Revelation 18:17
New International Version
In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ “Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off.

New Living Translation
In a single moment all the wealth of the city is gone!” And all the captains of the merchant ships and their passengers and sailors and crews will stand at a distance.

English Standard Version
For in a single hour all this wealth has been laid waste.” And all shipmasters and seafaring men, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off

Berean Standard Bible
For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance

Berean Literal Bible
For in one hour such great wealth has been brought to desolation." And every shipmaster, and all those sailing to a place, and sailors, and as many as trade by the sea, stood at a distance,

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who travel by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance

New American Standard Bible
for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and all who make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,

NASB 1995
for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,

NASB 1977
for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,

Legacy Standard Bible
for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,

Amplified Bible
because in one hour all the vast wealth has been laid waste.’ And every ship captain or navigator, and every passenger and sailor, and all who make their living by the sea, stood a long way off,

Christian Standard Bible
for in a single hour such fabulous wealth was destroyed! And every shipmaster, seafarer, the sailors, and all who do business by sea, stood far off

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for in a single hour such fabulous wealth was destroyed! And every shipmaster, seafarer, the sailors, and all who do business by sea, stood far off

American Standard Version
for in one hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off,

Contemporary English Version
Yet in a single hour her riches disappeared." Every ship captain and passenger and sailor stood at a distance, together with everyone who does business by traveling on the sea.

English Revised Version
for in one hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any whither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In one moment all this wealth has been destroyed!' Every ship's captain, everyone who traveled by ship, sailors, and everyone who made their living from the sea stood far away.

Good News Translation
And in one hour she has lost all this wealth!" All the ships' captains and passengers, the sailors and all others who earn their living on the sea, stood a long way off,

International Standard Version
because all this wealth has been destroyed in a single hour!" Every ship's captain, everyone who traveled by ship, sailors, and everyone who made a living from the sea stood far away.

Majority Standard Bible
For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance

NET Bible
because in a single hour such great wealth has been destroyed!" And every ship's captain, and all who sail along the coast--seamen, and all who make their living from the sea, stood a long way off

New Heart English Bible
For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.' Every shipmaster, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away,

Webster's Bible Translation
For in one hour so great riches is come to naught. And every ship-master, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Weymouth New Testament
because in one short hour all this great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger by sea and the crews and all who ply their trade on the sea,

World English Bible
For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.’ Every ship master, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
because in one hour so much riches were made desolate! And every shipmaster, and all the company on the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood far off,

Berean Literal Bible
For in one hour such great wealth has been brought to desolation." And every shipmaster, and all those sailing to a place, and sailors, and as many as trade by the sea, stood at a distance,

Young's Literal Translation
'And every shipmaster, and all the company upon the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, far off stood,

Smith's Literal Translation
And every pilot, and all the crowd upon ships, and the sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood from far off,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For in one hour are so great riches come to nought; and every shipmaster, and all that sail into the lake, and mariners, and as many as work in the sea, stood afar off.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For such great wealth was brought to destitution in one hour. And every shipmaster, and all who navigate on lakes, and mariners, and those who work at sea, stood far away.

New American Bible
In one hour this great wealth has been ruined.” Every captain of a ship, every traveler at sea, sailors, and seafaring merchants stood at a distance

New Revised Standard Version
For in one hour all this wealth has been laid waste!” And all shipmasters and seafarers, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And every shipmaster, and all the travelers in ships, and sailors, and all those who labor at sea stood afar off,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For the wealth is lost in one hour!” In this way also, every ship Navigator, everyone traveling in a ship to places, and the ship Captains, and everyone who does business at sea, stood from a distance,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And every master of a ship, and every one in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood far off,

Godbey New Testament
And every pilot, and every one sailing to the place, both the sailors and so many as traverse the sea, stood a long way off,

Haweis New Testament
And every pilot, and all the crew in the ships, and the mariners, and as many as exercise their labours on the sea, stood afar off,

Mace New Testament
her wealth is all sunk in a moment! the pilots and the passengers: the ships-crew, and the super-cargo's shall stand afar off,

Weymouth New Testament
because in one short hour all this great wealth has been laid waste!' And every shipmaster and every passenger by sea and the crews and all who ply their trade on the sea,

Worrell New Testament
because in one hour so great wealth was made desolate!' And every ship-master, and every one sailing to any place, and mariners, and as many as do business at sea, stood afar off;

Worsley New Testament
for in one hour is so great wealth laid waste. And every pilot, and all on board the ships, and the mariners, and all that traffic by sea, stood afar off,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Lament over Babylon
16saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance 18and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim.…

Cross References
Ezekiel 27:27-30
Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall. / The countryside will shake when your sailors cry out. / All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore. ...

Isaiah 23:14
Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for your harbor has been destroyed!

Jeremiah 51:13
You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come; the thread of your life is cut.

Ezekiel 27:34-36
Now you are shattered by the seas in the depths of the waters; your merchandise and the people among you have gone down with you. / All the people of the coastlands are appalled over you. Their kings shudder with fear; their faces are contorted. / Those who trade among the nations hiss at you; you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.’”

Isaiah 47:15
This is what they are to you—those with whom you have labored and traded from youth—each one strays in his own direction; not one of them can save you.

Jeremiah 50:46
At the sound of Babylon’s capture the earth will quake; a cry will be heard among the nations.

Ezekiel 27:29
All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore.

Isaiah 13:19
And Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jeremiah 51:8
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.

Ezekiel 26:16-18
All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. / Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men—she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! / Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’

Isaiah 34:10
It will not be quenched—day or night. Its smoke will ascend forever. From generation to generation it will lie desolate; no one will ever again pass through it.

Jeremiah 50:13
Because of the wrath of the LORD, she will not be inhabited; she will become completely desolate. All who pass through Babylon will be horrified and will hiss at all her wounds.

Ezekiel 27:25-27
The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. / Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. / Your wealth, wares, and merchandise, your sailors, captains, and shipwrights, your merchants and all the warriors within you, with all the other people on board, will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall.

Isaiah 23:1
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.

Jeremiah 51:64
Then you are to say, ‘In the same way Babylon will sink and never rise again, because of the disaster I will bring upon her. And her people will grow weary.’” Here end the words of Jeremiah.


Treasury of Scripture

For in one hour so great riches is come to nothing. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

in one.

Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Isaiah 47:9
But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.

Jeremiah 51:8
Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her; take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed.

And every.

Revelation 18:11
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

Isaiah 23:14
Howl, ye ships of Tarshish: for your strength is laid waste.

Ezekiel 27:27-36
Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin…

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Afar Anywhere Captain Company Desolate Earn Far Gain Great Hour Mariners Naught Nought Ply Riches Ruin Sailors Sails Sea Seafaring Ship Shipmaster Ships Stand Stood Trade Travel Wealth Wither
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Afar Anywhere Captain Company Desolate Earn Far Gain Great Hour Mariners Naught Nought Ply Riches Ruin Sailors Sails Sea Seafaring Ship Shipmaster Ships Stand Stood Trade Travel Wealth Wither
Revelation 18
1. Babylon is fallen.
4. People commanded to depart out of her.
9. The kings of the earth, with the merchants and mariners, lament over her.
20. The saints rejoice for the judgments of God upon her.














For in a single hour
This phrase emphasizes the suddenness and swiftness of the judgment that befalls Babylon, symbolizing the world system opposed to God. The Greek word for "hour" (ὥρα, hōra) can denote a specific time or moment, underscoring the immediacy and unexpectedness of the event. Historically, this reflects the biblical theme of divine judgment coming swiftly and unexpectedly, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 52). It serves as a warning to remain vigilant and prepared for the Lord's return, as echoed in Matthew 24:44.

such fabulous wealth
The term "fabulous wealth" highlights the immense prosperity and opulence of Babylon, representing the materialistic and hedonistic values of a society that prioritizes wealth over spiritual integrity. The Greek word for "wealth" (πλοῦτος, ploutos) conveys not just material riches but also abundance and prosperity. This reflects the historical context of ancient Babylon, known for its grandeur and luxury, as well as the broader biblical narrative that warns against the dangers of wealth leading to spiritual complacency and idolatry (1 Timothy 6:10).

has been destroyed
The phrase "has been destroyed" signifies the complete and utter ruin of Babylon's wealth and power. The Greek word for "destroyed" (ἠρημώθη, ērēmōthē) implies desolation and devastation, often used in the context of divine judgment. This echoes the prophetic declarations against ancient cities like Tyre and Nineveh, which were judged for their pride and wickedness (Ezekiel 26:19-21, Nahum 3). It serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all nations and powers. The destruction of Babylon is a call to repentance and a return to Godly values, emphasizing the eternal over the temporal.

THE LAMENT OF THE SHIPMASTERS (Revelation 18:17-19).--On the whole passage read Ezekiel 27:32, &c.

(17, 18) And every shipmaster. . . .--Or, better, And every shipmaster, and every one who sails for a place, and sailors, and all who work the sea, stood afar off, and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, Who is like the great city? With this expression compare the similar one applied to the beast (Revelation 13:4). It is the outcry of those who call to mind, with pain, a glory that was great, but now is gone. It is not to be taken as meaning "what city has suffered as she has?" but rather is it the recollection of her former splendour--"how great she was." This lingering of the mind over delights now vanished is one subtle element of misery. So the hapless Francesca thought--

"There is no greater woe,

Than to remember days of happiness

Amid affliction." Inf. v. 121-3.

Verse 17. - For in one hour so great riches is come to nought; because (ὅτι) in one hour was made desolate that so great wealth. This is given as the reason of the "Woe, woe!" of ver. 16, and is to be connected with the preceding clauses. (On "one hour," see ver. 10, where the same reason is given as in this verse.) And every shipmaster; pilot; found only here and in Acts 27:11. And all the company in ships; and every one who saileth to a place. Such is probably the correct text, though there are several small variations. The Authorized Version has little support. The Revised Version renders, And every one that saileth anywhither. And sailors, and as many as trade by sea; as many as work the sea; i.e. gain their living by means of the sea. Thus are enumerated all who are connected with the sea in any capacity (cf. Ezekiel 27:27). Stood afar off. Like the kings (ver. 10) and the merchants (ver. 15), and doubtless for the same reason; viz. to avoid being overwhelmed in the destruction of the city.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For [in]
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

a single
μιᾷ (mia)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.

hour
ὥρᾳ (hōra)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5610: Apparently a primary word; an 'hour'.

such fabulous
τοσοῦτος (tosoutos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5118: So great, so large, so long, so many. From tosos and houtos; so vast as this, i.e. Such.

wealth
πλοῦτος (ploutos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4149: From the base of pletho; wealth, i.e. money, possessions, or abundance, richness, valuable bestowment.

has been destroyed!”
ἠρημώθη (ērēmōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2049: (a) I make desolate, bring to desolation, destroy, waste, (b) of a person: I strip, rob. From eremos; to lay waste.

Every
πᾶς (pas)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

shipmaster,
κυβερνήτης (kybernētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2942: A steersman, pilot; met: a guide, governor. From the same as kubernesis; helmsman, i.e. captain.

passenger,
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sailor,
ναῦται (nautai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3492: A sailor, seaman. From naus; a boatman, i.e. Seaman.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

all who
ὅσοι (hosoi)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3745: How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.

make their living
ἐργάζονται (ergazontai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2038: To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor.

from the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

sea,
θάλασσαν (thalassan)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2281: Probably prolonged from hals; the sea.

will stand
ἔστησαν (estēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

at
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

a distance
μακρόθεν (makrothen)
Adverb
Strong's 3113: From a (long) distance, afar. Adverb from makros; from a distance or afar.


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NT Prophecy: Revelation 18:17 For in an hour such great riches (Rev. Re Apocalypse)
Revelation 18:16
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