Revelation 18:19
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Revelation 18:19 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the people of a great city are seen throwing dust on their heads and crying out in sorrow as they mourn the sudden destruction of the city. The city had been a center of great wealth and commerce, with ships from all over the sea docked at its ports. However, in just one hour, the city is desolated, causing those who had profited from its riches to lament its loss. This passage serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the consequences of living a life focused solely on material wealth. It is a warning about the dangers of placing too much importance on material goods and not considering the spiritual aspects of life. The destruction of the city serves as a cautionary tale about the impermanence of earthly treasures and the ultimate importance of seeking spiritual richness over material gain.
Theological Overview
This verse describes the reaction of people when they witness the destruction of the great city of Babylon. The act of casting dust on their heads was a sign of mourning and lamentation, a common practice in the biblical times to express deep sorrow and grief. The people are depicted as weeping and wailing in sorrow over the sudden downfall of the city, which had been a center of wealth and commerce. The phrase "Alas, alas" emphasizes the magnitude of the loss and destruction that has befallen the city. The mention of the city being destroyed in just one hour underscores the swift and complete devastation that has taken place. The theological interpretation of this verse reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly riches and power, as well as the consequences of pride and corruption. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and the transience of earthly treasures.
Revelation 18:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, Woe, woe, the great city, wherein all that had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
World English Bible
They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of her great wealth!’ For in one hour is she made desolate.
Douay-Rheims
And they cast dust upon their heads and cried, weeping and mourning, saying: Alas! alas! that great city, wherein all were made rich, that had ships at sea, by reason of her prices. For, in one hour she is made desolate.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they shall cast dust on their heads, and crie, weeping, and wayling, and say, Alas, alas, that great citie, wherein were made rich all that had ships on the sea by her costlinesse: for in one houre she is made desolate.