1. Revelation 18:15 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does John repeat that the merchants were “weeping and mourning”?

Revelation 18:15 (ESV)

15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,

Note that the word “aloud” is not in the Greek; the ESV translators have added it probably to indicate that the lament of Revelation 18:16 was audible (as opposed to a whisper). John had already indicated in Revelation 18:11 that the merchants were weeping and mourning. The repetition serves to stress the point. It also gives colour to the lament of Revelation 18:16; it is an emotional lament voiced through tears.