Revelation 22:18

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I testify {G4828} unto every man {G3956} that heareth {G191} the words {G3056} of the prophecy {G4394} of this {G5127} book {G975}, If {G1437} any man {G5100} shall add {G2007} unto {G4314} these things {G5023}, God {G2316} shall add {G2007} unto {G1909} him {G846} the plagues {G4127} that are written {G1125} in {G1722} this {G5129} book {G975}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I warn everyone hearing the words of the prophecy in this book that if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues written in this book.

Berean Standard Bible

I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.

American Standard Version

I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 22:18 delivers a profound and solemn warning from the Apostle John, speaking under divine inspiration, to all who encounter the prophetic words of this final book of Scripture. It declares a severe judgment—the addition of the very plagues described within the book—upon anyone who presumes to augment or alter the divinely revealed message contained within its pages. This serves as a powerful testament to the sacred integrity, finality, and unalterable nature of God's Word, particularly as it culminates in the eschatological disclosures of Revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a climactic and definitive warning within the concluding chapter of the Book of Revelation. It immediately follows the vivid descriptions of the New Jerusalem, the river of life, and the tree of life, emphasizing the blessedness of those who obey God's commands and have access to these eternal realities ([Revelation 22:1-14](/revelation/22-1-14 "Revelation 22:1-14 - The New Jerusalem and Its Blessings")). The preceding verses have also reiterated the imminent return of Christ and the certainty of these prophecies ([Revelation 22:6-7](/revelation/22-6-7 "Revelation 22:6-7 - Christ's Imminent Return")). This warning, coupled with the similar admonition in the subsequent verse ([Revelation 22:19](/revelation/22-19 "Revelation 22:19 - Warning Against Taking Away from the Prophecy")), forms an emphatic inclusio, sealing the book's message and underscoring its divine authority and inviolability as a complete prophetic revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of preserving sacred texts was paramount in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often accompanied by warnings against alteration. In the Greco-Roman world, authors sometimes included colophons or epilogues to protect their works from corruption. However, John's warning transcends mere human authorship; it is a divine injunction. Early Christian communities were already grappling with false teachings and Gnostic influences that sought to "add" new revelations or reinterpretations to the apostolic tradition. This verse, therefore, served as a vital safeguard for the nascent church, affirming the sufficiency and finality of the apostolic testimony, particularly concerning the profound truths revealed about the end times and God's ultimate plan for humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 22:18 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the book and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty and Authority of God** as the ultimate author of truth, whose word is immutable and perfect. Secondly, it highlights the **Inviolability of Divine Revelation**, particularly the prophetic word, asserting that it is not subject to human modification or supplementation. This theme resonates with earlier biblical warnings against tampering with God's law ([Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Finality and Sufficiency of Scripture**, implying that the prophetic vision granted to John completes a significant phase of God's revelation, particularly regarding eschatological events. Finally, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of His word through severe consequences for those who defy it, linking directly to the plagues described throughout [the book of Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Book of Revelation - The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **testify (Greek, _symmartyréō'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to bear witness with," implies a joint or corroborative testimony. Here, it signifies John's solemn declaration, not merely as a human author, but as one who bears witness *with* the Holy Spirit or *with* Christ to the truth and authority of the prophecy. It conveys a profound sense of divine authentication and the gravity of the message being conveyed.
* **add (Greek, _epitíthēmi'_):** Composed of "upon" (epi) and "to place" (tithēmi), this verb means "to impose," "to lay upon," or "to add unto." In this context, it refers to the presumptuous act of introducing new material, doctrines, or interpretations into the established prophetic word, thereby attempting to enhance or alter its content. It highlights the human tendency to supplement what God has already declared complete.
* **plagues (Greek, _plēgḗ'_):** This term literally means "a stroke" or "a wound," but figuratively, it denotes "a calamity" or "a plague." Throughout Revelation, "plagues" refer to the specific, divinely orchestrated judgments unleashed upon the earth and its inhabitants, such as the [seven last plagues](/revelation/15 "Revelation 15 - The Seven Last Plagues") ([Revelation 15:1](/revelation/15-1 "Revelation 15:1 - The Seven Last Plagues")). Its use here signifies a direct, retributive justice, where the punishment for tampering with God's word is directly linked to the very judgments described within that word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book,"**: John, as the divinely appointed messenger, issues a solemn, authoritative declaration. This warning is directed universally ("unto every man") and specifically to those who actively engage with ("heareth") the content of the Book of Revelation, acknowledging their responsibility to receive and transmit its message faithfully. The phrase "the words of the prophecy of this book" emphasizes the specific, inspired nature of Revelation's message.
* **"If any man shall add unto these things,"**: This clause presents the condition for divine judgment. The act of "adding" implies presumptuously introducing new doctrines, prophecies, or requirements that are not part of God's original revelation in Revelation. It speaks to any attempt to supplement, enhance, or distort the revealed truth, whether through human tradition, false prophecy, or theological innovation. The warning is against any form of human presumption that seeks to improve upon or complete God's perfect Word.
* **"God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:"**: This clause states the severe and direct consequence of such an act. The punishment is a precise, retributive justice: just as one "adds" to God's word, God will "add" to that person the very "plagues" or judgments described within the book itself. This highlights God's righteous indignation against those who tamper with His truth and underscores the terrifying reality of the judgments detailed throughout Revelation, which will be experienced by those who defy His authority.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 22:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. The primary device is a **Solemn Warning** or **Divine Declaration**, delivered with the weight of prophetic authority ("I testify"). This creates an immediate sense of gravity and finality. The verse also utilizes **Lexical Repetition** and **Retributive Justice** through the repeated use of "add" (G2007, _epitíthēmi_). The human act of "adding" to the word is met with God's reciprocal act of "adding" plagues, creating a direct, cause-and-effect relationship that underscores the severity and appropriateness of the divine judgment. Furthermore, the verse functions as part of an **Inclusio** or **Framing Device** when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse ([Revelation 22:19](/revelation/22-19 "Revelation 22:19 - Warning Against Taking Away from the Prophecy")), which warns against taking away from the prophecy. Together, these two verses form a powerful literary bracket around the entire book, emphasizing its complete and inviolable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful warning in Revelation 22:18 serves as a theological anchor, affirming the absolute authority, sufficiency, and integrity of God's revealed Word. It underscores that divine revelation is not a malleable human construct but a sacred trust, complete and unalterable by human hands. Theologically, it asserts God's sovereignty over His own communication, demonstrating that He has disclosed precisely what He intends for humanity to know, particularly concerning the culmination of His redemptive plan and the eschatological future. To "add" to this divine message is not merely a literary transgression but an act of profound theological rebellion, implying that God's revelation is incomplete or flawed, and that human wisdom can improve upon divine truth. Such an act invites divine judgment, precisely because it undermines the very foundation of faith: the trustworthy and uncorrupted Word of God.

* [Deuteronomy 4:2](/deuteronomy/4-2 "Deuteronomy 4:2 - Do Not Add or Subtract from God's Word")
* [Proverbs 30:6](/proverbs/30-6 "Proverbs 30:6 - Do Not Add to His Words")
* [Revelation 22:19](/revelation/22-19 "Revelation 22:19 - Warning Against Taking Away from the Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 22:18 calls believers to a profound reverence for the entirety of God's inspired Word. In an age where spiritual truths are often diluted, reinterpreted, or supplemented with human philosophies and traditions, this verse stands as a stark reminder of the sacred boundaries of divine revelation. It challenges us to approach Scripture with humility, seeking to understand and obey what God has already revealed, rather than presuming to add to it or invent new doctrines. For the church, it serves as a vital safeguard against false teachings, cults, and any movement that claims new, extra-biblical revelation that contradicts or supersedes the canonical Scriptures. Our faith and practice must be rooted firmly in the completed testimony of God's written Word, ensuring that our understanding of God, humanity, sin, and salvation remains faithful to His self-disclosure. This verse encourages diligent study, careful interpretation, and courageous defense of biblical truth, recognizing that to tamper with God's word is to invite His righteous judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this warning against adding to God's Word shape your approach to biblical interpretation and theological study?**
* **In what ways might contemporary spiritual movements or personal beliefs subtly "add" to the teachings of Scripture, and how can we guard against this?**
* **What responsibility do believers have to uphold the integrity and sufficiency of the Bible in their own lives and in their communities?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that no new revelation can ever occur after the Book of Revelation was written?**

Answer: While Revelation 22:18 specifically warns against adding to "the words of the prophecy of this book," its placement at the very end of the Christian biblical canon has led many theologians to understand it as a final, comprehensive warning against adding to the completed body of New Testament revelation. The primary concern is not merely about new personal prophecies, but about any new doctrines or writings that would claim canonical authority, thereby altering or supplementing the full, sufficient, and final revelation of God found in the Bible. The New Testament, culminating in Revelation, is generally considered the complete and final written Word of God for the church age, meaning no new Scripture is expected to be added to the canon. This verse serves to protect the integrity and sufficiency of the entire biblical text as God's authoritative self-disclosure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 22:18, while a warning against tampering with God's word, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the [Logos, the Word of God incarnate](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very embodiment of divine truth and revelation. To add to God's written word is, in essence, to imply that the revelation given through Christ, the [fullness of God dwelling bodily](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ"), is somehow incomplete or insufficient. Christ is the [Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega"), signifying that in Him, God's redemptive plan and prophetic revelation reach their culmination and finality. The judgment pronounced in this verse is not merely an abstract consequence but a righteous decree from the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Who Was Slain"), who is also the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). His authority guarantees the truth and completeness of the prophetic words, making any human addition an affront to His perfect and finished work, both in redemption and in revelation. Therefore, honoring this warning is an act of profound submission to Christ, the Living Word, who has perfectly revealed the Father and completed God's saving purposes.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 12:32

What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Proverbs 30:6

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

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.

Revelation 22:7

Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Matthew 15:9

But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.