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Verse Takeaways
1
Spiritual, Not Literal, Sin
Commentators unanimously agree that the "fornication" described is not literal but spiritual. It symbolizes idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. The harlot, widely identified by scholars as a representation of a corrupt religious-political system like Papal Rome, seduces the world's powers and peoples into false worship and corrupt alliances.
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Revelation
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Albert Barnes
On Revelation 17:2
18th Century
Theologian
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication. Spiritual adultery. The meaning is that Papal Rome, unfaithful to God, and id…
AT Robertson
On Revelation 17:2
The kings of the earth (ο βασιλεις της γης). Repeated in 1:5; 6:15; 17:18; 18:3,9; 19:19; 21:24 and "the kings of the inhabited ea…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Revelation 17:2
Earth’s kings and inhabitants “committed adultery” with the prostitute. This language goes back to references to the harlot cities of the past (e.g…
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John Gill
On Revelation 17:2
17th Century
Pastor
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication ,
&c.] These are the ten kings, who being of the same mi…
Matthew Henry
On Revelation 17:1–6
17th Century
Minister
Rome clearly appears to be meant in this chapter. Pagan Rome subdued and ruled with military power, not by artifice and flatteries. She generally l…