New Testament
Revelation 22:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And if anyone takes away from the words of this prophetic book, God will take away that person's share from the book of life, and from the holy city, and from the things described in this book.
Compare translations
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.
What Revelation 22:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Revelation 22:19, the text warns against altering the words of the prophetic book, which refers to the entire message of Revelation. The verse emphasizes the seriousness of tampering with God's word, indicating that those who do so will face severe consequences. Specifically, it states that God will remove that person's name from the book of life, which symbolizes eternal life and fellowship with God. Additionally, they will be excluded from the holy city, representing the ultimate destination for believers. This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the integrity of Scripture and respecting its divine authority. The passage underscores the belief that God's revelations are sacred and should not be manipulated or misrepresented. It calls for reverence towards the biblical text and encourages believers to approach it with humility and care, recognizing its significance in their spiritual lives.
How to apply Revelation 22:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect and uphold the teachings of the Bible without distortion. It reminds us to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that we convey its messages accurately in our discussions and teachings. Our spiritual integrity depends on this.
Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Revelation 22:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Revelation 22:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Revelation
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 95
- Genre
- Apocalyptic prophecy
- Original Audience
- The seven churches of Asia Minor
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Revelation 22:19 mean?
Revelation 22:19 warns against altering the words of the prophetic book, emphasizing that those who do so will face serious consequences, including losing their place in the book of life and being excluded from the holy city.
What is the book of life mentioned in Revelation 22:19?
The book of life is a symbolic representation of those who have eternal life and fellowship with God. In Revelation 22:19, it signifies the serious consequences for those who tamper with God's word.
What are the consequences of altering Scripture according to Revelation 22:19?
According to Revelation 22:19, altering Scripture results in God taking away a person's share from the book of life and excluding them from the holy city, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of God's word.
Why is Revelation 22:19 a warning to believers?
Revelation 22:19 serves as a warning to believers about the seriousness of tampering with Scripture, reminding them to approach the Bible with respect and to convey its teachings accurately.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.