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.
Which did corrupt the earth - `used to corrupt' continually. 'Instead of opposing, she promoted the sinful decay of the world by her earthliness, allowing the salt to lose its savour' (Auberlen).
Avenged - `exacted in retribution.' Application of the principle (Genesis 9:5).
Blood of his servants - literally shed by the Old and the New Testament apostate church; also virtually, by all who, though called Christians, hate or love not the brethren of Christ, but shrink from the reproach of the cross, and show unkindness to those who bear it.