King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:18 Mean?

Revelation 22:18 in the King James Version says “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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


Context

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.

17

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

18

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:

19

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

20

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:... This verse from Revelation's vision of river of life, invitation, warnings - eternal blessing, urgent call, maranatha employs apocalyptic imagery rich with Old Testament allusions and symbolic meaning. The Greek text uses vivid apocalyptic language characteristic of Jewish prophetic literature, drawing heavily from Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Zechariah.

The symbolism must be interpreted within its first-century context while recognizing timeless spiritual realities. The imagery would resonate powerfully with persecuted believers facing Roman imperial cult worship, providing hope that despite present suffering, Christ reigns sovereign and will consummate His kingdom. The apocalyptic genre uses symbolic numbers (seven, twelve, 144,000), colors, beasts, and cosmic imagery to convey theological truth rather than photographic descriptions.

Christologically, Revelation consistently exalts Jesus as the victorious Lamb, the faithful witness, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every vision ultimately points to Christ's supremacy, His finished redemptive work, and His certain return to judge the living and dead and establish the new creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John received this revelation circa AD 95 during Domitian's persecution, exiled on Patmos for his testimony. The seven churches of Asia Minor faced increasing pressure to participate in emperor worship and pagan religious practices. Refusal meant economic hardship, social ostracism, and potential martyrdom. Understanding this context illuminates Revelation's encouragement to faithful endurance.

The apocalyptic genre was familiar to first-century Jewish and Christian readers. Rather than newspaper-style predictions, apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery to reveal spiritual realities behind earthly events, encourage the faithful, warn the unfaithful, and assert God's ultimate sovereignty over history. Parallels with Daniel, Ezekiel, and intertestamental apocalyptic writings would help original readers decode the symbols.

Rome's imperial cult demanded worship of Caesar as divine, placing Christians in impossible situations—compromise their faith or face persecution. Revelation identifies Rome as "Babylon" and assures believers that despite appearances, the Lamb conquered through His death and resurrection, and all earthly kingdoms will submit to His reign.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Revelation 22:18 reveal God's character, particularly His sovereignty, holiness, and justice?
  2. What specific encouragement or warning does this verse offer for maintaining faithful Christian witness amid cultural pressure?
  3. How does this passage point to Christ's victory and the hope of new creation, and how should that shape your present priorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
Συμμαρτυροῦμαι1 of 28

I testify

G4828

to testify jointly, i.e., corroborate by (concurrent) evidence

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

παντὶ3 of 28

unto every man

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀκούοντι4 of 28

that heareth

G191

to hear (in various senses)

τοὺς5 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγους6 of 28

the words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς7 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφητείας8 of 28

of the prophecy

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

τοῦ9 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βιβλίῳ10 of 28

book

G975

a roll

τούτου,11 of 28

of this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

ἐάν12 of 28

If

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις13 of 28

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐπιθήσει14 of 28

shall add

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

πρὸς15 of 28

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ταῦτα,16 of 28

these things

G5023

these things

ἐπιθήσει17 of 28

shall add

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

18 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς19 of 28

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπ'20 of 28

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτὸν21 of 28

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰς22 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πληγὰς23 of 28

the plagues

G4127

a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity

τὰς24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γεγραμμένας25 of 28

that are written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἐν26 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

βιβλίῳ27 of 28

book

G975

a roll

τούτῳ28 of 28

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Revelation. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Revelation 22:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Revelation 22:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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