Revelation 18:13

Odours. Rather, “incense.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the addition of amōmon, a “spice” extracted from a fragrant plant that grows in India, between the words “cinnamon” and “odours.”

Ointments. Gr. muron, “myrrh” (see on Matt. 2:11).

Frankincense. See on Matt. 2:11.

Wine. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of this word.

Beasts. Gr. ktēnē, domesticated animals such as cattle and beasts of burden. Here probably cattle alone are meant.

Chariots. Gr. rhedai, a loan word from the Gallic, or Celtic introduced into Asia Minor by the Gauls who became the Galatians. Rhedai really does not mean chariots, but four-wheeled travel coaches. The use of this word in Revelation suggests that the author had lived in Asia Minor and had acquired a term familiar in that area.

Slaves. Literally, “bodies” (cf. Rom. 8:11; etc.). As an item of trade, of course, this would mean “slaves.”

And souls of men. Rather, “that is, human beings.” In the Bible the word “soul” often means “human being,” or “person” (see on Ps. 16:10; Matt. 10:28). Compare, “of men an hundred thousand” (1 Chron. 5:21), literally, “of the souls of men an hundred thousand”; “they traded the persons of men” (Eze. 27:13), literally, “they traded the souls of men.” Some have considered “souls of men” here to be a reference to the spiritual nature of the human beings under consideration.