Revelation 17:2 — “With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries.”
Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues the vision of the “great prostitute” introduced in the previous verse. It describes how deeply the influence of this figure spreads—so much so that world leaders (“kings of the earth”) join in her corruption, and regular people (“inhabitants of the earth”) are completely drawn in and deceived. The word “adultery” here is symbolic, referring not to physical acts, but to spiritual unfaithfulness. It paints a picture of people turning away from God to follow false religion, worldly pleasures, and self-serving power.
To be “intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries” means that people didn’t just stumble into sin—they indulged in it. They became so wrapped up in what this woman offered that they lost sight of truth. This verse helps us understand that sin doesn’t just show up as obvious evil—it can look appealing, feel good, and even be celebrated by society. But it’s still dangerous and destructive.
Historical Context
In John’s day, Rome stood as the most powerful empire in the world. It was admired for its culture, military strength, and wealth. But it was also deeply corrupt. Many rulers promoted false gods, demanded emperor worship, and used their positions for greed and exploitation. The early church watched as political leaders aligned themselves with idolatry and injustice.
This verse would have been immediately recognizable to early Christians. They could see how the leaders of their world had “committed adultery” by trading truth for comfort, power, and false worship. They also saw how entire societies were led astray—people intoxicated by Rome’s wealth, entertainment, and pleasures, while turning their backs on the one true God.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that sin is more than just bad behavior—it’s a system, a way of life that can infect entire societies. It warns us that evil often hides behind success, power, and popularity. When leaders support what is false, and people embrace it without question, the results are devastating.
God is not indifferent to this. He calls it out. He exposes it. And eventually, He judges it. Spiritual adultery is serious to God because it’s a betrayal of the relationship He offers. He made people for Himself, and when they give their love and loyalty to something else, it breaks that relationship.
Literary Analysis
Revelation uses vivid, almost shocking imagery to make spiritual truths impossible to ignore. The metaphor of adultery and intoxication works powerfully here. Adultery speaks to betrayal—something personal, relational. Intoxication speaks to a loss of control—people becoming so caught up in sin that they don’t even recognize what’s happening to them.
These images are emotional, not just intellectual. They’re meant to stir the reader’s heart, to awaken the soul to what’s really at stake. The use of symbolic language pushes us to look beyond appearances and see spiritual realities.
Cross-References
- Jeremiah 51:7 — “Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand; she made the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore they have now gone mad.”
- James 4:4 — “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?”
- Isaiah 1:21 — “See how the faithful city has become a prostitute!”
- 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or anything in the world… the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life—comes not from the Father.”
- Revelation 14:8 — “Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a clear warning: the world’s values can be seductive. They may look beautiful, powerful, and fulfilling, but they can pull us away from God. We live in a time where entertainment, politics, and even religion can be corrupted. If we’re not careful, we can be influenced by systems and ideas that seem good on the surface but are deeply opposed to God’s truth.
Christians today are called to be awake—to live with discernment. We must test what we hear, see, and follow, not based on popularity or success, but on whether it honors God. This verse calls us to spiritual faithfulness in the middle of a world that often runs the other way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
At first glance, this verse might seem to show only judgment and corruption. But beneath it lies the heart of a loving God who wants better for His people. He doesn’t want us deceived or enslaved by what destroys us. He wants us to know the truth and live in real freedom.
God’s love is seen in how He reveals the truth to us. He could have let the world continue blindly, but instead He speaks. He warns. He calls people out of spiritual darkness into light. That’s love—not silent approval, but rescuing grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the one who reveals this vision to John, but more than that, He is the answer to the problem this verse describes. Where the world offers false promises, Jesus offers real peace, truth, and eternal life.
In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He is the faithful one. While the world commits spiritual adultery, Jesus remains steadfast. He gave His life to redeem people from sin, to bring them out of the world’s corruption and into His kingdom.
Revelation later describes Jesus returning in glory, defeating all false systems and reigning in righteousness (Revelation 19:11-16). He is not just Savior but King—the one worthy of our love and loyalty.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what ways do you see the world today “intoxicated” by sin and false promises?
- How do political or cultural leaders sometimes promote things that pull people away from God?
- Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to follow the world instead of following Christ?
- What helps you stay spiritually awake and faithful in a culture that often runs the opposite way?
- How does knowing Jesus as the truth protect you from being deceived?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s love and desire for purity in your life?
- How can we lovingly warn others about the dangers of spiritual deception?