Keraia
Revelation 22

Revelation 22:18

Nothing May Be Added or Removed · Revelation 22:18–21
Read Revelation 22

Translations

Modern
I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
Traditional
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Literal
I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues written in this book.
Latin
Contestor enim omni audienti verba prophetiæ libri hujus: si quis apposuerit ad hæc, apponet Deus super illum plagas scriptas in libro isto.

Original

Greek
English
I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

Notes

Revelation 22:18–19

  • I testify: John swears to protect the integrity of the Book of Revelation. He curses anyone who changes the book's content or message (compare Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32). This curse contrasts with the blessing for those who read aloud, listen to, and follow the prophecy (Revelation 1:3). When Revelation was written, scribes sometimes changed books to fit their views. Early Christians quickly developed ways to verify messages and messengers (see John 21:24; 1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17; 1 John 4:1–3).

  • Since the early church, the New Testament's scope and content have defined Christian teachings. However, some still try to change Scripture by adding works they consider equal to the Bible or by claiming parts of the Bible are unreliable. The true church has rejected and will continue to reject these attempts to change the canon, viewing them as human or even demonic efforts to alter the foundation of the Christian faith.

Revelation 22:6–21

This epilogue to Revelation includes words from an angel (Revelation 22:6, 8–11) and Christ (22:7, 12–19). It ends with a plea for Christ’s return (Revelation 22:20) and a final blessing (22:21). The epilogue connects directly with the book's introduction (Revelation 1:1–11). It highlights key themes such as:

  • encouraging faithful perseverance,

  • warning those who do evil things,

  • affirming the truth of the prophetic message, and

  • restating the nearness of Christ’s return.

Glossary

Beauty Bible Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Book of Revelation Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven New Creation, New Creature New Jerusalem Paradise Prophecy Tree of Life Worship

Topics

Adding to the Bible Inerrancy Islam Mormonism Plague: Foretold Plagues Prophecy: Punishment For: Adding To, or Taking From Select Readings: The River of Life The Bible The Scriptures: Denunciations Against Those Who Add To, or Take From Tree of Life Truth of Scripture Word of God: Not to be Added To, or Taken From