Revelation 22:18-19

Strauss-' Comments
SECTION 75

Text Revelation 22:18-19

18 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: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.

Initial Questions Revelation 22:18-19

1.

What warning does God give us in Revelation 22:18?

2.

What will God do to those who disobey - Revelation 22:18?

3.

Does God condemn taking away as well as adding to this word - Revelation 22:19?

4.

How severe is God's judgment upon all adders or subtracters of His Word - Revelation 22:19?

Revelation 22:18

Jesus is still speaking (see Revelation 22:16). I witness to everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this scroll, if anyone adds to these things (auta is a neuter plural - to them), God will add upon him the plagues having been written in this scroll: We must all heed Jesus-' warning - do not tamper with the Word of God! God revealed it just as He wanted it. If He would have needed our advice, I am quite certain that He would have asked us. The emphasis in this verse was do not add (epithç) to God's revelation.

Revelation 22:19

In this verse we read the same warnings being issued to those who would subtract from the Word of God. This is such a serious matter that God imposes a very severe judgment upon the person who takes away (aphalç) from the Words. What is judgment? God will take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city.

Either adding or subtracting from God's Word are explicitly condemned. God expects us to witness to His Word - neither more nor less!

Discussion Questions

See Revelation 22:20-21.