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What does the Bible say about adding to the bible?

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The Bible warns believers not to add to, subtract from, or set aside God’s revealed Word, but to receive it as the sufficient and trustworthy rule for faith and obedience. Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 command Israel not to alter God’s commands, while Proverbs 30:5-6 warns against adding to his flawless words. Revelation 22:18-19 gives a solemn warning concerning the prophecy of that book, reflecting the broader biblical seriousness of tampering with divine revelation. Scripture is God-breathed and equips his people for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). Therefore, Christians should test all teachings by Scripture, reject false gospels (Galatians 1:6-9), and submit humbly to Christ’s authoritative Word.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Revelation 22:18-19

    [18] I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book. [19] If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.

  • Proverbs 30:5-6

    [5] "Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Don't you add to his words, Lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

  • Deuteronomy 4:2

    You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you.

  • Deuteronomy 12:32

    Whatever thing I command you, that shall you observe to do: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

  • Revelation 22:18

    I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this book.

  • Galatians 1:6-9

    [6] I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different gospel; [7] and there isn't another gospel. Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Gospel of Christ. [8] But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any gospel other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed. [9] As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any gospel other than that which you received, let him be cursed.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

  • Revelation 22:19

    If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16

    Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,

  • Revelation 1:1

    This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel to his servant, John,

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