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Revelation 22:18

ESV I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
NIV I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.
NASB I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;
CSB I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book.
NLT And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.
KJV 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:
NKJV For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;

What does Revelation 22:18 mean?

This verse offers a stern warning not to add to the words of Revelation; the next verse also condemns those who would attempt to censor it. Adding to the book of Revelation brings God's judgment: plagues will fall on the one who adds to Revelation. This might take the form of attempting to add words or prophecies in a very literal way. It might also refer to those who try to make this writing say things it does not say: warping the text for their own ends.

Adding comments, content, or interpretations which minimize Revelation's commands and promises is tantamount to calling the Holy Spirit, who inspired the book, a liar. When Moses gave God's statutes and rules to Israel, he warned, "You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you" (Deuteronomy 4:2). Also, in Deuteronomy 12:32, the Lord warned: "Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it." Proverbs 30:5–6 says, "Every word of God proves true…Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar."

God's Word is perfect and authoritative and needs no human additions. A message as complex as Revelation, in particular, cannot be manipulated without risking severe error. Though this warning is technically in reference to Revelation itself, the general principle is a good one to apply across all of Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6).
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