Revelation 19:2

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 19:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Revelation 19:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2for 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For true and righteous are his judgments, etc.] As in (see Gill on “<661503>Revelation 15:3”), (see Gill on “<661607>Revelation 16:7”): this is to be understood of God's judgments in general, and is a reason of the attribution of praise and glory to him; which may be said to be true, because, being threatened, are now fulfilled; and to be “righteous”, because according to the demerit of sin; and particularly God's judgments on antichrist are intended: for he hath judged the great whore; Jezebel, Babylon, the Romish antichrist, before spoken of, (<661701>Revelation 17:1) not only by passing a sentence of condemnation on her, but by executing it, putting it into the hearts of the kings to hate…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“which did corrupt the earth--Greek, "used to corrupt" continually. "Instead of opposing and lessening, she promoted the sinful life and decay of the world by her own earthliness, allowing the salt to lose its savor" [AUBERLEN]. avenged--Greek, "exacted in retribution." A particular application of the principle (Gen 9:5). blood of his servants--literally shed by the Old Testament adulterous Church, and by the New Testament apostate Church; also virtually, though not literally, by all who, though called Christians, hate their brother, or love not the brethren of Christ, but shrink from the reproach of the cross, and show unkindness towards those who bear it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For true and righteous are his judgments - That is, the calamities that come upon the power here referred to are deserved. For he hath judged the great whore - The power represented by the harlot. See the notes on Revelation 17:1. Which did corrupt the earth with her fornication - See the notes on Revelation 14:8; Revelation 17:2, Revelation 17:4-5; Revelation 18:3. Compare the notes on Revelation 9:21. And hath avenged the blood of his servants - See the notes on Revelation 18:20, Revelation 18:24. At her hand - Shed by her hand, return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For true and righteous are his judgments - Thus is the cry of the souls under the altar changed into a song of praise. Revelation 19:4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“19:2 true and just (see 15:3; 16:7): In his righteous justice, God kept his promise of judging the great prostitute, who represents moral and spiritual corruption and persecution of God’s people.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“true: Rev 15:3, Rev 16:5-7; Deu 32:4; Psa 19:9; Isa 25:1 judged: Rev 17:1, Rev 17:2, Rev 17:15, Rev 17:16, Rev 18:3, Rev 18:9, Rev 18:10, Rev 18:23 and hath: Rev 6:10, Rev 18:20, Rev 18:24; Deu 32:35, Deu 32:43 Revelation 19:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification