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 22:19KJV
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Revelation 22:19 (KJV)

What does Revelation 22:19 mean?

Revelation 22:19 warns that anyone who removes words from the prophecy in this book will lose their share in the book of life, the holy city, and the blessings described in Revelation. This is a strong caution against altering or editing the message given in this final book of the Bible.

The speaker here is the author of Revelation, traditionally understood as John, relaying a message he received from God. The warning is addressed to anyone who might be tempted to change the prophetic words recorded in Revelation. The verse highlights the seriousness with which these words are to be treated, emphasizing that the message is not to be tampered with or diminished.

The Greek behind Revelation 22:19

  • λόγων (logōn): This word means "words." The use of the plural stresses that every part of the prophecy is important, not just the general message.
  • βιβλίου (bibliou): This means "book" or "scroll." The focus is specifically on the written record of Revelation, not just oral teaching.
  • ἀφελεῖ (aphelei): This verb means "to take away" or "remove." The Greek here carries the sense of actively subtracting or omitting something, not just passively ignoring it.
  • μέρος (meros): This word means "part" or "share." The warning is that a person’s portion or inheritance in the blessings described will be taken away if they alter the prophecy.

Why Revelation 22:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the message of Revelation is to be preserved exactly as given, highlighting the importance of fidelity to the text.
  • The warning connects to the larger theme of Revelation about the seriousness of God’s promises and judgments, showing that both blessings and consequences are real and significant.
  • It helps readers understand the sacredness of the book’s message and the responsibility of anyone who handles or teaches its words.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G851 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
  • Luke 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
  • Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

“book” Greek G976 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
  • Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

“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.

“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;