Revelation 22:19
“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
Revelation 22:19 is found in the last chapter of the book of Revelation, which is the final book in the New Testament. This verse is part of the concluding remarks of the book and serves as a warning against tampering with the words contained within the book of Revelation specifically, and by extension, the entire Bible.
In this verse, the apostle John, who authored the book of Revelation, emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the words of the book of Revelation. He states that if anyone adds or takes away from the words of this prophecy, they will face severe consequences. The consequences mentioned include being excluded from the book of life, the holy city (likely referring to the New Jerusalem), and the blessings and promises contained within the book.
This warning underscores the divine inspiration and authority of the Scriptures, as well as the need for faithful transmission and interpretation of God’s Word. It serves as a reminder that the Bible is a complete and sufficient revelation of God’s truth and should not be altered or distorted.
It is important to note that this verse specifically addresses the book of Revelation and not the entire Bible. However, it is generally understood that this warning can be applied to the entirety of Scripture, highlighting the seriousness of any attempt to add or remove from God’s Word.
This verse also serves as a call to believers to approach the Bible with reverence and humility, seeking to understand its message as it was intended, rather than attempting to manipulate or alter its teachings to fit personal opinions or agendas.
In summary, Revelation 22:19 warns against adding to or taking away from the words of the book of Revelation, highlighting the severe consequences that await those who do so. It reminds believers of the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s Word and approaching it with reverence and obedience.
