14:8 Babylon the great. See note 17:1–19:10.

wine . . . of her sexual immorality. Sexual immorality, as well as idolatry (which is spiritual adultery), were major temptations for the seven churches (2:20 note). But the effect, like that of drunkenness, is shame, foolishness, and disgrace (17:2, 4; 18:3; 19:2; Prov. 9:13–18; Jer. 51:7).