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 17:2KJV
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Revelation 17:2 (KJV)

What does Revelation 17:2 mean?

Revelation 17:2 describes how the rulers (“kings of the earth”) and people everywhere have been led astray by a corrupting influence, pictured as a woman, causing them to act immorally and become spiritually confused or intoxicated. The verse uses the image of “fornication” and “wine” to show how deeply this influence has affected both leaders and ordinary people.

In this vision, John is being shown the judgment of a symbolic woman often called “Babylon the Great.” The “kings of the earth” refers to powerful rulers, while “inhabitants of the earth” means all people. The language of “fornication” and “drunkenness” is symbolic, pointing to unfaithfulness to God and being swept up in false promises or corrupt ways, not just literal immorality.

The Greek behind Revelation 17:2

  • “Fornication” (πορνεύω, porneuō and πορνεία, porneia): In Greek, these words often mean sexual immorality, but in Revelation they are used symbolically for spiritual unfaithfulness, such as idolatry or alliances with corrupt systems.
  • “Drunk” (μεθύσκω, methyskō): This word means to be made drunk or intoxicated. Here, it suggests being overwhelmed or controlled by the corrupting influence, losing clear judgment.
  • “Wine” (οἶνος, oinos): Wine is a common symbol in the Bible for both blessing and judgment. In this verse, it represents the seductive and destructive power of the woman’s influence.
  • “Kings” (βασιλεῖς, basileis) and “inhabitants” (κατοικοῦντες, katoikountes): These words emphasize that both leaders and everyday people are involved, showing the widespread reach of this influence.

Why Revelation 17:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem is not just with leaders but affects all levels of society, showing the total reach of the corrupting influence.
  • The symbolic use of “fornication” and “drunkenness” helps readers see that the passage is about spiritual and moral compromise, not just physical acts.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger vision in Revelation, where “Babylon” stands for a powerful system or city that draws people away from faithfulness to God.

Where else these words appear

“fornication” Greek G4203 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
  • Revelation 18:3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

“drunk” Greek G3184 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 24:49 And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
  • Acts 2:15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

“wine” Greek G3631 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • John 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
  • Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

“fornication” Greek G4202 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 5:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
  • Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: