Revelation 22:19 — And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives a solemn warning to anyone who would take away from the words of the prophecy in Revelation. Just as the previous verse warned against adding to God’s Word, this one warns against removing anything from it.
The consequence is severe: the person who alters the message by taking away from it will lose their share in the tree of life and the Holy City—the eternal blessings described in this book. In simple terms, this means being shut out of eternal life with God.
This isn’t about making a copyist’s mistake or forgetting a verse—this is about knowingly rejecting, ignoring, or cutting out parts of God’s Word. It reflects a heart that refuses to accept the full message of God and tries to shape His Word into something more comfortable or more in line with human opinion.
This warning protects the truth of Revelation and, by extension, all of Scripture. It reinforces that God’s Word is not up for editing.
Historical Context
In the early church, written scrolls were copied and shared among churches. There was always a risk that someone might alter the content—whether by accident or on purpose. Some false teachers claimed to speak for God while removing or denying parts of Scripture they didn’t like, especially teachings about judgment, holiness, or Christ’s return.
By the time Revelation was written, believers were already facing confusion and distortion of the gospel message. This warning made it clear that God takes His Word seriously. Those who tamper with it—especially with something as weighty as the final prophecy—face eternal consequences.
This also echoed the respect that ancient cultures had for written agreements or proclamations. Legal and royal documents often had strict warnings against altering the text. Revelation, as the final word of Scripture, carries divine authority and must be preserved as given.
Theological Implications
This verse speaks to the integrity and authority of Scripture. God’s Word is not to be trimmed or altered to fit human desires. Every word has meaning. Every truth matters. Those who disregard or erase parts of it show that they are not in true fellowship with the Lord.
It also reinforces the truth that salvation is not something we control or earn. Our access to the tree of life and the Holy City is a gift from God—but it must be received on His terms, not ours.
This verse shows that the gospel is not a “choose your own adventure.” It’s a call to surrender to all of who Jesus is and everything He has spoken. Taking parts out is not just a theological error—it’s a spiritual rebellion.
Literary Analysis
This verse completes the pair started in verse 18. Together, they act as a strong literary conclusion to the book of Revelation and the entire Bible. These two warnings—about adding or taking away—frame the message as sacred and sealed.
The consequences match the actions: if someone adds to God’s Word, plagues are added to them. If someone takes away from God’s Word, their share in eternal life is taken away. The parallel structure helps drive the point home with clarity and force.
By using terms like “tree of life” and “Holy City,” the verse ties back to the earlier blessings promised in chapters 21 and 22. It shows that the stakes are not small—what’s being lost is nothing less than eternal joy with God.
Cross-References
- Revelation 22:14 — “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life…”
- Revelation 21:2 — “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven…”
- Deuteronomy 4:2 — “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it…”
- Proverbs 30:6 — “Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For modern believers, this verse reminds us to treat the Bible with reverence. We must not skip over parts we find difficult or uncomfortable. God’s truth doesn’t change based on our preferences or the culture we live in.
It also teaches us to be cautious about what we listen to and who we follow. Any teaching that cuts out or denies clear parts of Scripture should be rejected. We are called to know God’s Word, love it, and obey it—not to revise it.
This verse should also create in us a sense of gratitude and humility. God has given us His Word as a complete, trustworthy guide. It’s not something to debate and dilute—it’s something to believe and live by.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse may sound harsh at first, but it flows from God’s deep love. He doesn’t want people misled by false teachings. He doesn’t want the message of salvation diluted or the warnings ignored. He protects His Word because He loves His people.
Like a loving father guarding his children from harm, God sets firm boundaries around His truth. He knows that changing the message puts lives and souls at risk. His love defends the gospel because the gospel is the only way to life.
And His love is seen in that He makes the full message of salvation available to all—not hidden, not edited, but wide open for all who will receive it.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1), and the written Word points to Him. When someone takes away from Scripture, they are taking away from who Jesus is, what He taught, and what He came to do.
Jesus Himself warned against distorting His message. In Matthew 5:18, He said, “Not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” He upheld the authority of all of God’s Word.
Revelation is His final message to the Church. To remove any part of it is to silence His voice—and in doing so, reject the very life He offers. That’s why the warning is so strong.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Do I treat all of God’s Word as important—even the parts that challenge or convict me?
- Have I ever been tempted to ignore or downplay parts of Scripture? Why?
- How can I guard against false teaching that removes key parts of the Bible’s message?
- What does this verse teach me about the seriousness of God’s truth?
- How can I show love for others by sharing the whole truth of Scripture, not just the parts that are easy to hear?