Deuteronomy Chapter 12 · Verse 32
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Original Language Analysis
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדָּבָ֗ר
What thing
H1697
הַדָּבָ֗ר
What thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֹת֥וֹ
H853
אֹת֥וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תִשְׁמְר֖וּ
you observe
H8104
תִשְׁמְר֖וּ
you observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
לַֽעֲשׂ֑וֹת
to do
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֑וֹת
to do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹסֵ֣ף
it thou shalt not add
H3254
תֹסֵ֣ף
it thou shalt not add
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
12 of 16
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עָלָ֔יו
H5921
עָלָ֔יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:2Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.Joshua 1:7Only 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 to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.Proverbs 30:6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.Deuteronomy 13:18When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.Matthew 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Historical Context
Later Judaism's oral law tradition arguably violated the 'add not' command—rabbinic fences around Torah added requirements God didn't mandate. Jesus criticized traditions that 'made void' God's commandments (Matthew 15:3-6; Mark 7:8-13). Conversely, liberal theology's editing Scripture to remove 'offensive' parts violates 'diminish not.' The Reformation's sola Scriptura recovered this principle, rejecting both traditionalism and rationalism in favor of Scripture's final authority. Every generation faces pressure to add human wisdom or subtract difficult teachings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do church traditions risk 'adding to' God's word when elevated to equal authority with Scripture?
- In what ways does modern theology 'diminish' Scripture by rejecting difficult doctrines or moral commands?
- How do we maintain Scripture's authority while applying it to situations not directly addressed in biblical times?
Analysis & Commentary
The concluding command: 'What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.' This establishes sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) principle. The Hebrew shamar (שָׁמַר, guard/observe) demands protection of God's revealed word. Two temptations are prohibited: adding to (yasaph, יָסַף) and subtracting from (gara, גָרַע) Scripture. Human tradition must not supplement divine revelation; liberal reductionism must not edit uncomfortable commands. God's word is complete, sufficient, and authoritative. This command is repeated in Deuteronomy 4:2 and echoed in Revelation 22:18-19, framing all Scripture with this warning.