Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Revelation 18:12 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Revelation lists various valuable items such as gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, thyine wood, ivory, precious wood, brass, iron, and marble. These items were often associated with wealth, luxury, and opulence in ancient times. The mention of these materials in the context of apocalyptic imagery serves to highlight the contrast between earthly riches and spiritual values. By listing these lavish items, the verse conveys a sense of worldly excess and materialism, emphasizing the fleeting nature of material possessions in the grand scheme of things. It prompts readers to reflect on the transitory nature of wealth and the importance of focusing on spiritual treasures that have eternal significance. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder to prioritize spiritual values over material wealth and to not be consumed by the pursuit of earthly possessions.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Revelation lists a variety of luxurious items that were commonly traded in the ancient world. The mention of gold, silver, and precious stones signifies wealth and opulence. Fine linen, purple, and silk were highly sought after for their quality and rarity. Thyine wood was known for its fragrance and was often used in the making of expensive furniture and perfume containers. Ivory and precious wood vessels were symbols of luxury and craftsmanship. Brass, iron, and marble were valuable materials used in construction and art. This list of valuable merchandise serves as a reminder of the material wealth and extravagance that can distract individuals from spiritual matters. In a theological interpretation, this verse could be seen as a warning against the temptation of worldly possessions and the importance of focusing on spiritual riches instead of material goods.
Revelation 18:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
World English Bible
merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
Douay-Rheims
Merchandise of gold and silver and precious stones: and of pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet: and all thyine wood: and all manner of vessels of ivory: and all manner of vessels of precious stone and of brass and of iron and of marble:
Geneva Bible (1599)
The ware of golde, and siluer, and of precious stone, and of pearles, and of fine linnen, and of purple, and of silke, and of skarlet, and of all maner of Thyne wood, and of all vessels of yuorie, and of all vessels of most precious wood, and of brasse, and of yron, and of marble,