“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 22:18 (KJV)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”– Revelation 22:18 (NLT)
“I’m warning everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If you add to anything here, God will add to your life the plagues that are written in this book.”– Revelation 22:18 (MSG)
What Does Revelation 22:18 Mean?
Revelation 22:18 is a strong warning given in the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation, which contains the final prophecies of the Bible. This verse serves as a reminder to us about the seriousness of the messages found in this prophetic text. God desires that His Word, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, remains unchanged and true. When someone attempts to add or change these words, it heavily distorts their meaning, leading to disastrous consequences.
This warning directly applies not only to the Book of Revelation but also to the Bible as a whole. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the scriptures. We are reminded that, as followers of Christ and children of God, we have a responsibility to honor His Word. By reading, understanding, and sharing it faithfully, we respect the divine revelations within. Thus, this verse carries a profound lesson about the reverence we should have for God’s Word and the seriousness of tampering with what He has said.
Revelation 22:18 Explanation and Commentary
In Revelation 22:18, John the Apostle, the author of Revelation, makes it abundantly clear that altering the words found in this book leads to punishment. The phrasing, “God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book,” serves as a strong warning from God about the consequences of misinterpretation or distortion. John emphasizes this by invoking the authority of God, stating that those who dare to add or remove from His words will face severe repercussions.
This negative consequence isn’t merely a terror tactic but showcases God’s deep concern for the truth and accuracy of His Word. When we distort or manipulate God’s messages, we risk leading others astray. By doing so, we not only endanger ourselves but also those who depend on our teachings or interpretations. The Bible is meant to bring hope, healing, and guidance; altering its message creates confusion and misunderstanding, distancing ourselves from the truth God wants us to know.
This principle is echoed throughout the scriptures. In Deuteronomy 4:2, we read, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.” This consistent message throughout the Bible tells us about the significance of holding tightly to God’s Word. It brings to mind the importance of humility and responsibility while engaging with scripture – we are not to treat God’s Word lightly, but rather with the utmost respect and regard.
To add or take away from God’s Word is a severe issue. The seriousness of this warning cannot be understated. It serves as a call for integrity among those who profess to know and share His Word. We are often reminded that our interpretation and sharing of scripture should align closely with the original meaning intended by God. This requires diligent study, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for illumination.
Context of Revelation 22:18
To truly grasp the significance of Revelation 22:18, we need to understand its context within the Book of Revelation. John wrote this book while exiled on the island of Patmos. He was inspired by God to share the visions he experienced, revealing a message of hope and future glory through Jesus Christ amidst persecution and trials.
The final chapter of Revelation paints a picture of what believers can look forward to, a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell among His people. As John wraps up this monumental book, he leaves readers with crucial instructions and warnings. Revelation 22:18 is nestled between a promise of Jesus’ imminent return and a final invitation for people to come to Him for life.
By placing this verse within the concluded message of Revelation, John emphasizes the urgency of understanding and abiding by the truths revealed. It summarizes the weight of responsibility we bear as we navigate our spiritual lives. We cannot manipulate or mishandle the Word of God, especially when it pertains to salvation and the revelation of Jesus Christ.
The weight of these words permeates throughout the entire book. We find warnings against false teachers, encouragements to remain faithful, and promises of eternal life intertwined with calls for purity among God’s people. Recognizing this backdrop helps us grasp how serious John viewed his calling to deliver God’s message. Let’s seek to remain faithful to His Word, upholding its original meaning as we await Christ’s return.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Revelation 22:18
To better understand Revelation 22:18, we can break it down into key parts. The first part addresses “I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book.” This phrase indicates that John is conveying an important message to everyone who engages with the book. It’s not just for scholars or theologians, but for each one of us – a universal declaration that speaks to the reader’s heart. We are all invited into this sacred space where God’s truth is revealed.
The next crucial segment is, “If any man shall add unto these things.” Here, John highlights the act of modifying God’s Word. This should serve as a powerful encouragement for us to examine our own hearts and practices. Are we being faithful in our interpretations? Are we relying on God’s truth to guide our lives, or are we distorting it to fit our own agendas?
Following this is “God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” This severe warning should cause pause. God is firm in His stance regarding how we engage with His Word. The plagues signify not just physical consequences, but also spiritual ramifications. Many may choose to overlook the importance of this warning, but it reminds us that our choices carry severe weights, with the potential to mislead or misinform others.
Reflections on our own lives are essential. Have we shared distorted messages, even unintentionally? With prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can ensure our hearts are aligned with God, thus relaying His truths accurately. Every word matters when it comes to the revelations encapsulated in scripture.
Lessons to Learn From Revelation 22:18
Being called to follow Christ and be His witnesses is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. Revelation 22:18 teaches us several lessons that can shape our conduct as believers. One of the primary lessons is the importance of holding onto God’s truth. We must be diligent and devoted to upholding the message of scripture, resisting any temptation to alter it to fit our desires or the expectations of others. Every exchange of God’s Word should be done with love, humility, and diligence.
We also learn about the call for integrity in teaching and sharing God’s Word. Each of us, as believers, may have opportunities to share scripture with others. This could happen naturally in conversations or more formally in leading Bible studies. It is our responsibility that we pass along the truth as accurately and faithfully as possible. Let’s remember that our responsibility isn’t limited to personal interpretation but extends to how we encourage others on their journeys of faith.
Furthermore, we are called to respect the authority of God. Revelation 22:18 isn’t just written to be read; it is meant to be obeyed. We cannot afford to treat scripture lightly. Regular engagements with the Bible not only inspire us but reinforce the foundations of our faith, allowing us to grow spiritually.
Finally, the importance of vigilance emerges as a vital lesson. We live in a world with many differing beliefs and interpretations of scripture. Exercising discernment is key. By being rooted in God’s truth, we better prepare ourselves to face misinformation and false teachings, allowing us to stand firm in our faith.
Final Thoughts
As we meditate on Revelation 22:18, we are reminded of the urgency and importance of upholding the integrity of scripture. God has gifted us with His Word, and it serves as a guiding light in our lives. Let’s remain steadfast in our commitment to understanding and sharing His truth. Being aware of the seriousness of tampering with His Word can lead us to a place of greater reverence for scripture.
Every time we engage with the Bible, we should do so with hearts open to receiving God’s instructions, while also being ready to share His love and truth with others. By developing a solid grounding in His Word, we arm ourselves against the distractions and distortions offered by the world around us. Let us embrace this calling to stand as heralds of truth, ensuring that we communicate God’s message in its purity and love.
If you find yourself curious about more insights from the Bible, feel free to explore various topics such as faith in Jesus Christ or the importance of loving one another. Each exploration will deepen our understanding and relationship with our Savior.