Definition: 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;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 18:22. It's a really powerful and symbolic message about the end times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that all kinds of work – all crafts, professions, and even labor – will cease to exist. It’s a complete and utter cessation of activity. Let's unpack the details: “And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters…” : These are people who create music, write songs, and perform in public – think street performers, musicians, and those involved in entertainment. “…shall be heard no more at all in thee” : This is a crucial part. It means that all of these activities will stop completely. There won’t be any more people creating or performing. “And no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee” : This is the big one. “Craft” here refers to all kinds of labor – from building things to farming to manufacturing. It means no one will be working . It’s a complete absence of human activity. “And the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee” : This is perhaps the most striking image. A millstone grinds and produces sound. This verse speaks to the cessation of all production – the sounds of work, the grinding of things, the manufacturing process itself. What’s the Big Picture? The Bible often uses imagery of judgment and destruction in Revelation. This verse is a key part of understanding that message. It suggests: A Time of Judgment: This isn't just about ending the world; it’s about a period where everything we've built – our lives, our work, our creations – will be brought to an end. The End of Creation (Potentially): Some interpretations suggest that this ending could represent the complete destruction of all creation as well, but this is debated among theologians. Important Note: It’s important to remember that this verse describes a future event . It doesn't mean that we will immediately and completely stop working. It speaks about a period of intense judgment and eventual rest. In short, Revelation 18:22 warns us of a time when all human activity will cease, and the sounds of labor and creation will be silenced. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to other stories or themes in the Bible? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse?