Revelation 18:16

Afrikaans (NLV) 2011

terwyl hulle sê: “Hoe vreeslik, hoe vreeslik is dit tog vir die groot stad, uitgevat in fyn linneklere, pers en bloedrooi, en opgesmuk met goud, kosbare stene en pêrels.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes people lamenting over the fall of a great and wealthy city, dressed in luxurious fabrics and decorated with precious metals and gems. The speaker is expressing sorrow or mourning over this downfall.

Explained for Children

Imagine you had a favorite toy store that was very fancy inside, like it was full of beautiful things. Now imagine if suddenly, the store closed down. You might say, 'Oh no! That nice store is gone!' This verse is about people feeling sad because something big and pretty has been lost.

Historical Background

The Book of Revelation was written by John around 96 AD to seven churches in Asia Minor. It describes visions given to him by Jesus Christ, predicting future events including the downfall of a city representing oppressive systems or empires.

Living It Out Today

Imagine a community that once thrived economically but due to corruption and greed, it declines rapidly. This verse can remind us to be wary of becoming too attached to material wealth and power at the expense of moral and ethical values.

Topics

• judgment
• wealth
• lamentation
• end times
• corruption
• oppression

Related Verses

• Isaiah 23:1
• Jeremiah 50:8
• Ezekiel 26:7
• Luke 4:18
• Revelation 19:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Revelation 18:16?

The speakers are mourners or witnesses of the fall of a great city, likely symbolic of an oppressive system.

What does 'clothed in fine linen' symbolize in this verse?

Fine linen often symbolizes wealth and purity, but here it may represent excessive luxury and materialism that led to downfall.

How does Revelation 18:16 fit into the overall theme of Revelation?

It fits within the apocalyptic genre warning against the dangers of greed and corruption, which lead to judgment and downfall.

Can you provide a real-world example relating to this verse?

The fall of ancient empires like Babylon can be paralleled here, as well as modern examples where excessive wealth led to moral decline and collapse.