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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Deuteronomy 4:2 You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/05_Deu_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 4:2 - An Exhortation to Obedience" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/4-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/4-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:1">◄</a> Deuteronomy 4:2 <a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm" title="Deuteronomy 4:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish <i>ought</i> from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I am commanding you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I am commanding you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I am commanding you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, so that you may keep the commands of the LORD your God I am giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, so that you may keep the commands of the LORD your God I am giving you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and now he is your God. I am telling you everything he has commanded, so don't add anything or take anything away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Never add anything to what I command you, or take anything away from it. Then you will be able to obey the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away. Obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have given you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not add or subtract a thing to what I'm commanding you. Observe the commands of the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not add a thing to what I command you nor subtract from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am delivering to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You do not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor diminish from it, to keep the commands of your God YHWH which I am commanding you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Ye do not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor diminish from it, to keep the commands of Jehovah your God which I am commanding you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, and ye shall not take away from it, to watch the commands of Jehovah your God which I am commanding you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word that I speak to you, neither shall you take away from it: keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You shall not add to the word which I speak to you, neither shall you take away from it. Preserve the commandments of the Lord your God which I am teaching to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I am commanding you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your God with which I am charging you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You shall not add to the commandment which I command you, neither shall you take from it, but you must keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You shall not add to the commandment that I command you, and you shall not subtract from it, but keep the commandment of LORD JEHOVAH your God that I command to you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall not add to the word which I command you, and ye shall not take from it: keep the commandments of the Lord our God, all that I command you this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1114" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">An Exhortation to Obedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You must not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: ṯō·si·p̄ū (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">add</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1639.htm" title="1639: ṯiḡ·rə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To diminish, restrain, withdraw. A primitive root; to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold.">or subtract</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: mə·ṣaw·weh (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">command</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: liš·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">so that you may keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·wōṯ (N-fpc) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">the commandments</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem (N-mpc:: 2mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: mə·ṣaw·weh (V-Piel-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">am giving you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/22-18.htm">Revelation 22:18-19</a></span><br />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 the holy city, which are described in this book.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/30-5.htm">Proverbs 30:5-6</a></span><br />Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. / Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17-18</a></span><br />Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-6.htm">Galatians 1:6-9</a></span><br />I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a></span><br />Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-160.htm">Psalm 119:160</a></span><br />The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-3.htm">Matthew 15:3-9</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? / For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-7.htm">Mark 7:7-13</a></span><br />They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” / He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/8-20.htm">Isaiah 8:20</a></span><br />To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">1 Corinthians 4:6</a></span><br />Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a></span><br />If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1-4</a></span><br />We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish ought from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Deuteronomy 12:32</a></b></br> What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/1-7.htm">Joshua 1:7</a></b></br> Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it <i>to</i> the right hand or <i>to</i> the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Proverbs 30:6</a></b></br> Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/3-26.htm">Add</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-5.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/numbers/30-6.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-37.htm">Command</a> <a href="/numbers/32-25.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/numbers/15-40.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/numbers/36-13.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/numbers/26-54.htm">Diminish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-28.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/numbers/30-6.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-17.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/5-25.htm">Add</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Addition</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-2.htm">Aught</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm">Command</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-2.htm">Commanding</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-13.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm">Commands</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-32.htm">Diminish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-14.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-2.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a></span><br><span class="reftext">41. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You must not add to or subtract from what I command you</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commandments without alteration. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants and legal codes were considered inviolable, and any modification could lead to severe consequences. This directive is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/proverbs/30-6.htm">Proverbs 30:6</a> and <a href="/revelation/22-18.htm">Revelation 22:18-19</a>, underscoring the consistency of this principle throughout the Bible. The prohibition against altering God's word highlights the sufficiency and perfection of divine revelation, pointing to the unchanging nature of God and His will.<p><b>so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God</b><br>The purpose of not altering God's commands is to ensure their faithful observance. The phrase underscores the relationship between obedience and divine favor, a recurring theme in Deuteronomy. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart by their adherence to God's laws. This obedience was not merely ritualistic but was intended to reflect a heart aligned with God's purposes. The phrase also connects to the broader biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness, where keeping God's commandments is a sign of loyalty and love for Him, as seen in <a href="/john/14-15.htm">John 14:15</a>.<p><b>that I am giving you</b><br>This phrase indicates the immediacy and personal nature of God's communication to the Israelites. The use of "I" emphasizes that these commandments are directly from God, not mediated through human tradition or interpretation. It reflects the historical moment when Moses, as God's prophet, delivered the law to the people before entering the Promised Land. This direct giving of the law is foundational to the identity of Israel as God's chosen people and prefigures the New Covenant, where Jesus, the Word made flesh, directly imparts God's will to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments to the people. He is the primary speaker in Deuteronomy, conveying God's laws and instructions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The chosen people of God, who are receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. They are the audience of Moses' message.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_horeb.htm">Mount Horeb</a></b><br>The location where Moses received the commandments from God. It is a significant place of divine revelation and covenant.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/promised_land.htm">Promised Land</a></b><br>The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the brink of entering this land.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is giving the commandments through Moses. He is the ultimate authority behind the law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_integrity_of_god's_word.htm">The Integrity of God's Word</a></b><br>God's word is complete and perfect. We are called to respect its integrity by neither adding to nor subtracting from it. This teaches us to approach Scripture with reverence and humility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_commandments.htm">Obedience to God's Commandments</a></b><br>The command to not alter God's word is directly linked to obedience. By keeping the commandments as they are, we demonstrate our faithfulness and trust in God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a></b><br>In a world with many interpretations and teachings, we must be vigilant to ensure that what we believe and teach aligns with the unaltered word of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_scripture_in_daily_life.htm">The Role of Scripture in Daily Life</a></b><br>Scripture should be our guide in all aspects of life. By adhering to its teachings without modification, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_altering_scripture.htm">The Consequences of Altering Scripture</a></b><br>Altering God's word can lead to misunderstanding and misapplication, which can have spiritual consequences. We must be diligent in preserving the truth of Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_deut._4_2_with_later_changes.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 restricts adding or subtracting from God’s commands—how is this reconciled with later scriptural expansions or revisions? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_first_testament_being_rewritten.htm">Is the First Testament being rewritten?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_alter_god's_word.htm">What does it mean to alter God's Word?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_kabbalah_mean.htm">What does Kabbalah mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Ye shall not add unto the word.</span>--<span class= "ital">The word, </span>not "the words." The <span class= "ital">word </span>is the substance of the Law. The <span class= "ital">words </span>in which it is expressed may be more or less. The law of Moses contains in it the germ of all revelation to the very end.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You must not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">add</span><br /><span class="heb">תֹסִ֗פוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯō·si·p̄ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To add, augment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or subtract</span><br /><span class="heb">תִגְרְע֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiḡ·rə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1639.htm">Strong's 1639: </a> </span><span class="str2">To scrape off, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֑נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">command</span><br /><span class="heb">מְצַוֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṣaw·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶתְכֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’eṯ·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that you may keep</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמֹ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the commandments</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְוֺת֙</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·wōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I</span><br /><span class="heb">אָנֹכִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am giving you.</span><br /><span class="heb">מְצַוֶּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ṣaw·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">Deuteronomy 4:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/4-2.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:2 You shall not add to the word (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 4:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>