The Bible is often regarded as the ultimate authority for faith and practice, but what does it say about adding to its words? From warnings against altering scripture to affirmations of its divine authority, exploring biblical teachings on the integrity of the Word of God can deepen our reverence for its truths. Join me as we examine what the Bible says about adding to its pages and consider the implications for our understanding of God’s revelation to humanity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Adding To The Bible
Deuteronomy 4:2
“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to the people of Israel to not add anything to the commandments and teachings of God. It emphasizes the importance of faithfully preserving the Word of God without any alterations or additions.
Proverbs 30:6
“Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
In this verse, the writer warns against tampering with the words of God. Any attempt to add to His words would be considered deceitful and offensive to God, and it would result in receiving His rebuke.
Revelation 22:18-19
“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. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.”
In these verses, a strong warning is given regarding the Book of Revelation specifically. Adding or subtracting from the prophecies written in Revelation will result in severe consequences from God. It stresses the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s written word.
Jeremiah 26:2
“This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word.”
God instructs Jeremiah to faithfully speak everything God commands, without leaving out any words. This verse demonstrates the significance of complete obedience to God’s instructions and not altering His words in any way.
Psalm 12:6
“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.”
David affirms the perfection and purity of God’s words. The Bible, without any additions, is considered flawless and trustworthy, like precious metals that have been refined multiple times. This verse reaffirms the importance of preserving the integrity of the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 4:6
“Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.”
Paul encourages the Corinthians to not go beyond what is written or exceed the teachings and instructions given by the apostles. Doing so would lead to pride and division within the church. This verse emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in the Word of God.
Galatians 1:8-9
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!”
Paul sternly warns against preaching or accepting any gospel that deviates from the original gospel that was preached by him and the other apostles. Such false teachings are to be rejected and those who propagate them are to be accursed. This passage highlights the severity of straying from the authentic teachings of the Bible.
Matthew 15:9
“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and religious leaders for prioritizing their own human traditions and rules over the true worship of God. This verse serves as a reminder that any teachings or additions to the Bible that are rooted in human rules rather than divine revelation are considered empty and worthless.
Mark 7:7-8
“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees again, pointing out the same issue of prioritizing human traditions over the commandments of God. These verses emphasize the importance of not elevating human traditions to the same level of authority as the Word of God.
2 John 1:9
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
John warns against going beyond the teaching of Christ. Those who fail to abide in His teachings are considered to be without God. This verse highlights the importance of remaining faithful to the teachings of Jesus and not adding or subtracting from them.
Acts 17:11
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
The Berean Jews are commended for their noble character as they diligently searched the Scriptures to verify the truthfulness of Paul’s teachings. This verse exemplifies the importance of testing all teachings against the authority of the written Word of God.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Paul advises the Colossians to be vigilant and not be swayed by empty and deceptive philosophies that are rooted in human traditions and worldly spiritual forces rather than in Christ. This verse emphasizes the significance of grounding our faith solely on the teachings of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
These verses affirm the divine inspiration of all Scripture and its significance in shaping and equipping believers. The Bible, devoid of any additions or alterations, is complete and sufficient for providing guidance, correction, and training in righteousness.
James 1:25
“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”
James encourages believers to immerse themselves in the perfect law, which is the Word of God. Continuously abiding in His Word, without forgetting or adding to it, brings blessings upon those who faithfully apply God’s teachings in their lives.
Psalm 119:160
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”
This verse acknowledges the truthfulness and eternal nature of God’s words and laws. It reinforces the importance of preserving the integrity of God’s Word and recognizing its unwavering reliability throughout time.
Psalm 119:89
“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”
David affirms that God’s Word is eternal and unchanging, secure in the heavens. This verse emphasizes the everlasting nature of God’s Word and the importance of keeping it pure and unaltered.
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
This verse highlights the temporary nature of all things in contrast to the enduring nature of God’s Word. God’s Word stands firm and remains relevant throughout all generations, emphasizing its indispensable nature and the need to preserve it without any alterations.
Psalm 19:7-8
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
This passage glorifies the perfection and reliability of the law, statutes, precepts, and commands of the Lord. It stresses the transformative and uplifting power of God’s Word in bringing joy, wisdom, and enlightenment to the lives of believers.
Psalm 33:4
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.”
David declares the righteousness, truthfulness, and faithfulness of God’s Word. This verse reaffirms the need to preserve the integrity of the Word of God and to recognize its unwavering dependability.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
David uses imagery to depict the guidance and illumination that come from God’s Word. The Bible serves as a reliable source of direction and enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of preserving its clarity and authenticity.
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
David acknowledges the significance of internalizing God’s Word as a way to guard against sinning. This verse underscores the importance of the Bible as a transformative and protective force in the lives of believers.
Psalm 119:140
“Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.”
David expresses his deep affection for God’s tested and trustworthy promises. This verse highlights the importance of holding God’s Word in high regard and cherishing its reliability and faithfulness.
Psalm 119:152
“Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.”
David acknowledges that from ancient times God’s statutes have been established to endure forever. This verse affirms the eternal nature of God’s Word and reinforces the need to preserve it as it was given.
Psalm 119:165
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”
David declares that those who love God’s law, His Word, experience great peace and find stability. This verse emphasizes the importance of valuing and obeying the unaltered Word of God, resulting in a life filled with peace and steadfastness.
Psalm 56:4
“In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
David, in praise of God’s Word, expresses his unwavering trust and confidence in God’s protection. This verse showcases the reassurance and strength that comes from placing our faith in the unchanging and reliable Word of God.
The Bible contains the inspired and infallible words of God, and as believers, we are called to preserve its integrity and authority. Adding to the Bible undermines its divine authorship and can lead to the distortion of its message. The Scriptures repeatedly warn against tampering with the Word of God and emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to its teachings and commands. The Bible stands as an eternal and unchanging guide for our lives, providing wisdom, direction, and transformation. It is our responsibility to protect and honor the sacredness of God’s Word by preserving its purity and essence, recognizing that any additions or alterations only serve to compromise its divine authenticity.