King James Version

What Does Revelation 17:2 Mean?

Revelation 17:2 in the King James Version says “With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with ...” — study this verse from Revelation chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

1

And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

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.

3

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

4

And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: decked: Gr. gilded

Read Revelation 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.... This verse from Revelation's vision of babylon the harlot - false religion, political-religious alliance judged employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 17:2 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
μεθ'1 of 19

“With”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἧς2 of 19

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπόρνευσαν3 of 19

“have committed fornication”

G4203

to act the harlot, i.e., (literally) indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practise idolatry

οἱ4 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλεῖς5 of 19

“the kings”

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

τῆς6 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν7 of 19

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

καὶ8 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐμεθύσθησαν9 of 19

“have been made drunk”

G3184

to drink to intoxication, i.e., get drunk

ἐκ10 of 19

“with”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ11 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἴνου12 of 19

“the wine”

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τῆς13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πορνείας14 of 19

“fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

αὐτῆς15 of 19

“of her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οἱ16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατοικοῦντες17 of 19

“the inhabitants”

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

τὴν18 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆν19 of 19

“of the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 17:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 17:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 14:8Jeremiah 51:7Revelation 18:3Revelation 18:9Revelation 18:23Revelation 17:17

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