King James Version

What Does Revelation 19:2 Mean?

Revelation 19:2 in the King James Version says “For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her forni... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Revelation 19:2 · KJV


Context

1

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

2

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

3

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

4

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.... This verse from Revelation's vision of hallelujah chorus, marriage supper, christ's return - final victory, word of god rides forth 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 19:2 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 · 32 words
ὅτι1 of 32

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀληθιναὶ2 of 32

true

G228

truthful

καὶ3 of 32

and

G2532

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

δίκαιαι4 of 32

righteous

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

αἱ5 of 32
G3588

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

κρίσεις6 of 32

judgments

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

αὐτῆς7 of 32

are his

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

ὅτι8 of 32

For

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔκρινεν9 of 32

he hath judged

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τὴν10 of 32
G3588

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

πόρνην11 of 32

whore

G4204

a strumpet; figuratively, an idolater

τὴν12 of 32
G3588

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

μεγάλην13 of 32

the great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἥτις14 of 32

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἔφθειρεν15 of 32

did corrupt

G5351

properly, to shrivel or wither, i.e., to spoil (by any process) or (generally) to ruin (especially figuratively, by moral influences, to deprave)

τὴν16 of 32
G3588

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

γῆν17 of 32

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)

ἐν18 of 32

with

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ19 of 32
G3588

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

πορνείᾳ20 of 32

fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

αὐτῆς21 of 32

are his

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

καὶ22 of 32

and

G2532

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

ἐξεδίκησεν23 of 32

hath avenged

G1556

to vindicate, retaliate, punish

τὸ24 of 32
G3588

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

αἷμα25 of 32

the blood

G129

blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k

τῶν26 of 32
G3588

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

δούλων27 of 32

servants

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτῆς28 of 32

are his

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

ἐκ29 of 32

at

G1537

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

τῆς30 of 32
G3588

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

χειρὸς31 of 32

hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτῆς32 of 32

are his

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


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 19:2 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 19:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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