Revelation 22:18

Authorized King James Version

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:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Συμμαρτυροῦμαι
G4828
I testify
to testify jointly, i.e., corroborate by (concurrent) evidence
#2
γὰρ
G1063
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
παντὶ
G3956
unto every man
all, any, every, the whole
#4
ἀκούοντι
G191
that heareth
to hear (in various senses)
#5
τοὺς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
λόγους
G3056
the words
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
προφητείας
G4394
of the prophecy
prediction (scriptural or other)
#9
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
βιβλίῳ
G975
book
a roll
#11
τούτου,
G5127
of this
of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)
#12
ἐάν
G1437
If
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#13
τις
G5100
any man
some or any person or object
#14
ἐπιθήσει
G2007
shall add
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#15
πρὸς
G4314
unto
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,
#16
ταῦτα,
G5023
these things
these things
#17
ἐπιθήσει
G2007
shall add
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#18
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
θεὸς
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#20
ἐπ'
G1909
unto
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#21
αὐτὸν
G846
him
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
#22
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
πληγὰς
G4127
the plagues
a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity
#24
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
γεγραμμένας
G1125
that are written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#26
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#27
βιβλίῳ
G975
book
a roll
#28
τούτῳ
G5129
this
to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Revelation, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Revelation.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish apocalyptic literature using symbolic imagery to convey hope shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God within the theological tradition of Revelation Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection