Revelation 18:17

One hour. See on chs. 17:12; 18:8.

So great riches. Or, “all this wealth” (see on vs. 7, 11–14).

Is come to nought. Literally, “has been made desolate” (see on ch. 17:16).

Shipmaster Gr. kubernētēs, “helmsman,” meaning the officer in charge of navigating a ship, whether or not he does the actual steering—not its owner (cf. Acts 27:11). In highly figurative language (see on Rev. 18:9) John proceeds to develop the picture suggested by the “merchants” and their trade (vs. 11–15).

All the company in ships. Or, “everyone sailing for a place,” presumably to engage in trade. This may be taken in apposition with “shipmaster,” the two expressions thus reading, “every ship’s captain, that is, everyone sailing for a place.” The picture is of a ship’s captain taking his ship from one port to another to engage in trade.

Trade by sea. Literally, “work the sea,” that is, obtain a living from the sea, in contrast with those who do so by working the land. This would include such occupations as shipbuilding, fishing, pearl diving, and gathering the shellfish from which purple dye was extracted (see on Luke 16:19). Compare Eze. 26:17; 27:26–32.

Stood afar off. See on v. 10.