Misinterpretations often reduce the verse to literal physical prostitution or sexual scandal among leaders, ignoring its symbolic depiction of spiritual infidelity; others narrowly identify the harlot with a single modern institution like the papacy or a political entity, overlooking the broader apocalyptic imagery of pervasive global deception and idolatry that permeates all unfaithful systems throughout history.
Revelation of John 17:2
King James Version (1769)
2 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 17:2 portrays the great harlot, symbolizing a corrupt, seductive world system or apostate religion akin to Babylon, whose intoxicating influence of spiritual fornication—false teachings, idolatry, and moral compromise—entices kings and earthly inhabitants into alliance and drunken delusion, forsaking fidelity to God for worldly power and pleasure.