New Testament

Revelation 22:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the author, traditionally understood to be John, issues a serious warning to anyone who reads the prophetic words of the book of Revelation.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

I give this warning to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.

KJVKing James Version

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:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the author, traditionally understood to be John, issues a serious warning to anyone who reads the prophetic words of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the message. If someone were to add to these prophecies, they would face severe consequences, specifically the plagues mentioned throughout the book. This serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's word and the seriousness of altering it. The warning underscores the belief that God's revelations are complete and should not be tampered with. The plagues symbolize the judgment that awaits those who disrespect or distort God's message. This verse highlights the need for reverence and caution when engaging with scripture, particularly prophetic texts, as they carry significant weight and authority.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 22:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to approach the Bible with respect and caution. We should avoid adding our interpretations or altering its message. Instead, we should seek to understand and apply its teachings faithfully, recognizing the seriousness of God's word and its implications for our lives.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Revelation 22:18 mean?

Revelation 22:18 warns readers not to add to the prophetic words of the book of Revelation. It emphasizes the seriousness of preserving the integrity of God's message and states that those who alter it will face severe consequences.

What is the warning in Revelation 22:18?

The warning in Revelation 22:18 is that anyone who adds to the prophecies in this book will incur the plagues described within it. This serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and not tampering with God's word.

What are the consequences mentioned in Revelation 22:18?

The consequences mentioned in Revelation 22:18 include receiving the plagues that are written in the book of Revelation. This highlights the judgment that awaits those who disrespect or distort the message of God.

Why is Revelation 22:18 important?

Revelation 22:18 is important because it underscores the sacredness of scripture and the need for reverence when engaging with it. It reminds believers that God's revelations are complete and should not be altered.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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