Revelation 19:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} true {G228} and {G2532} righteous {G1342} are his {G846} judgments {G2920}: for {G3754} he hath judged {G2919} the great {G3173} whore {G4204}, which {G3748} did corrupt {G5351} the earth {G1093} with {G1722} her {G846} fornication {G4202}, and {G2532} hath avenged {G1556} the blood {G129} of his {G846} servants {G1401} at {G1537} her {G846} hand {G5495}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For his judgments are true and just.
He has judged the great whore
who corrupted the earth with her whoring.
He has taken vengeance on her
who has the blood of his servants on her hands.”

Berean Standard Bible

For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.”

American Standard Version

for true and righteous are his judgments; for he hath judged the great harlot, her that corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 19:2 declares the absolute truth and righteousness of God's judgments, specifically celebrating His decisive action against "the great whore," a symbolic entity identified with "Babylon the Great." This verse highlights God's justice in condemning the pervasive spiritual corruption that defiled the earth through her "fornication" and, crucially, His righteous vengeance for the blood of His persecuted servants who suffered at her hand. It marks a pivotal moment of divine vindication and the triumph of God's holy character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic declaration within a broader heavenly chorus of praise and rejoicing, immediately following the detailed account of "Babylon the Great's" dramatic downfall in [Revelation chapter 18](/revelation/18 "Revelation 18 - The Fall of Babylon"). While chapter 18 describes the lamentations of earthly kings and merchants over Babylon's destruction, chapter 19 shifts the perspective to heaven, where a "great multitude" (verse 1) celebrates God's righteous judgment. Verse 2 specifically provides the theological rationale for this praise, affirming God's character and the justice of His actions against the corrupt system that had oppressed His people. It sets the stage for the marriage supper of the Lamb and the final victory of Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "the great whore" and "Babylon the Great" would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who were experiencing persecution under the Roman Empire. Rome, with its imperial cult, economic power, and widespread idolatry, was a dominant force that demanded allegiance, often at the expense of fidelity to Christ. The term "fornication" (πορνεία, _porneia_) in this context extends beyond mere sexual immorality to encompass spiritual idolatry, apostasy, and illicit alliances with worldly powers that draw people away from true worship of God. The "blood of his servants" directly refers to the persecution and martyrdom of Christians, a reality for many believers in the first century. John's prophetic vision offers a message of hope and assurance that God would ultimately judge their oppressors and vindicate His suffering people, echoing Old Testament prophecies of judgment against wicked empires.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 19:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, asserting that God's judgments are not arbitrary but perfectly aligned with His holy character, providing assurance that all evil will eventually face His just recompense. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Judgment of Corruption and Idolatry**, as "the great whore" symbolizes pervasive spiritual and moral decay that seduces humanity into unholy alliances and apostasy, drawing people away from God. This "fornication" is a spiritual rebellion against God's sovereignty, as seen in the warnings against idolatry throughout [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "Deuteronomy - The Law and Covenant") and the prophets. Finally, the verse highlights the **Vindication of God's People**, affirming that God hears the cries of His persecuted saints and will avenge their blood, fulfilling the plea heard from the martyrs under the altar in [Revelation 6:10](/revelation/6-10 "Revelation 6:10 - The Cry of the Martyrs"). This theme provides profound comfort and hope to believers enduring suffering for their faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **righteous (Greek, _díkaios'_):** This term signifies equitable in character and act, implying innocence and holiness. When applied to God's judgments, it emphasizes their absolute moral uprightness, fairness, and conformity to His divine nature. It assures that God's actions, even in severe judgment, are never arbitrary or unjust but are perfectly aligned with His perfect standard of justice.
* **whore (Greek, _pórnē'_):** Figuratively, this word denotes a strumpet or an idolater. In Revelation, "the great whore" is a powerful symbol, not of a literal prostitute, but of a corrupt spiritual and political system that engages in spiritual "fornication" – an illicit union with worldly powers and idolatry, leading people away from God and into rebellion against Him. It represents the antithesis of the pure bride of Christ.
* **avenged (Greek, _ekdikéō'_):** This word means to vindicate, retaliate, or punish. In the context of God, it refers to His righteous act of bringing justice to those who have suffered wrong, particularly His servants who have been persecuted. It is not a petty human revenge but a divine, just retribution that sets things right and upholds the moral order of the universe, ensuring that the suffering of the innocent is not in vain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For true and righteous are his judgments":** This opening clause serves as the foundational theological statement, affirming the inherent character of God's judicial acts. "True" (ἀληθινός, _alēthinós_) implies that God's judgments are real, authentic, and consistent with His nature, not false or deceptive. "Righteous" (δίκαιος, _díkaios_) underscores their moral integrity, indicating that every judgment God renders is perfectly just, fair, and in accordance with His holy standards. This declaration establishes the divine authority and moral purity behind the subsequent actions described.
* **"for he hath judged the great whore":** This clause specifies the object of God's true and righteous judgment: "the great whore." This highly symbolic figure, identified with "Babylon the Great," represents a pervasive system of spiritual and moral corruption, often understood as any worldly power or spiritual entity that opposes God, seduces humanity into idolatry, and persecutes God's people. The past tense "hath judged" (ἔκρινεν, _ekrinen_) indicates a decisive, completed action, signifying that her doom is sealed and executed.
* **"which did corrupt the earth with her fornication":** This phrase explains the nature of the "great whore's" offense and the extent of her destructive influence. Her "fornication" (πορνεία, _porneía_) is not merely sexual immorality but primarily spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and illicit alliances with worldly powers that draw people away from exclusive devotion to God. By engaging in and promoting such spiritual impurity, she "did corrupt the earth," meaning she polluted the entire world system, leading nations and individuals into rebellion against divine truth and righteousness.
* **"and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand":** This final clause provides the specific reason and redemptive outcome of God's judgment. The "blood of his servants" refers to the martyrs and faithful believers who suffered persecution, violence, and death at the hands of this corrupt system. God's act of "avenging" (ἐξεδίκησεν, _exedikēsen_) their blood signifies His divine vindication of His persecuted people. It is a righteous act of recompense, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to justice for His own, ensuring that their suffering is not forgotten and that their oppressors face ultimate accountability for their atrocities.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 19:2 is rich in **Symbolism**, a hallmark of apocalyptic literature. "The great whore" is a powerful symbolic representation of a corrupt, idolatrous, and oppressive system, often interpreted as imperial Rome in John's day, but also encompassing any worldly power or spiritual force that opposes God and leads humanity astray. Her "fornication" symbolizes not literal sexual immorality, but spiritual apostasy, idolatry, and illicit alliances with worldly powers that draw people away from God. The "blood of his servants" is a potent symbol of the martyrdom and suffering endured by God's faithful people throughout history. The phrase "at her hand" employs **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the agency or power by which the persecution was carried out. The entire verse functions as a declaration of **Divine Justice**, contrasting God's perfect righteousness with the pervasive corruption of the "whore," thereby highlighting the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 19:2 offers a profound theological statement about God's character and His active involvement in human history. It unequivocally affirms God's attribute of perfect justice and righteousness, assuring believers that no evil, no matter how powerful or entrenched, will ultimately escape His judgment. The destruction of "the great whore" is not merely an act of punishment but a divine act of setting things right, vindicating the suffering of His faithful people and cleansing the earth of pervasive spiritual corruption. This judgment serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His moral order will ultimately prevail, leading to the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - God Remembers the Afflicted")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Leave Vengeance to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 19:2 provides immense comfort and a clear call to faithfulness for believers today. In a world where injustice often seems to triumph, where evil powers appear to operate with impunity, and where the faithful endure suffering, this verse offers a powerful anchor of hope. It assures us that God is actively engaged in His creation, that He sees every act of oppression, remembers every tear shed by His saints, and will ultimately bring perfect, righteous justice. This truth should strengthen our resolve to stand firm in our faith, even when facing adversity, knowing that our suffering is not in vain and that God is indeed our ultimate vindicator. Furthermore, the judgment against "the great whore" serves as a stark warning against spiritual compromise and entanglement with worldly systems that oppose God. We are called to maintain our spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to Christ, avoiding the "fornication" of idolatry, materialism, and unholy alliances that draw our hearts away from Him. Our hope is not in earthly powers, but in the true and righteous Judge who reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the assurance of God's "true and righteous judgments" impact your perspective on current global injustices or personal struggles?**
* **In what ways might "the great whore" or "her fornication" manifest in today's world, and how can believers avoid being corrupted by such influences?**
* **How does the vindication of God's servants' blood encourage you in times of persecution or adversity for your faith?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the great whore" in Revelation, and what does her "fornication" represent?**

Answer: "The great whore" in Revelation, also referred to as "Babylon the Great," is a powerful symbolic figure representing a corrupt, idolatrous, and oppressive system that stands in opposition to God and His people. While many historical interpretations connect her to imperial Rome in John's day due to its persecution of Christians and widespread idolatry, her symbolism extends beyond any single historical entity. She embodies any worldly power, economic system, or spiritual force that seduces humanity into rebellion against God, promotes idolatry (whether literal or the worship of wealth, power, or self), and persecutes God's faithful. Her "fornication" (Greek: _porneía_) is not primarily literal sexual immorality, but rather spiritual prostitution – the illicit, unholy alliances and idolatrous practices that draw people away from exclusive devotion to the one true God. It signifies spiritual unfaithfulness, apostasy, and the pursuit of worldly power and pleasure over obedience to God. This spiritual "fornication" is what corrupts the earth, leading nations and individuals into sin and rebellion, as seen in the warnings throughout the Old Testament against Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to God, often depicted as harlotry (e.g., [Ezekiel 16](/ekzekiel/16 "Ezekiel 16 - Jerusalem's Harlotry")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 19:2 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the righteous Judge and the avenger of His people. The declaration that God's judgments are "true and righteous" is perfectly embodied in Christ, for all judgment has been committed to the Son ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - All Judgment to the Son")). As the Lamb who was slain, Jesus is uniquely qualified to execute divine justice, having Himself suffered under the corrupt systems of the world. His victory over sin and death on the cross ultimately seals the fate of "the great whore" and all forces of evil, for it is through His atoning sacrifice that the power of sin and spiritual corruption is broken ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The avenging of the blood of God's servants is fully realized in Christ's triumphant return, when He will come as the King of kings and Lord of lords, to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the justice proclaimed in this verse is not merely an abstract concept but a glorious reality secured and executed by the crucified and risen Christ, who perfectly vindicates His people and reigns in ultimate righteousness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Deuteronomy 32:35

To me [belongeth] vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in [due] time: for the day of their calamity [is] at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.

Revelation 18:20

Rejoice over her, [thou] heaven, and [ye] holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

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.

Revelation 16:5

And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.

Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.