New International VersionI warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
New Living TranslationAnd I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.
English Standard VersionI warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
Berean Standard BibleI 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.
Berean Literal BibleI testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues having been written in this book.
King James BibleFor 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:
New King James VersionFor I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
New American Standard BibleI testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
NASB 1995I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;
NASB 1977I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book;
Legacy Standard BibleI bear witness to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
Amplified BibleI testify and warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book [its predictions, consolations, and admonitions]: if anyone adds [anything] to them, God will add to him the plagues (afflictions, calamities) which are written in this book;
Christian Standard BibleI testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
Holman Christian Standard BibleI testify to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
American Standard VersionI 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:
Contemporary English VersionHere is my warning for everyone who hears the prophecies in this book: If you add anything to them, God will make you suffer all the terrible troubles written in this book.
English Revised VersionI 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:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy in this book: If anyone adds anything to this, God will strike him with the plagues that are written in this book.
Good News TranslationI, John, solemnly warn everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: if any add anything to them, God will add to their punishment the plagues described in this book.
International Standard VersionI warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy in this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will strike him with the plagues that are written in this book.
NET BibleI testify to the one who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.
New Heart English BibleI testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor I testify to every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book:
Weymouth New Testament"I solemnly declare to every one who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book, that if any one adds to those words, God will add to him the plagues spoken of in this book; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleI 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.
World English BibleI testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor I testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this scroll, if anyone may add to these, God will add to him the plagues that have been written in this scroll,
Berean Literal BibleI testify to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone should add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues having been written in this book.
Young's Literal Translation 'For I testify to every one hearing the words of the prophecy of this scroll, if any one may add unto these, God shall add to him the plagues that have been written in this scroll,
Smith's Literal TranslationFor I testify to every one hearing the words of the prophecy of this book, If any add to these things, God will add to him the blows written in this book: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I testify to every one that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues written in this book.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor I call as witnesses all listeners of the words of the prophecy of this book. If anyone will have added to these, God will add upon him the afflictions written in this book.
New American BibleI warn everyone who hears the prophetic words in this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
New Revised Standard VersionI warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleI testify to every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book:
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“I testify to everyone who hears the word of the prophecy of this book: Whoever will place upon these things, God shall place upon him the plagues that are written in this book.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentI testify to every one that hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any one add to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
Godbey New Testament
I testify to every one hearing the words of the prophecy of this book. If any one may add to these things, God will add unto him the plagues which are written in this book:
Haweis New Testament
For I testify to every one who heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man add to these things, God will lay upon him the plagues that are written in this book:
Mace New Testament
"I declare to every one that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any one shall add to these things, God shall strike him with the plagues that are written in this book:
Weymouth New Testament
"I solemnly declare to every one who hears the words of the prophecy contained in this book, that if any one adds to those words, God will add to him the plagues spoken of in this book;
Worrell New Testament
"I testify to every one who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone shall add to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
Worsley New Testament
I testify to every one that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any one add to thesethings, God shall add unto him the plaguesthat are written in this book:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Nothing May Be Added17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely. 18Itestifyto everyonewhohearsthewordsofprophecyin thisbook:Ifanyoneaddstothem,Godwill addtohimtheplaguesdescribedinthisbook.19And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.…
Cross References Deuteronomy 4:2You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.
Deuteronomy 12:32See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
Proverbs 30:5-6Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. / Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.
Galatians 1:8-9But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse!
Matthew 5:18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
2 Peter 3:16He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
2 Timothy 3:16-17All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
John 12:48There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
1 Corinthians 4:6Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.
Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Jeremiah 26:2“This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word.
Acts 20:27For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
Hebrews 2:1-4We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, ...
1 John 4:1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Matthew 24:35Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
Treasury of Scripture For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book: testify. Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David,and the bright and morning star. Revelation 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, heareth. Revelation 1:3 Blessedis he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the timeis at hand. If. Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminishought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 12:32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. God. Revelation 14:10,11 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: … Revelation 15:1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. Jump to Previous AddAdditionAddsBookContainedDeclareDescribedEarsHearethHearingHearsMakesPlaguesProphecyProphet'sPunishmentsScrollSolemnlyTestifyWarnWordsWrittenJump to Next AddAdditionAddsBookContainedDeclareDescribedEarsHearethHearingHearsMakesPlaguesProphecyProphet'sPunishmentsScrollSolemnlyTestifyWarnWordsWrittenRevelation 22 1.The river of the water of life.2.The tree of life.5.The light of the city of God is himself.7.Jesus Is Coming.9.The angel will not be worshipped.18.Nothing may be added to the word of God, nor taken away.I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book:This phrase emphasizes the solemnity and authority of the message. The act of testifying is a legal term, indicating a formal declaration. The audience is "everyone who hears," suggesting the universal relevance of the message. The "words of prophecy" refer to the entire content of the Book of Revelation, which is a prophetic vision given to John. This echoes the biblical tradition of prophecy as seen in the Old Testament, where prophets conveyed God's messages to His people. The phrase underscores the importance of listening and adhering to divine revelation. If anyone adds to them:
This warning against adding to the words of prophecy reflects a common biblical theme of preserving the purity and integrity of God's word. Similar admonitions are found inDeuteronomy 4:2 andProverbs 30:6, which caution against altering divine commandments. The historical context of Revelation, written during a time of persecution and false teachings, highlights the need to protect the message from distortion. This phrase serves as a safeguard against heretical interpretations and emphasizes the sufficiency of the revealed word. God will add to him the plagues described in this book:
The consequence of adding to the prophecy is severe, involving the plagues mentioned throughout Revelation. These plagues, reminiscent of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus), symbolize divine judgment and are part of the apocalyptic imagery used to convey the seriousness of tampering with God's word. The plagues in Revelation include various forms of destruction and suffering, serving as a warning of the spiritual and physical consequences of disobedience. This phrase reinforces the theme of divine justice and the ultimate authority of God over His creation. Persons / Places / Events 1. John the ApostleThe author of the Book of Revelation, who received the vision while exiled on the island of Patmos. 2. GodThe ultimate author of the prophecy, who warns against altering His words. 3. The Book of RevelationThe final book of the New Testament, containing prophecies about the end times and the return of Christ. 4. PlaguesRefers to the various judgments and calamities described throughout the Book of Revelation. 5. The AudienceThe early Christian communities and all future readers of the Book of Revelation. Teaching Points The Integrity of ScriptureThe Bible is complete and sufficient as it is. We must approach it with reverence and avoid altering its message. The Seriousness of God's WarningsThe warning of plagues for those who add to the prophecy underscores the seriousness with which God views His word. Faithfulness in TeachingTeachers and preachers of the Word must be diligent in accurately conveying the message of Scripture without personal additions or subtractions. Personal ResponsibilityEvery believer is responsible for how they handle the Word of God, ensuring they do not distort its message. End Times AwarenessUnderstanding the prophecies in Revelation should lead to a greater awareness and readiness for the return of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Revelation 22:18?
2.How does Revelation 22:18 warn against altering God's Word in our lives?
3.What are the consequences mentioned in Revelation 22:18 for adding to Scripture?
4.How can we ensure we faithfully adhere to Revelation 22:18's warning?
5.What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of preserving God's Word unchanged?
6.How should Revelation 22:18 influence our approach to teaching the Bible?
7.What does Revelation 22:18 imply about altering biblical texts?
8.How does Revelation 22:18 affect the interpretation of biblical authority?
9.Why is the warning in Revelation 22:18 significant for biblical inerrancy?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 22?
11.Is The Voice Translation a reliable Bible version?
12.What are the beliefs of Mormonism?
13.What does a closed canon of Scripture signify?
14.What does it mean to alter God's Word?What Does Revelation 22:18 Mean I testifyJohn is not casually sharing an opinion; he is giving sworn, eyewitness testimony. Just as he began the book by declaring, “Grace to you and peace… from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness” (Revelation 1:4-5), he now seals everything he has written with a solemn confirmation. The gravity matches the Old Testament pattern where God’s messengers declared, “Thus says the Lord” (Jeremiah 26:2). John’s “I testify” reminds us of: •Exodus 24:3-4—Moses read the covenant aloud and bore witness to it. •1 John 1:1-3—the same author testifies to what he has “seen and heard.” •Revelation 21:5—“These words are faithful and true.” The point: Revelation is not optional or symbolic rambling; it is divinely guaranteed truth that demands our trust.
to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this bookThe invitation is universal: “everyone.” Whether a first-century congregation in Ephesus or a reader today, the promise and warning apply equally. Note the consistent blessing attached to hearing and keeping Revelation: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud, and those who hear and obey” (Revelation 1:3; cf. 22:7). Other Scriptures echo the same call: •Deuteronomy 4:10—God gathered Israel “that they may hear My words.” •Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” John labels Revelation a “prophecy,” aligning it with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel—books that were to be heard, believed, and obeyed. The term also underscores future fulfillment; these are not abstract symbols but certain realities God will bring to pass.
If anyone adds to themHere the focus shifts from hearing to tampering. The prohibition against addition mirrorsDeuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32: “Do not add to what I command you.”Proverbs 30:5-6 repeats, “Every word of God is flawless… Do not add to His words.” Adding may include: • Tacking on new prophecies that contradict Scripture. • Re-interpreting Revelation to fit human speculation while ignoring its plain meaning. • Diluting uncomfortable truths—softening warnings of judgment or re-imagining the return of Christ. Paul issues a similar warning inGalatians 1:8—“If we or an angel… should preach a gospel contrary… let him be accursed.” Any alteration places a person in spiritual peril because it challenges God’s complete, sufficient revelation (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
God will add to him the plagues described in this bookThe consequence is severe and personal. Throughout Revelation the plagues—seals, trumpets, bowls—are literal judgments (Revelation 6–16). John now applies them individually: whoever dares adjust God’s message invites the same catastrophes. Compare: •Numbers 16:30-35—Korah’s rebellion met swift, supernatural judgment. •2 Chronicles 26:16-21—Uzziah added to God’s instructions and was struck with leprosy. •Revelation 16:2—“Harmful and grievous sores” fell on those bearing the beast’s mark. The warning underscores divine justice: if one inflates Scripture, God inflates retribution. His word is inviolable; usurping His authority brings the very plagues spoken against rebellion.
summaryRevelation 22:18 stands as a courtroom oath, a universal charge, a strict prohibition, and a sobering threat. John, under the Spirit’s inspiration, certifies every prophecy in Revelation as perfect and complete. All who hear are accountable to receive it without alteration. To add human ideas, diminish its plain meaning, or reshape its promises invites the full weight of God’s revealed judgments. Scripture ends by safeguarding itself, urging readers to treasure, trust, and obey the final word God has given. (18-19) I testify unto every man that heareth.--Omit "For," and read, I testify to every one that hears . . . The "I" is emphatic; it introduces the final warning; the revelation must not be tampered with. If any one shall have added to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if any one shall have taken away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his portion from the tree of life, and out of the holy city which are written (or printed) in this book. We may compare Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32. The words are a solemn protest against the spirit which handles rashly or deceitfully the word of God; which adds its own thoughts, or makes its wishes the parent of its interpretations; which dilutes the force of its warnings, or impoverishes the fulness of its promises. The right of continual access to the tree of life was the promise of Revelation 22:14; this right or freedom is forfeited by those who deal falsely or faithlessly by the words of Christ here. In a minor degree, it is true that those who leave this book unstudied and unprayed over, lose much spiritual sustenance and comfort. How much more do they lose who trifle with it, ignore its spiritual teachings, and sin against the laws of that kingdom whose progress it so vividly portrays. Verse 18. - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. Omit "for." The pronoun "I" is emphatic. Here is the solemn appendix or seal of the veracity of the book, somewhat similar to the prefatory words in Revelation 1:1-3. This is the fulfilment of the duty laid upon St. John in Revelation 1:1, not an announcement of our Lord himself (cf. the wording of Revelation 1:3). If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book; cf. the command in Deuteronomy 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it" (Revised Version). "The plagues that are written in this book" are those of the seals, the trumpets, the vials, the doom of Babylon, etc.; cf. the command of St. Paul to Timothy ( 2 Timothy 1:13), and cf. also what is said in 2 Timothy 2:16-18 concerning the heretical teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Iἐγὼ(egō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.testifyΜαρτυρῶ(Martyrō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3140:To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.to everyoneπαντὶ(panti)Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.whoτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hearsἀκούοντι(akouonti)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191:To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordsλόγους(logous)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.ofτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.prophecyπροφητείας(prophēteias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4394:Prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth. From prophetes; prediction.in thisτούτου(toutou)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.book:βιβλίου(bibliou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 975:A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.Ifἐάν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.anyoneτις(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.addsἐπιθῇ(epithē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2007:To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.toἐπ’(ep’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.[them],αὐτά(auta)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Neuter 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.GodΘεὸς(Theos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.will addἐπιθήσει(epithēsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2007:To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.toἐπ’(ep’)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.himαὐτὸν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.theτὰς(tas)Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.plaguesπληγὰς(plēgas)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4127:A blow, stripe, wound; an affliction, plague. From plesso; a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity.describedγεγραμμένας(gegrammenas)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1125:A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thisτούτῳ(toutō)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.book.βιβλίῳ(bibliō)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 975:A papyrus roll. A diminutive of biblos; a roll.
Links Revelation 22:18 NIVRevelation 22:18 NLTRevelation 22:18 ESVRevelation 22:18 NASBRevelation 22:18 KJV
Revelation 22:18 BibleApps.comRevelation 22:18 Biblia ParalelaRevelation 22:18 Chinese BibleRevelation 22:18 French BibleRevelation 22:18 Catholic Bible
NT Prophecy: Revelation 22:18 I testify to everyone who hears (Rev. Re Apocalypse) |
