Definition: And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 18:9. It’s a pretty intense and symbolic verse, and it speaks to a really significant idea about the end times. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a future time when powerful, corrupt rulers – specifically kings – who have engaged in immoral and lavish affairs with a woman (represented by “her”) will experience profound sorrow and regret. It’s essentially saying they’ll be haunted by the consequences of their actions. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication…” : This refers to powerful rulers – monarchs, leaders, and those in positions of authority – who have engaged in sexual relationships outside of marriage. It’s not just casual dating; we’re talking about deeply immoral behavior. “…and lived deliciously with her.” : This is the key part. The kings are described as living a life of extreme pleasure, luxury, and perhaps even indulgence, with someone (the “her” mentioned earlier). It suggests a lifestyle that prioritizes worldly pleasures over spiritual values. “Shall bewail her, and lament for her…” : This is the emotional consequence. They will mourn the loss of this person – likely a queen or ruler – who was brought down by their immoral actions. It’s not just sadness; it's a deep sense of regret and sorrow for what they’ve done. “When they shall see the smoke of her burning…” : This is the apocalyptic part. The "smoke" represents the consequences of their behavior – a fiery punishment, a complete destruction, or a period of intense suffering. It suggests that their actions will have devastating repercussions. What does this mean in a broader sense? It’s about spiritual corruption: The verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of worldly power and the importance of remaining upright and righteous. It speaks to judgment: Revelation 18:9 suggests that God will ultimately judge those who prioritize their own desires over spiritual values. It's not just about punishment for individual actions, but about the whole system – the political landscape – being judged. Important Note: The Bible is full of symbolism and figurative language. This verse is open to interpretation, and different people might draw different meanings from it. However, generally, it’s a powerful message about the importance of moral integrity and the potential consequences of wrongdoing. --- To help me tailor this explanation further for you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better? (e.g., its historical context, its symbolic meaning, or its relevance to modern society?)