Revelation 18:17 - Exposition

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought; because ( ὅτι ) in one hour was made desolate that so great wealth. This is given as the reason of the "Woe, woe!" of Revelation 18:16 , and is to be connected with the preceding clauses. (On "one hour," see Revelation 18:10 , where the same reason is given as in this verse.) And every shipmaster; pilot; found only here and in Acts 27:11 . And all the company in ships; and every one who saileth to a place. Such is probably the correct text, though there are several small variations. The Authorized Version has little support. The Revised Version renders, And every one that saileth anywhither. And sailors, and as many as trade by sea; as many as work the sea; i.e. gain their living by means of the sea. Thus are enumerated all who are connected with the sea in any capacity (cf. Ezekiel 27:27 ). Stood afar off. Like the kings ( Acts 27:10 ) and the merchants ( Acts 27:15 ), and doubtless for the same reason; viz. to avoid being overwhelmed in the destruction of the city.