Revelation 18:15

15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing

Revelation 18:15 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 18:15

The merchants of these things
Before mentioned, who have traded in them for themselves and for Rome:

which were made rich by her,
see ( Revelation 18:3 )

shall stand afar off for fear of her torment;
as the kings of the earth before, ( Revelation 18:10 ) being conscious to themselves of their being partners in her crimes, and so might justly fear they should share in her punishment; and it may be, they will outwardly deny they are now of her religion, and will externally embrace the reformed religion; though they will be inwardly weeping and wailing for the destruction of Rome, and the loss of their merchandise and goodly things.

Revelation 18:15 In-Context

13 and cinnamon, and perfumes, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat; and cattle, and sheep, and horses, and chariots; and slaves, and the souls of men.

14 "And the fruits that thy soul lusted after have departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly have departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing

16 and saying, `Alas! Alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and bedecked with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17 For in one hour such great riches have come to nought!' "And every shipmaster and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off;