New Testament

Revelation 17:2

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Revelation 17:2, the imagery of sexual immorality symbolizes the unfaithfulness of earthly powers and people towards God.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

The kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her, and the people of the earth have gotten drunk on the wine of her immorality."

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Revelation 17:2, the imagery of sexual immorality symbolizes the unfaithfulness of earthly powers and people towards God. The 'kings of the earth' represent political leaders who engage in corrupt alliances with a figure often interpreted as a corrupt religious system or false ideology. The phrase 'gotten drunk on the wine of her immorality' suggests that these leaders and their followers are intoxicated by the allure of power, wealth, and sinful practices, leading them away from true worship and righteousness. This passage highlights the dangers of compromising faith for worldly gain and the consequences of such actions, which can lead to spiritual downfall and judgment. The use of wine as a metaphor indicates that the seduction of these immoral practices can cloud judgment and lead to destructive behaviors, emphasizing the need for discernment and fidelity to God amidst societal temptations.

Key themes

judgment

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 17:2 to your life

This verse serves as a warning against compromising our values for worldly gain. It encourages believers to remain faithful to God and to be cautious of influences that may lead them away from their spiritual commitments. Staying grounded in faith helps resist the allure of temptation.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 17:2 mean by 'kings of the earth'?

In Revelation 17:2, the 'kings of the earth' symbolize political leaders and authorities who engage in corrupt practices and alliances. They represent those who compromise their integrity and values for power and influence, often aligning with corrupt systems or ideologies that oppose God's truth.

How does the imagery of sexual immorality relate to spiritual unfaithfulness?

The imagery of sexual immorality in Revelation 17:2 serves as a metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness. Just as sexual infidelity betrays trust in a relationship, the passage illustrates how people and leaders turn away from God to pursue worldly desires, corrupt ideologies, and false teachings, leading to spiritual downfall.

What does 'gotten drunk on the wine of her immorality' signify?

The phrase 'gotten drunk on the wine of her immorality' signifies being overwhelmed or intoxicated by the allure of sin and corruption. It suggests that individuals and leaders are seduced by the temptations of power, wealth, and immoral practices, which cloud their judgment and lead them away from righteousness.

What warning does Revelation 17:2 provide for modern believers?

Revelation 17:2 warns modern believers against compromising their faith for worldly gain. It encourages them to remain vigilant and faithful to God, avoiding influences that may lead them astray. The verse highlights the importance of discernment in a society filled with temptations that can distract from true worship.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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