Definition: For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Revelation 18:17. It’s a really fascinating and somewhat unsettling passage about the end times and the ultimate fate of those who engage in commerce or trade. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – a complete and sudden destruction of all worldly wealth and activity – happening in just one hour. It suggests that everything valuable and profitable will be lost forever. Let's unpack the parts: “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought.” "Riches" refers to money, possessions, and any kind of wealth. “Came to naught” means it’s completely destroyed or vanished. This is a very strong statement – it implies total loss. “And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea…” This lists all the people involved in commerce: merchants, captains of ships, sailors, and anyone who works in trade. It’s a broad picture of everyone who relies on selling goods or services. “…stood afar off.” This is the key part. The people are physically distanced from each other – they're separated by vast distances. It suggests a complete separation, no connection or collaboration remains. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse isn’t just about literal money. It speaks to a spiritual reality: The End of the World: Revelation 18 is a prophecy about the end of times – the time when God will judge and punish those who have been living in sin and selfishness. The Vanishing of Material Wealth: It suggests that material possessions, which often bring us happiness or power, will be worthless in the end. The focus isn’t on accumulating wealth; it's about the consequences of our choices. A Spiritual Separation: The “afar off” represents a separation from God and each other – a complete absence of community and connection. Possible Interpretations (though it's open to debate): Some theologians interpret this verse as a warning against greed, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. It’s a reminder that true prosperity comes not from material possessions, but from spiritual things like love, compassion, and service to others. Important Note: This is a complex passage with many layers of symbolism. It's often interpreted in a symbolic way, rather than literally describing a single event. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., are you wondering about the symbolism, or how it relates to other biblical stories?)