Deuteronomy 4:2
Ye 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.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֹסִ֗פוּ
Ye shall not add
H3254
תֹסִ֗פוּ
Ye shall not add
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
2 of 20
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַדָּבָר֙
unto the word
H1697
הַדָּבָר֙
unto the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 20
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 20
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 #:
8 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 20
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִגְרְע֖וּ
you neither shall ye diminish
H1639
תִגְרְע֖וּ
you neither shall ye diminish
Strong's:
H1639
Word #:
10 of 20
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
H4480
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
לִשְׁמֹ֗ר
ought from it that ye may keep
H8104
לִשְׁמֹ֗ר
ought from it that ye may keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִצְוֹת֙
the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹת֙
the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
14 of 20
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
15 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
H430
אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.Proverbs 30:6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.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.Matthew 5:18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.Galatians 3:15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Historical Context
This command predates the completed biblical canon but establishes the principle of Scripture's integrity. Throughout history, heresies have resulted from either adding to Scripture (extra-biblical requirements) or subtracting from it (denying clear teachings). Faithful transmission of God's word requires neither addition nor deletion.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you be adding human tradition to God's word or removing difficult truths?
- How do you maintain proper balance between interpreting Scripture and altering its meaning?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prohibition 'Ye shall not add unto the word... neither shall ye diminish ought from it' establishes Scripture's sufficiency and authority. God's word needs neither human supplement nor editorial reduction—it is complete and perfect as given. This principle protects against both legalism (adding requirements) and liberalism (removing demands). Revelation 22:18-19 echoes this warning, showing its enduring importance for preserving God's truth.