ῥέδα

a chariot

Definition

ῥέδα (reda) is a Greek noun meaning a chariot, specifically a four-wheeled carriage or wagon used for transport. In the New Testament, it appears only in Revelation 18:13, listed among the luxury goods traded by Babylon the Great. Unlike the more common Greek word for war chariot (ἅρμα, harma), ῥέδα typically denotes a civilian vehicle for carrying goods or passengers. Its single biblical occurrence emphasizes material wealth and commerce in a context of divine judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 18:13. It appears in a long inventory of merchandise—including gold, silver, slaves, and livestock—that merchants lament losing when Babylon falls. Here, ῥέδα represents a high-value item of trade, highlighting the economic extravagance and corruption of the symbolic city. No other New Testament book uses this specific term.

Etymology

ῥέδα is a loanword from Latin 'rheda,' meaning a four-wheeled traveling carriage or coach. It entered Greek through common usage in the Roman Empire, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influence of Rome. The word itself has Gaulish origins, pointing to the Celtic design of such vehicles. Its adoption into Greek illustrates the practical vocabulary shared across the empire for everyday objects.

Semantic Range

While ῥέδα itself is an ordinary object, its theological significance in Revelation 18:13 lies in its symbolic context. It is part of a catalogue detailing Babylon's opulence and moral decay, illustrating how material wealth and trade can become idols that distance society from God. Understanding this specific term—a luxury transport—enriches the reader's grasp of the passage's critique of economic exploitation and worldly attachment in light of God's coming judgment.

In the Roman world, a ῥέδα was a sturdy, four-wheeled wagon used for long-distance travel and transporting goods, often drawn by mules or horses. It was associated with trade, commerce, and relatively affluent travel, distinct from military or racing chariots. This cultural understanding underscores its listing in Revelation as a commodity of value, reflecting the extensive trade networks and material prosperity of the ancient Mediterranean.

ἅρμα (harma, G716) — a chariot, often for war or racing; more common in biblical Greek. ἅμαξα (hamaxa, G?) — a wagon or cart, typically for heavy loads.

Word Details

Scripture References