New Testament

Revelation 22:19

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

At a Glance

In Revelation 22:19, the text warns against altering the words of the prophetic book, which refers to the entire message of Revelation.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

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.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

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.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

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

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.

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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