Expert: Dean Gade - 8/14/2006

Question
Hey there dean i was wondering if you could please tell me if the greek word in revelation 18:13 where it says the word oil could possibly mean oil as in the stuff we use in our cars. I know that of course cars did not exist back then but could this word be used to mean car oil ? thank you very much... oh and just out of interset who do you think bablyon the great is.. God bless you  

Answer
The Greek word is "elaion" and means "olive-oil" (one word).  

Babylon the Great has been interpreted as Sodom, Egypt and even Rome.   It stands for any center for the antichrists.

I don't know that it is so much a geographical place as it is a mindset against Jesus as the Son of God and savior of all will recieve Him.  This opinion is supported by the inability to stay with one place.  But mine is only an opinion.  We should always be aware of who we are fighting:

Eph 6:12-14
2 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
(from New International Version)