Rev 17:18 | JFB | STEP | 18. reigneth-- literally, "hath kingship over the kings." The harlot cannot be a mere city literally, but is called so in a spiritual sense ( ). Also the beast cannot represent a spiritual power, but a world power. In this verse the harlot is presented before us ripe for judgment. The eighteenth chapter details that judgment.

‏ Revelation of John 17:18

18. reigneth--literally, "hath kingship over the kings." The harlot cannot be a mere city literally, but is called so in a spiritual sense (Re 11:8). Also the beast cannot represent a spiritual power, but a world power. In this verse the harlot is presented before us ripe for judgment. The eighteenth chapter details that judgment.