Proverbs Chapter 30 · Verse 6
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תּ֥וֹסְףְּ
Add
H3254
תּ֥וֹסְףְּ
Add
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
2 of 8
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דְּבָרָ֑יו
thou not unto his words
H1697
דְּבָרָ֑יו
thou not unto his words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
4 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
Cross References
Deuteronomy 12:32What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.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.1 Corinthians 15:15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.
Historical Context
Proverbs 30 contains the oracle of Agur son of Jakeh (30:1), likely a wisdom sage outside Solomon's immediate circle. His humility (30:2-3) and precision about God's words reflects the ancient scribal commitment to textual accuracy that preserved Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- Where are you tempted to add your own preferences or traditions to Scripture's clear teaching?
- How can you distinguish between legitimate application of biblical principles and wrongly 'adding to' God's words?
- What safeguards help you remain faithful to what Scripture actually says versus what you wish it said?
Analysis & Commentary
Add thou not unto his words—Agur's warning parallels Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32, and anticipates Revelation 22:18-19. The Hebrew yāsap̱ (יָסַף, add) means to augment or supplement. Lest he reprove thee (yākîaḥ, יוֹכִיחַ, reprove)—God Himself will correct those who distort His revelation. Thou be found a liar (kāzab, כָּזַב)—false prophet, deceiver.
This principle safeguards Scripture's sufficiency and authority. Adding to God's words claims divine authority for human opinion—the error of Pharisees (Mark 7:7-9) and false teachers. Jesus affirmed Scripture's inerrancy down to the smallest letter (Matthew 5:18). The Reformation cry of sola Scriptura echoes this verse.