Revelation 18:22
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This passage paints a picture of absolute desolation by detailing the cessation of everything that makes a city thrive: no more celebrations (music), no more productivity (craftsmen), and not even the basic hum of daily life (grinding mills). It shows that destruction here isn't just about emptiness, but the silencing of every sound of human activity, both joyful and essential.
and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in you no more,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the utter desolation of a great, prosperous city that has been judged by God. It echoes prophecies against ancient cities like Babylon and Tyre, emphasizing the complete cessation of all life, joy, and industry. The silencing of music, the disappearance of all craftspeople, and the end of the grinding mill signify a total end to commerce, culture, and daily living.
Imagine a city that was once the heart of all celebration – music, art, daily life – now utterly silent. What does this profound stillness tell us about its fate?
This passage paints a stark picture of complete devastation by listing what won't be heard anymore.
The Sounds of Joy Vanish
This isn't just a cessation of noise; it's the eradication of everything that made the city vibrant and alive.
Why would the Bible describe judgment using such familiar sounds of everyday life? It's a powerful way to connect past warnings with future finality.
The prophetic voice in Revelation often draws on earlier prophecies to underscore the seriousness and consistency of God's judgment.
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A Pattern of Divine Warning
What happens when a city renowned for its influence, wealth, and culture is reduced to nothing? This verse reveals the finality of judgment on worldly systems.
Revelation 18 describes the fall of a powerful, corrupt system symbolized by 'Babylon.' The silencing of all sounds represents more than just physical destruction; it's the ultimate collapse of worldly power and influence.
More Than Just Ruins
This isn't just about a city falling; it's about the definitive end of any human system that rivals God's authority and deceives His people.
The imagery of silence replacing music and labor directly echoes Old Testament prophecies against cities like Jerusalem and Tyre, emphasizing a total and final destruction. This connection highlights that the 'Babylon' described in Revelation represents not just a literal city, but a symbol of oppressive, idolatrous systems that will be utterly judged by God.
Late 8th century BC
Prophecy against Israel's Idolatry
The prophet Isaiah warns of judgment, describing a future desolation where sounds of celebration and daily life will cease.
c. 600 BC
Jerusalem's Coming Desolation
Jeremiah prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and the cessation of joy, music, and essential labor, marking a period of Babylonian exile.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, deporting its people and destroying its temple, bringing an end to its vibrant city life.
c. AD 60-70
Paul's Letters to the Churches
Paul writes letters like to the Philippians and Romans, addressing spiritual life and the challenges of living as believers in a world influenced by Roman culture and power.
c. AD 95— this verse
The Book of Revelation Written
John writes Revelation from exile on Patmos, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian, to encourage persecuted Christians and warn against the corrupting influences of the Roman Empire.
This passage vividly describes the cessation of joy, music, and even the grinding of grain as a sign of complete desolation, directly echoing the imagery used for Babylon's destruction in Revelation.
Isaiah 14:11Similar to Revelation, this verse speaks of the downfall of Babylon, stating that 'the sound of stringed instruments' will cease, highlighting the end of revelry and power associated with the fallen city.
Ezekiel 26:13When prophesying the destruction of Tyre, a city known for its wealth and trade, Ezekiel foretells the end of music and craftsmanship, mirroring the complete economic and cultural cessation described in Revelation.
Isaiah 24:8This verse paints a picture of desolation where the joy of music, feasting, and everyday sounds like the millstone will cease, aligning with the theme of total ruin in Revelation 18.
ellicottRevelation 18:22: "And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;"
(22, 23) And the voice of harpers . . . —Better, the sound , . . The sounds of mirth and triumph, &c., cease: the sound of harpers, and musicians, and flute-players, and trumpeters, shall not be heard in thee ANY MORE: the…
barnesRevelation 18:22: "And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;"
And the voice of harpers - Those who play on the harp. This was usually accompanied with singing. The idea, in this verse and the following, is substantially the same as in the previous parts of the chapter, that the mysti…
This passage paints a picture of absolute desolation by detailing the cessation of everything that makes a city thrive: no more celebrations (music), no more productivity (craftsmen), and not even the basic hum of daily life (grinding mills). It shows that destruction here isn't just about emptiness, but the silencing of every sound of human activity, both joyful and essential.
This passage describes the utter desolation of a great, prosperous city that has been judged by God. It echoes prophecies against ancient cities like Babylon and Tyre, emphasizing the complete cessation of all life, joy, and industry. The silencing of music, the disappearance of all craftspeople, and the end of the grinding mill signify a total end to commerce, culture, and daily living.
This passage describes the utter desolation of a great, prosperous city that has been judged by God. It echoes prophecies against ancient cities like Babylon and Tyre, emphasizing the complete cessation of all life, joy, and industry. The silencing of music, the disappearance of all craftspeople, and the end of the grinding mill signify a total end to commerce, culture, and daily living.
"and the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will be heard in you no more, and a craftsman of any craft will be found in you no more, and the sound of the mill will be heard in y…" — This passage paints a picture of absolute desolation by detailing the cessation of everything that makes a city thrive: no more celebrations (music), no more productivity (craftsmen), and not even…
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Last reviewed October 2026
