Revelation 22:19

Context

Revelation 22:19 stands as a solemn warning near the very end of the Bible's final book, the Book of Revelation. It immediately follows a similar admonition in Revelation 22:18 concerning adding to the words of this prophecy. These verses serve as a powerful conclusion, emphasizing the divine authority and integrity of the entire prophetic message revealed to John.

Historically, warnings against altering sacred texts were not unique to Revelation; ancient Near Eastern treaties and laws often included curses against those who would modify them. However, this particular warning carries ultimate spiritual weight, underscoring the unique nature of God's final revealed word concerning His plan for humanity and eternity.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Integrity of God's Word: This verse underscores the absolute sanctity and divine authority of the prophetic message given in Revelation. It implies that God's revelation is complete, perfect, and not subject to human editing or revision. Any attempt to "take away" from it is seen as an act of defiance against God Himself.
• Solemn Warning Against Alteration: The language is strong and direct, serving as a powerful deterrent against diminishing, ignoring, or removing any part of the prophecy. This is not merely a literary device but a serious spiritual caution.
• Severe Divine Judgment: The consequences outlined are eternal and dire: forfeiture of one's part "out of the book of life," exclusion from "the holy city," and loss of "the things which are written in this book." This highlights the eternal stakes involved in how humanity treats God's inspired word.
• Emphasis on the "Book of Life": Being removed from the Book of Life signifies a loss of salvation and eternal destiny with God. This is the ultimate spiritual consequence for those who presume to undermine divine truth.
• Exclusion from the "Holy City": The "holy city" refers to the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of the redeemed. To be taken out of it means eternal separation from God's presence and His people.

Linguistic Insights

• "take away from the words": The Greek phrase, aphaireō apo tōn logōn (ἀφαιρέω ἀπὸ τῶν λόγων), implies not just physical removal but also diminishing, invalidating, or subtracting from the essential meaning or content. This could include denying prophecies, discrediting warnings, or minimizing the importance of the book's teachings.
• "book of this prophecy": This phrase, biblion tēs prophēteias tautēs (βιβλίον τῆς προφητείας ταύτης), specifically designates the Book of Revelation itself, though its spirit is often extended to the entire biblical canon by implication, given its position as the Bible's final book. Similar warnings against altering God's commands are found in the Old Testament, such as Deuteronomy 4:2 and Proverbs 30:6.
• "book of life": In Revelation, this is the divine register of those who have been granted eternal life through faith in Christ (Revelation 3:5). Being removed from it signifies eternal condemnation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound reminder for all believers and interpreters of Scripture:

1. Reverence for God's Word: We are called to approach the Bible with utmost respect and humility, recognizing it as divinely inspired and authoritative. It is not ours to edit, diminish, or dismiss parts we find challenging or inconvenient.
2. Accurate Interpretation: The warning emphasizes the importance of diligent and honest interpretation, striving to understand God's message as it is, rather than twisting it to fit our own desires or ideologies.
3. Seriousness of Salvation: The severe consequences underscore the gravity of our eternal destiny and the importance of clinging to the truth of God's revelation for salvation. Our part in the Book of Life is a precious gift, not to be jeopardized by disrespect for God's word.
4. Trust in God's Full Revelation: This passage encourages us to trust that God has given us all we need for life and godliness through His complete and sufficient revelation in the Scriptures.