What does Revelation 18:13 mean?

And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. Revelation 18:13

Explanation

Revelation 18:13 is part of a larger passage that describes the fall of Babylon, which allegorically represents the corrupt world system opposed to God. The verse lists luxurious and valuable commodities traded in this great city, which is a hub of commerce and wealth. It speaks against the materialism and decadence of a society that places wealth and commerce above moral and spiritual values. The mention of slaves and souls of men at the end of the verse particularly underscores the dehumanization and commodification of human life within this corrupt system.

On a literal level, the mentioned items – ranging from spices, oils, and foodstuffs to livestock and modes of transportation – represent the trade goods of the time and signify prosperity. However, the deeper meaning reveals the critique of a system that measures success by wealth and trade, ignoring ethical considerations.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation was written in the late first century AD, a time when the early Christian church was experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. The extravagance of Rome, with its extensive trade networks and opulent lifestyle, likely provided the backdrop for the portrayal of Babylon. The trade goods listed were common and highly valued in the Roman world. The use of ‘Babylon’ symbolizes Rome and its empire’s perceived decadence and moral decay from the Christian perspective of the time. Revelation’s author, traditionally identified as John, writes apocalyptic literature to encourage the churches to remain faithful despite persecution.

Theological Insights

Interpreters often approach Revelation from various theological viewpoints:

• Preterist View: This view interprets Revelation as describing events of the distant past, particularly relevant to the first-century Christians. The fall of ‘Babylon’ would relate to the decline of the Roman Empire and its economic system.
• Futurist View: Many modern evangelical interpreters see this verse as a prophecy about a future end-times city or system that epitomizes evil and will be judged by God.
• Idealist View: This perspective sees Revelation as timeless, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between good and evil, with the corrupt city representing any society that values wealth over human dignity.
• Historicist View: Historically, some have viewed the verse as a prediction of successive historical periods and significant events, such as the corruption and eventual decline of various empires and institutions.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve as a warning against materialism and the devaluation of human life in pursuit of wealth. It can inspire believers to prioritize moral integrity and spiritual values over economic gain. It challenges individuals to consider the ethical implications of their consumption and to support systems that respect human dignity.

Cross-References

• Revelation 18:11-12 – The verses immediately preceding this one list additional merchandise that will no longer be traded.
• Ezekiel 27:12-24 – This passage lists the trade goods of Tyre, another city judged for its pride and material excess.
• James 5:1-6 – A warning to rich oppressors who have hoarded wealth and lived in luxury on the earth.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Revelation 18:13 include:

• “καὶ κιννάμωμον” (kinnamomon): Cinnamon, a spice valued for its aroma.
• “καὶ ἄμωμον” (amomon): Probably refers to an aromatic resin used in incense.
• “καὶ μύρον” (myron): A generic term for ointment or perfumed oil.
• “καὶ οἴνου” (oinou): Wine, a common staple in ancient trade.
• “καὶ ἑλαίου” (elaion): Olive oil, essential in ancient diets and also used for anointing.
• “καὶ σεμιδάλιν” (semidalin): Fine flour, indicative of luxury as opposed to coarse bread.
• “καὶ σίτου” (sito): Wheat, a basic food commodity.
• “καὶ κτηνῶν” (ktenon): Beasts or cattle, symbolic of wealth and sacrificial offerings.
• “καὶ προβάτων” (probaton): Sheep, also associated with wealth and sacrifices.
• “καὶ ἵππων” (hippon): Horses, representing transport, warfare, and prestige.
• “καὶ ῥεδῶν” (rhedon): Chariots, again a symbol of wealth and military power.
• “καὶ σωμάτων” (soma): Bodies or slaves, indicating human beings reduced to trade goods.
• “καὶ ψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων” (psychas anthropon): Souls of men, suggesting the complete merchandising of humans.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Ancient civilizations, such as Rome, Babylon, and Egypt, commonly valued many of the items listed in this verse, and they were symbols of wealth and power. The condemnation of Babylon could easily be associated with critiques found in other ancient texts dealing with moral decline, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh or the stories of the Old Testament prophets who railed against Israel and other nations for similar reasons.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the items listed in the verse have historical significance as trade goods that were essential for economic development. They reflect the agricultural, economic, and social structures of the time. Modern archeology and anthropology can provide insights into the trade networks and the social implications of the commodities markets in ancient civilizations.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations for Revelation 18:13. Some emphasize the historical critique of Rome’s decadence. Others see in this verse a call for justice and a warning against the dangers of economic prosperity being built on the exploitation of others. The end of the verse – the mention of “slaves, and souls of men” – is often highlighted as a particularly damning indictment of the dehumanization inherent in such a society. Commentators also note the apocalyptic style of Revelation, warning against taking its imagery too literally, instead of seeing it as a symbolic representation of spiritual truths.