Revelation 18:3

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 18:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Revelation 18:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3For 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, etc.] That is, all the nations of the Roman empire, the European nations, otherwise the Pagan and Mahometan nations have not; but these have, being made to drink by her, and made drunk therewith, that is, with her idolatries; (see Gill on “<661408>Revelation 14:8”). And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; joined with her in her idolatrous worship and practices, and encouraged the same, and obliged their subjects to them in their dominions; (see Gill on “<661702>Revelation 17:2”). And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies; or “luxury”; which is not to be…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“drunk-- Rev 14:8, from which perhaps "the wine" may have been interpolated. They have drunk of her fornication, the consequence of which will be wrath to themselves. But A, B, and C read, "(owing to the wrath of her fornication all nations) have fallen." Vulgate and most versions read as English Version, which may be the right reading though not supported by the oldest manuscripts. Babylon, the whore, is destroyed before the beast slays the two witnesses (Rev 11:7), and then the beast himself is destroyed. the wine--so B, Syriac, and Coptic. But A, C, and Vulgate omit. abundance--literally, "power." delicacies--Greek, "luxury." See on Ti1 5:11, where the Greek verb "wax wanton" is akin to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication - See the notes on Revelation 14:8. This is given as a reason why this utter ruin had come upon her. She had beguiled and corrupted the nations of the earth, leading them into estrangement from God, and into pollution and sin. See the notes on Revelation 9:20-21. And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her - Spiritual adultery; that is, she has been the means of seducing them from God and leading them into sinful practices. And the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies - The word rendered “abundance” here, means commonly “power.” It might here denote influence,…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:3 extravagant luxury: Rome plundered conquered nations of their wealth before God’s justice fell on her.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“all: Rev 18:9, Rev 14:8, Rev 17:2; Jer 51:7 the merchants: Rev 18:11-17, Rev 18:23; Isa 47:15; Pe2 2:1-3 abundance: or, power, Pro 23:1-3 her delicacies: Jer 51:34; Lam 4:5; Luk 7:25 Revelation 18:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification