Revelation 18:3
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Revelation 18:3 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Revelation describes the judgment and downfall of a powerful and corrupt entity known as Babylon the Great. In biblical symbolism, Babylon represents a false and wicked system that leads people away from God and towards sinful practices. The "wine of the wrath of her fornication" symbolizes the intoxication and seduction of the nations by her deceitful ways. The "kings of the earth" and "merchants of the earth" engaging in fornication with her signifies the widespread influence and corruptive power she holds over political and economic systems. The phrase "are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies" highlights how this corrupt system leads people to seek material wealth and pleasures at the expense of their spiritual well-being. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning about the dangers of succumbing to worldly temptations and straying from the path of righteousness.
Theological Overview
Revelation 18:3 highlights the consequences of engaging in sinful ways and following false idols. The imagery of drinking the wine of the wrath of her fornication symbolizes the indulgence in worldly pleasures and the lure of sinful desires. The reference to "all nations" emphasizes the universal nature of the temptation to stray from the path of righteousness. The mention of the kings of the earth and merchants becoming wealthy through her deceitful ways serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to the temptations of material wealth and power. This verse underscores the importance of staying true to one's faith and resisting the allure of worldly attractions that ultimately lead to spiritual corruption and destruction.
Revelation 18:3 in other translations
American Standard Version
For by the wine of the wrath of her fornication all the nations are fallen; and the kings of the earth committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth waxed rich by the power of her wantonness.
World English Bible
For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her sexual immorality, the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from the abundance of her luxury.”
Douay-Rheims
Because all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication: and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; And the merchants of the earth have been made rich by the power of her delicacies.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For all nations haue drunken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the Kings of the earth haue committed fornication with her, and the marchants of the earth are waxed rich of the abundance of her pleasures.