What does Revelation 17:2 mean?

"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." - Revelation 17:2

"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." - Revelation 17:2

Revelation 17:2 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is the final book of the New Testament and is attributed to the apostle John. It is a highly symbolic and apocalyptic work that is full of vivid and dramatic imagery. The passage in question comes from a vision that John experiences in which he witnesses a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, covered in blasphemous names, and holding a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.

The woman in this passage is often interpreted as symbolizing the city of Babylon, which in the biblical tradition represents the epitome of human sinfulness and idolatry. The fornication and drunkenness referred to symbolizes the seductive and corrupting influence that Babylon has over the rulers and inhabitants of the earth. The kings of the earth, in this context, represent the political powers and rulers of the world, while the inhabitants of the earth represent the general population who have been drawn into Babylon's sinful ways.

The imagery of fornication and drunkenness is used to convey the idea of spiritual adultery and the intoxicating allure of worldly pleasures and temptations. The notion of spiritual fornication is a common theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing unfaithfulness and idolatry towards God. In this context, the kings of the earth are portrayed as having forsaken their allegiance to God and instead given themselves over to the seductive influences of Babylon.

The concept of being made drunk with the wine of her fornication is a metaphor for being spiritually misled and deceived by Babylon's false teachings and corrupted values. It speaks to the corrupting and intoxicating nature of sin and the allure of worldly pleasures that lead people astray from the path of righteousness.

In a broader sense, this passage can be seen as a warning against the seductive power of worldly temptations and the dangers of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder of the corrupting influence of power and wealth, and the need for spiritual vigilance and faithfulness in the face of such temptations. It also highlights the consequences of spiritual adultery and the ultimate judgment that will befall those who align themselves with the sinful ways of Babylon.

The passage also speaks to the broader theme of the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the eventual downfall of the forces of sin and corruption. Throughout the book of Revelation, there is a recurring theme of the eventual judgment and destruction of Babylon and its allies, as well as the ultimate victory of God and his faithful followers. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of aligning oneself with the forces of evil and the ultimate triumph of righteousness in the divine plan.

Overall, Revelation 17:2 is a powerful and evocative passage that conveys important themes of spiritual vigilance, the corrupting influence of sin, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It serves as a poignant warning against the seductive allure of worldly temptations and the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. Through its vivid and dramatic imagery, it conveys a timeless message of faithfulness and the ultimate victory of righteousness in the divine plan.

Have questions about Revelation 17:2?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Revelation 17:2 Artwork

Revelation 17:2 - "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

Revelation 17:2 - "With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."

"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." - Revelation 17:2

"With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication." - Revelation 17:2

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

Revelation 17:14

2 Corinthians 5:17

2 Corinthians 5:17

Acts 2:17

Acts 2:17

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 17:3-4

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 13:16-17

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:3-6

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"

Revelation 2:17 - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Revelation 2:17 - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 17:18 - "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."

Revelation 14:17 - "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."

Revelation 14:17 - "And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle."

Revelation 17:5 - "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

Revelation 17:5 - "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."

Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."

Revelation 21:17 - "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."

Revelation 21:17 - "And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel."

Revelation 13:17 - "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Revelation 13:17 - "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

Revelation 21:2

Revelation 21:2

Revelation 21:2

Revelation 21:2

Revelation 16:2

Revelation 16:2