What does Revelation 22:19 mean?

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. Revelation 22:19

Explanation

Revelation 22:19 is a verse from the final chapter of the Book of Revelation in the Christian New Testament. The verse warns against altering the prophetic words of the book. The “book of this prophecy” refers to the Book of Revelation itself, and possibly by extension, the entire canonical Bible. The verse is part of a larger pericope where John, the author of Revelation, is concluding his apocalyptic visions with a series of exhortations and warnings. The threat of having one’s part removed from the “book of life” is seen as a severe punishment, as it implies exclusion from eternal life and the New Jerusalem, which are promised to the faithful and redeemed. The “things which are written in this book” may refer to the promises and blessings described throughout Revelation.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse of John, was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D. during a period of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. The specific historical context is debated, but it is generally understood as a response to Roman imperial power and the challenges facing the early Christian communities. The warnings against altering the text reflect concerns about maintaining doctrinal purity and the integrity of the Christian message in the face of heterodox teachings and persecution.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Revelation 22:19 carries weight on several fronts. It has been interpreted as an emphasis on the authority of the prophetic message and the finality of the biblical canon. Some view it as a warning against heresy and modification of divine revelation. Others see it as an indication of the seriousness with which the early church regarded scriptural texts and the transmission of the Christian message. Some Christian traditions interpret the “book of life” as a heavenly record of those who are saved, which underscores the eternal consequence of faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God’s word.

Practical Applications

The verse serves as a sobering reminder to readers about the importance of respecting and preserving the integrity of the Scriptures. In daily life, this can translate to the careful study, interpretation, and application of biblical teachings. For religious leaders, it is a caution against misrepresenting or twisting scriptural messages for personal gain or to suit one’s own agenda. For lay Christians, it can encourage diligence in seeking to understand and live in accordance with God’s word.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 4:2: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
• Proverbs 30:6: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
• Revelation 22:18: “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:”

Language Study

The original Greek text of Revelation 22:19 has a few key terms. The term for “take away” is “aphaireo”, which implies forcibly removing or subtracting. The “book of life” in Greek is “biblion tes zoes”, with “zoe” often referring to eternal, divine life. The strong verbal forms emphasize the irreversible nature of the punishment for tampering with the text.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, there are similar warnings about altering sacred texts. For example, in Islam, the Qur’an is considered the unalterable word of God, and preserving its purity is of utmost importance. In the Jewish tradition, the precise transmission of the Torah’s text is central to religious practice. Comparatively, the warning in Revelation 22:19 reflects a common religious emphasis on textual integrity as a way of preserving the faith’s authenticity.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives are not directly applicable to this verse, as it deals with doctrinal matters of faith rather than empirical claims. However, the fields of textual criticism and history may use scientific methods to understand the transmission and preservation of ancient manuscripts, including the Bible. This scientific study can provide insight into how texts were copied, modified, and interpreted throughout history.

Commentaries

Various commentators have offered interpretations of Revelation 22:19. Some conservative scholars see it as a strong warning not to tamper with the biblical text, suggesting that Scripture is the inerrant word of God. Others may interpret it more contextually, arguing that the warning was more specific to the apocalyptic genre and historical context of Revelation. Still, others debate whether the verse implies a closing of the biblical canon or if it was a broader admonition against distorting the Christian message. The consensus among many scholars, however, is that the gravity of the verse underscores the importance the early Church placed on the teachings contained in Revelation.