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.

People's New Testament

22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy. This could be done by denying, or explaining away the words of prophecy. To do either is a deadly sin. Indeed, to tamper with the Divine word in any way is sinful.

Wesley's Notes

22:18-19 I testify to every one, and c. - From the fulness of his heart, the apostle utters this testimony, this weighty admonition, not only to the churches of Asia, but to all who should ever hear this book. He that adds, all the plagues shall be added to him; he that takes from it, all the blessings shall be taken from him; and, doubtless, this guilt is incurred by all those who lay hinderances in the way of the faithful, which prevent them from hearing their Lord's I come, and answering, Come, Lord Jesus. This may likewise be considered as an awful sanction, given to the whole New Testament; in like manner as Moses guarded the law, Deut 4:2, and Deut 12:32; and as God himself did, Mal 4:4, in closing the canon of the Old Testament.

King James Translators' Notes

out of the book...: or, from the tree of life

Scofield Reference Notes

[3] words [4] life

Inspiration: Summary. The testimony of the Bible to itself.

(1) The writers affirm, where they speak of the subject at all, they speak by direct divine authority.

(2) They invariably testify that the words, and not the ideas merely, are inspired. The most important passage is 1Cor 2:7-15 which see.

(3) The whole attitude of Jesus Christ toward the Old Testament, as disclosed in His words, both before His death and after His resurrection, confirms its truth and divine origin, and He explicitly ascribes the Pentateuch to Moses.

(4) In promising subsequent revelations after the predicted advent of the Spirit Jn 16:12-15 our Lord prepared the way for the New Testament.

(5) The writers of the New Testament invariably treat the Old Testament as authoritative and inspired. See Scofield Note: "2Pet 1:19". See Scofield Note: "1Cor 2:13".

[4] life Eternal life, Summary of the teaching:

(1) The life is called "eternal" because it was from the eternity which is past unto the eternity which is to come--it is the life of God revealed in Jesus Christ, who is God Jn 1:4 5:26 1Jn 1:1,2

(2) This life of God, which was revealed in Christ, is imparted in a new birth by the Holy Spirit, acting upon the word of God, to every believer on the Lord Jesus Christ Jn 3:3-15.

(3) The life thus imparted was from the beginning." But the recipient is a "new creation" 2Cor 5:17 Gal 6:15.

(4) The life of God which is the believer is an unsevered part of the life which eternally was, and eternally is, in Christ Jesus--one life, in Him and in the believer--Vine and branches; Head and members 1Cor 6:17 Gal 2:20 Col 1:27 3:3,4 1Jn 5:11,12 Jn 15:1-5 1Cor 12:12-14

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19. book-None of our manuscripts read this. A, B, Aleph, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic read, "(take away his part, that is, portion) from the tree of life," that is, shall deprive him of participation in the tree of life.

and from the things-so Vulgate. But A, B, Aleph, Syriac, Coptic, and Andreas omit "and"; then "which are written in this book" will refer to "the holy city and the tree of life." As in the beginning of this book (Re 1:3) a blessing was promised to the devout, obedient student of it, so now at its close a curse is denounced against those who add to, or take from, it.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

22:6-19 The Lord Jesus spake by the angel, solemnly confirming the contents of this book, particularly of this last vision. He is the Lord God faithful and true. Also by his messengers; the holy angels showed them to holy men of God. They are things that must shortly be done; Christ will come quickly, and put all things out of doubt. And by the integrity of that angel who had been the apostle's interpreter. He refused to accept religious worship from John, and reproved him for offering it. This presents another testimony against idolatrous worship of saints and angels. God calls every one to witness to the declarations here made. This book, thus kept open, will have effect upon men; the filthy and unjust will be more so, but it will confirm, strengthen, and further sanctify those who are upright with God. Never let us think that a dead or disobedient faith will save us, for the First and the Last has declared that those alone are blessed who do his commandments. It is a book that shuts out form heaven all wicked and unrighteous persons, particularly those who love and make lies, therefore cannot itself be a lie. There is no middle place or condition. Jesus, who is the Spirit of prophecy, has given his churches this morning-light of prophecy, to assure them of the light of the perfect day approaching. All is confirmed by an open and general invitation to mankind, to come and partake freely of the promises and of the privileges of the gospel. The Spirit, by the sacred word, and by convictions and influence in the sinner's conscience, says, Come to Christ for salvation; and the bride, or the whole church, on earth and in heaven, says, Come and share our happiness. Lest any should hesitate, it is added, Let whosoever will, or, is willing, come and take of the water of life freely. May every one who hears or reads these words, desire at once to accept the gracious invitation. All are condemned who should dare to corrupt or change the word of God, either by adding to it, or taking from it.