Revelation 22:19
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.
Revelation 22:19
Verse 19 delivers a parallel, but negative, warning: removing from the words of the book results in loss of participation in the book’s blessings—the part in the book of life and access to the holy city. This is a counterbalance to the previous verse’s warning about adding. Together, they underscore reverence for the integrity of divine revelation and the seriousness of our response to Scripture. The book’s content is not a buffet to pick and choose; it demands fidelity to what God has spoken.
This verse reinforces the intimate relationship between Scripture and eternal life. By attaching “part” to the book of life, it highlights salvation as a corporate and personal reality tied to fidelity to God’s revelation. It also emphasizes that God’s promises are contingent on honoring His word rather than manipulating it to suit one’s agenda. The verse contributes to the biblical mechanism of reward and accountability for how one handles sacred text.
This verse challenges the reader to treat Scripture with reverence: avoid tampering with God’s words to fit the latest consensus or personal preferences. If you engage in Bible study, commit to honest exegesis, use reliable resources, and be open to correction. It also invites families and churches to emphasize teaching that centers on God’s word rather than sensationalism or rumor.
Cross-References: Proverbs 30:5–6; Psalm 12:6–7; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Revelation 3:5; Hebrews 10:23