King James Version

What Does Revelation 22:19 Mean?

Revelation 22:19 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Revelation chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Revelation 22:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 thi... 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 22:19 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 · 33 words
καὶ1 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐάν2 of 33

if

G1437

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

τις3 of 33

any man

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀφαιρήσει4 of 33

shall take away

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ5 of 33

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν6 of 33
G3588

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

λόγων7 of 33

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

βίβλου8 of 33

of the book

G976

a scroll

τῆς9 of 33
G3588

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

προφητείας10 of 33

prophecy

G4394

prediction (scriptural or other)

ταύτης11 of 33
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἀφαιρήσει12 of 33

shall take away

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

13 of 33
G3588

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

θεὸς14 of 33

God

G2316

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

τὸ15 of 33
G3588

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

μέρος16 of 33

part

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

αὐτοῦ17 of 33

his

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

ἀπὸ18 of 33

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

βίβλου19 of 33

of the book

G976

a scroll

τῆς20 of 33
G3588

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

ζωῆς21 of 33

of life

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

καὶ22 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκ23 of 33

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς24 of 33
G3588

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

πόλεως25 of 33

city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

τῆς26 of 33
G3588

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

ἁγίας27 of 33

the holy

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ28 of 33

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν29 of 33
G3588

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

γεγραμμένων30 of 33

from the things which are written

G1125

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

ἐν31 of 33

in

G1722

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

βιβλίῳ32 of 33

book

G975

a roll

τούτῳ33 of 33

of 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 22:19 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 22:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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