 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Babylon’s downfall is not just political or economic, but also spiritual—its “sorceries” deceived all nations, showing a deep moral corruption.
  • The focus on silence and darkness connects to earlier warnings in Revelation about judgment and the end of false security, tying the verse to the larger theme of God’s justice.
  • By naming the merchants as “the great men of the earth,” the verse warns against putting trust in worldly wealth or influence, especially when it is used to mislead others.

Where else these words appear

“men” Greek G3175 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
  • Revelation 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

“sorceries” Greek G5331 · used in 3 verses

  • Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
  • Revelation 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

“merchants” Greek G1713 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
  • Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
  • Revelation 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

“bride” Greek G3565 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
  • John 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
  • Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.