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 18:3KJV
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Revelation 18:3 (KJV)

What does Revelation 18:3 mean?

Revelation 18:3 describes how all the nations, rulers, and merchants of the world have become deeply involved with "Babylon"—a symbol for a corrupt, powerful city or system—by sharing in her immoral actions and gaining wealth from her luxurious lifestyle. The verse highlights the widespread influence and seductive power of this corrupt system over the world’s people and leaders.

In this part of Revelation, an angel is speaking about the fall of "Babylon," warning that her sins have affected everyone. The language paints a picture of global participation: kings have joined in her immoral behavior, and merchants have grown rich from her extravagant ways. The focus is on how deeply the world has been drawn into her corruption and excess.

The Greek behind Revelation 18:3

  • "πορνείας" (porneias, G4202) — This word is often translated as "fornication" but can also mean broader sexual immorality or unfaithfulness. In Revelation, it is frequently used as a symbol for spiritual unfaithfulness or idolatry, not just literal immorality.
  • "θυμοῦ" (thymou, G2372) — Translated as "wrath," this word carries the sense of passionate anger or intense emotion. Here, it suggests that the consequences of Babylon’s actions are not just casual but provoke a strong, destructive response.
  • "ἐπλούτησαν" (eploutēsan, G4147) — This verb means "became rich." The Greek emphasizes that the merchants' wealth is a direct result of their involvement with Babylon’s "delicacies," highlighting the lure and reward of participating in her system.
  • "στρήνους" (strēnous, G4764) — Translated as "delicacies," this word refers to luxury, sensual living, or self-indulgence. The Greek points to more than just wealth; it’s about living in extravagant excess.

Why Revelation 18:3 matters

  • Revelation 18:3 clarifies that the problem is not just individual sin but a widespread, systemic corruption that draws in nations, leaders, and economic powers.
  • The verse emphasizes how seductive and far-reaching the influence of "Babylon" is, showing that even those who seem powerful or distant are caught up in her ways.
  • Understanding the symbolic use of words like "fornication" and "delicacies" helps readers see that the warning is about more than just physical acts—it’s about spiritual and societal compromise on a grand scale.

Where else these words appear

“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 18:11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
  • Revelation 18:15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

“fornication” Greek G4203 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
  • Revelation 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

“rich” Greek G4147 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
  • Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

“wrath” Greek G2372 · used in 18 verses

  • Luke 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,
  • Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
  • Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.