Bible Commentaries

seven angels . . . vials. See Revelation 15:7.

talked. App-121.

unto me. The texts omit.

unto = to.

judgment. App-177.

waters. See Revelation 17:15.

earth. App-129.

have. Omit.

the inhabiters, &c. The texts rend "they that inhabit the earth were made drunken", &c.

So = And.

Spirit. App-101. See Revelation 1:10.

the. No art., but this is often omitted after a preposition.

saw. App-133.

a woman. i.e. "that great city" of Revelation 17:18.

sit = sitting; as supported by that being described in verses: Revelation 17:8-11.

upon. App-104.

heads. These are the kings of Revelation 17:10.

decked. Literally "gilded".

stones = stone.

golden cup. Compare Jeremiah 51:7.

abominations. Greek. bdelugma, used in Septuagint of an idol (2 Kings 23:13, &c.); in plural, of idolatry (Deuteronomy 18:9, &c). Called "abominations" because of the uncleanness practiced in the worship.

and filthiness = and having the unclean things; as the texts.

MYSTERY. See App-193and App-. The verse should be read, "And upon her forehead (she had) a name written, a secret symbol (musterion), BABYLON THE GREAT, the mother of the harlots and of the abominations of the earth". The name of the woman is therefore a secret sign or symbol of "that great city" which she personifies (Revelation 17:18).

HARLOTS = the harlots.

OF THE EARTH. Babylon is the fountain-head of all idolatry and systems of false worship. This is the "mystery of iniquity" (2 Thessalonians 2:7) seen in all the great "religions" of the world. All alike substitute another god for the God of the Bible; a god made either with the hands or with the imagination, but equally made; a religion consisting of human merit and endeavor. The "Reunion of the Churches" of Christendom and the "League of Nations" are two of the most arresting signs of the times.

saints. See Acts 9:13.

martyrs. See p. 1511.

Jesus. App-98.

admiration = wonder. In this phrase is the Figure of speech Polyptoton. App-6.

marvel. As "wonder", verses: Revelation 17:6, Revelation 17:8.

was, &c. Implying a time between Rev. 12 and Rev. 13.

shall = is about to.

perdition. See John 17:12.

names. The texts read "name".

were not = hath not been.

book. &c. See Philippians 1:4, Philippians 1:3.

life. App-170.

foundation, &c. See App-146.

behold. App-133.

that. The texts read "because it".

and yet is = and shall be present; as the texts.

And. Omit.

mind. Same as "understanding" in Revelation 13:18.

wisdom. Compare App-132.

The . . . sitteth. This belongs to Revelation 17:10.

are. i.e. represent.

on. App-104.

there. Greek. they.

are fallen = fell.

and. Omit.

one = the one is. i.e. at this stage of the vision.

and. Omit.

other. The seventh. App-124.

not yet. Greek. oupo.

cometh = shall have come.

continue. See p. 1511 (abide).

he = he himself (emph.)

the = an.

is. Omit. This being is described as an eighth head, not king.

no . . . as yet. As "not yet" above.

power. App-172.

one hour, i.e. at one and the same hour. Confusion results from substituting "kingdoms" for "kings" in the connection. The Holy Spirit says kings; who and what they are will be known at the time of their association with the beast.

mind. App-177.

shall give. The texts read "they give", i.e. of their own free will.

power. App-172.1 and Revelation 176:1.

strength. App-172.

overcome. As in Rev 2and Rev 3. See App-197.

Lord. App-98.

lords. App-98.

called. Greek. kletos. Only here in Rev. First occurance. Matthew 20:16.

chosen. Greek. eklektos. Only here in Rev. See Matthew 20:16 (first occ).

faithful. See App-150and App-175.

upon. Greek. epi; but the texts read "and".

shall = will.

her. i.e. the city. Compare Jeremiah 50:32.

hath put = put. Literally "gave".

fulfil. Literally "do".

will. App-177.

agree = carry out (literally "do") one purpose (App-177.)

kingdom. Singular. Compare Revelation 17:12.

words. Greek. rhema, but the texts read App-121.

fulfilled. Compare App-125.

that = the.

reigneth. Literally having a kingdom, or sovereignty.

kings . . . earth. Those who are so called in Revelation 16:14. See also Revelation 17:2.