Deuteronomy 4:2

Context of Deuteronomy 4:2

Deuteronomy 4:2 is part of Moses' powerful address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are to enter the Promised Land. Having wandered in the wilderness for forty years, this generation is being reminded of God's covenant and the Law given at Mount Sinai. Moses emphasizes the importance of absolute obedience to God's statutes and judgments, which are presented as the very foundation of their national identity and prosperity. This verse serves as a foundational principle for how Israel was to regard and preserve the divine revelation they had received.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Authority and Completeness: This verse underscores that God's word is supremely authoritative and complete. It is not subject to human revision or improvement. The command "Ye shall not add unto the word... neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it" highlights God's sovereignty over His revelation.
• Integrity of Scripture: The instruction to neither add nor diminish is a powerful call to preserve the purity and integrity of God's commandments. Any alteration, whether by addition (human traditions, interpretations elevated to divine status) or subtraction (ignoring inconvenient truths, watering down requirements), compromises the divine standard.
• Foundation for Obedience: The purpose of this strict adherence is "that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God." True obedience flows from an accurate understanding and respectful handling of God's revealed will. To obey God fully, one must know exactly what He has commanded, without human embellishment or omission.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "add" is yasaph (יָסַף), meaning "to increase, to do again, to add." The word for "diminish" is gara' (גָּרַע), meaning "to hold back, to lessen, to subtract." Together, these terms convey a comprehensive prohibition against any form of tampering with God's instructions. It's not merely about the physical text, but about the spirit, interpretation, and practical application of the Law. This principle emphasizes the sacredness and immutability of God's word.

Related Scriptures

This foundational principle of not altering God's word is echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating its enduring importance:

• Deuteronomy 12:32 reiterates this command in the context of avoiding pagan practices.
• Proverbs 30:5-6 warns, "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
• In the New Testament, this principle is seen in warnings against false teachings, such as Paul's strong words in Galatians 1:8-9 concerning those who preach "another gospel."
• The Bible concludes with a solemn warning in Revelation 22:18-19 against adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy of that book, extending the Deuteronomic principle to the entirety of God's revealed truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, Deuteronomy 4:2 remains profoundly relevant. It calls us to:

• Respect Biblical Authority: Approach the Bible with reverence, acknowledging it as the inspired, inerrant word of God.
• Study Diligently: Seek to understand God's word accurately, avoiding personal biases or cultural trends that might lead to adding or diminishing its truths. This means careful exegesis and sound interpretation.
• Guard Against Human Traditions: Be wary of human doctrines or traditions that either elevate themselves to the level of divine command or diminish the force of God's actual commands. Jesus Himself confronted the Pharisees for making the word of God of none effect through their tradition (Mark 7:13).
• Live in Obedience: The ultimate goal is not just intellectual understanding, but faithful obedience to God's will as revealed in His Word.