Revelation 22:18
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just a warning against literal changes to the text; it's a potent caution against twisting its meaning. To "add" here implies imposing your own interpretations or desired outcomes onto the prophecy, rather than receiving it as God intended. This emphasizes that understanding Scripture isn't just about reading the words, but about faithfully grasping their divine message.
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This warning comes at the very end of the entire book of Revelation, serving as a solemn seal on all the prophecies and visions presented. John is concluding his letter, emphasizing that this message is divinely given and must not be altered, either by adding to it or taking away from its contents, just as warned in Deuteronomy. The consequence for tampering with this prophecy is severe, aligning with the severe judgments described throughout the book itself.
Why does John start this final warning with an emphatic 'I'? Who is he really speaking for?
John begins this final warning with a powerful "I testify." This isn't just his personal opinion; he's acting as a divinely appointed messenger. This emphatic "I" serves as a seal of authenticity for the entire book of Revelation, much like the introductory words in chapter one. It underscores that what follows is a direct, solemn affirmation from God, delivered through His chosen witness, John, to prevent any tampering with His prophetic word.
What does it really mean to 'add to' or 'take away' from God's Word, and why is the penalty so severe?
The warning against 'adding to' or 'taking away' from this book is incredibly serious. It's not just about literal scribal errors. It encompasses misinterpreting God's intended meaning, twisting prophecies to suit personal agendas, or even neglecting essential truths within the text. The severe consequence – having plagues added or one's portion taken from the tree of life – highlights the profound danger of distorting divine revelation. This isn't a threat for minor slips but a strong caution against willful corruption of God's message.
Why is the book of Revelation singled out for such a strong warning compared to other biblical texts?
The book of Revelation, as the crowning point of biblical prophecy, faced unique dangers. Its complex symbolism and future-oriented messages made it susceptible to misinterpretation, manipulation, and even neglect. John's severe warning is a specific safeguard for this particular prophetic message. While the principle of not altering God's Word applies to all Scripture, Revelation's crucial role in revealing Christ's ultimate victory and the unfolding of His kingdom makes its integrity paramount. The "minute and admirable connection" of its parts could be easily disturbed by even a single misplaced word.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
prophēteia · Greek Noun
A divine communication of God’s will, purpose, or future events revealed to His servants to guide or warn His people.
plēgē · Greek Noun
The divine calamities or manifestations of God's holy wrath poured out upon those who oppose Him or reject His message.
This passage from the Old Testament Law provides a foundational command from God, mirroring Revelation's warning, by explicitly stating not to add to or take away from His commands, establishing a consistent principle of scriptural integrity throughout God's Word.
Proverbs 30:5-6Agur's prayer acknowledges God's Word as pure and warns against adding to it, reflecting the severe consequences declared in Revelation for those who would corrupt the prophetic message.
Galatians 1:8-9Paul issues a strong anathema against anyone, even an angel, who preaches a gospel contrary to the one received, echoing the finality and severe warning found in Revelation against altering divine revelation.
2 Timothy 3:16-17This verse emphasizes the divine inspiration and sufficiency of Scripture for teaching and training in righteousness, underscoring why adding to or diminishing from it, as warned in Revelation, would be so detrimental.
ellicottRevelation 22:18: "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:"
(18-19) I testify unto every man that heareth. —Omit “For,” and read, I testify to every one that hears . . . The “I” is emphatic; it introduces the final warning; the revelation must not be tampered with. If any one shall have added to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are writt…
clarkeRevelation 22:18: "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:"
If any man shall add - Shall give any other meaning to these prophecies, or any other application of them than God intends, he, though not originally intended, shall have the plagues threatened in this book for his portion.
This verse isn't just a warning against literal changes to the text; it's a potent caution against twisting its meaning. To "add" here implies imposing your own interpretations or desired outcomes onto the prophecy, rather than receiving it as God intended. This emphasizes that understanding Scripture isn't just about reading the words, but about faithfully grasping their divine message.
This warning comes at the very end of the entire book of Revelation, serving as a solemn seal on all the prophecies and visions presented. John is concluding his letter, emphasizing that this message is divinely given and must not be altered, either by adding to it or taking away from its contents, just as warned in Deuteronomy. The consequence for tampering with this prophecy is severe, aligning with the severe judgments described throughout the book itself.
This warning comes at the very end of the entire book of Revelation, serving as a solemn seal on all the prophecies and visions presented. John is concluding his letter, emphasizing that this message is divinely given and must not be altered, either by adding to it or taking away from its contents, just as warned in Deuteronomy. The consequence for tampering with this prophecy is severe, aligning with the severe judgments described throughout the book itself.
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book," — This verse isn't just a warning against literal changes to the text; it's a potent caution against twisting its meaning. To "add" here implies imposing your own interpretations or desired outcomes on…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
