What happens if one alters the Bible's words?

Definition and Scope

Altering the words of Scripture involves any deliberate change that would modify, add to, or subtract from the inspired message. Such alterations can occur through rewriting, editing, or manipulating textual content to fit personal preferences or doctrinal agendas. These changes differ fundamentally from faithful translations, which seek to convey the original intent and language into new linguistic contexts without distorting the meaning.

Biblical Warnings Against Alteration

Several passages offer explicit cautions:

• Deuteronomy 4:2 states, “You shall not add to the word that I am commanding you, nor subtract from it.” This instruction emphasizes the importance of preserving the divine commandments as delivered.

• Revelation 22:18–19 provides a sobering reminder: “I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City, which are described in this book.” This warning underscores the severity of altering God’s revelation.

• Proverbs 30:6 issues a similar admonition: “Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”

In each instance, preserving Scripture’s integrity remains paramount.

Historical and Manuscript Considerations

From ancient times, scribes and copyists employed meticulous techniques to safeguard textual accuracy. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which include manuscripts over two millennia old, confirms the remarkable consistency of the Hebrew Scriptures across centuries. Similarly, over five thousand Greek New Testament manuscripts, along with various early translations and quotations by early church leaders, attest to the faithful transmission of the original words.

While minor copyist errors do appear in surviving manuscripts (such as spelling or word order differences), these do not constitute purposeful alterations of core doctrine. Textual criticism, guided by a wealth of manuscript evidence, ensures that modern translations—assembled from the oldest and most reliable sources—reflect the original message.

Theological Consequences of Altering Scripture

Altering the Bible’s words challenges both God’s authority and the coherence of biblical revelation. Scripture teaches that “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), signifying its divine source. To tamper with the text is to attempt to override God’s final authority, effectively placing human judgment above the inspired word.

Moreover, when a reader encounters an altered text that misrepresents or obscures the intended meaning, it can lead to false doctrines, confusion, and the potential loss of critical salvific truths regarding Christ’s identity, atoning work, and resurrection. The Bible contends that the clarity of God’s revealed word is central to understanding salvation.

Examples from Church History

Historically, groups or individuals who altered Scripture to align with specific philosophies or heresies often led others astray. Early Gnostic writings, for example, presented conflicting manuscripts that obscured the nature of Christ and the Godhead. Church councils and Christian leaders labored to identify and reject spurious works, recognizing the danger of teachings founded on corrupted texts.

Faithful transmission required a high view of divine revelation. Copyists and church communities invested great effort in preserving canonical texts. Over time, the recognized canon of Scripture emerged as a unified witness to God’s work and Christ’s salvific mission.

Practical Warnings and Spiritual Implications

Those who knowingly distort Scripture risk misleading others, whether intentionally or out of ignorance. Scripture connects teachers’ integrity with their accountability (James 3:1), implying that those who twist God’s word will bear responsibility for the spiritual harm inflicted.

Furthermore, biblical teachings on the Holy Spirit indicate that believers find true instruction in reliance upon God’s revealed word, not in their own manipulations (John 16:13). Altering the text can close one’s heart to the Spirit’s guidance, replacing divine wisdom with human reasoning.

Encouragement to Preserve and Honor Scripture

Rather than adjusting Scripture to personal viewpoints, readers and teachers are encouraged to approach the text humbly, striving to maintain its original intent. Faithful study, aided by reputable translations, and prayerful consideration of context provide believers with a trustworthy foundation for life and doctrine.

Scripture’s integrity assures that the message of salvation—the life, death, and resurrection of Christ—remains central and unaltered. Keeping the words of Scripture pure upholds truth, fosters unity among believers, and offers a consistent witness to those investigating its claims.

Conclusion

Altering the Bible’s words defies biblical directives, undermines the authority of divine revelation, and potentially leads readers away from eternal truth. From the ancient warnings in Deuteronomy to the final cautions in Revelation, Scripture treats its own preservation with the utmost gravity. Faithful stewardship of God’s word—through accurate copying, careful study, and humble acceptance—ensures that individuals encounter the genuine, unadulterated message of hope and salvation.