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:

REVELATION 22:18KJV
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Revelation 22:18 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:18 mean?

Revelation 22:18 warns anyone who hears the words of the prophecy in this book not to add anything to them, saying that if anyone does, God will add to that person the plagues described in the book. This is a strong caution against changing or expanding the message of Revelation.

The verse is spoken by the author, traditionally understood as John, addressing everyone who hears or reads the words of Revelation. The context is the closing section of the book, where John is making a final, solemn statement about the integrity of the prophecy. The warning emphasizes the seriousness of preserving the message exactly as it was given.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:18

  • "προφητείας" (prophēteias) — "prophecy": This word highlights that the message is not just a story or letter, but a prophetic revelation, which carries a sense of divine authority and importance.
  • "ἐπιθῇ" (epithē) — "add": The Greek word used here means to put upon or add to something, stressing that even small additions to the prophecy are forbidden.
  • "πληγὰς" (plēgas) — "plagues": This word refers to the disasters or judgments described earlier in Revelation, making the warning very concrete—those who add to the prophecy risk experiencing the same judgments described in the book.

Why Revelation 22:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the message of Revelation is meant to be complete and untouched, countering any idea that later additions or changes are acceptable.
  • The warning ties directly to the dramatic judgments described in the book, showing that the stakes for altering the prophecy are extremely high.
  • By placing this warning at the end of Revelation, the author underscores the book’s authority and finality, connecting it to the broader biblical theme of respecting God’s word.

Where else these words appear

“testify” Greek G4828 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
  • Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
  • Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

“prophecy” Greek G4394 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
  • Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

“plagues” Greek G4127 · used in 20 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Revelation 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:
  • Revelation 15:6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

“book” Greek G975 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
  • Hebrews 10:7 Then said I, Lo, I come(in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
  • Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;