2 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.

Other Translations of Deuteronomy 4:2

King James Version

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.

English Standard Version

2 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.

The Message

2 Don't add a word to what I command you, and don't remove a word from it. Keep the commands of God, your God, that I am commanding you.

New King James Version

2 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.

New Living Translation

2 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.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:1-23

(Read Deuteronomy 4:1-23)

The power and love of God to Israel are here made the ground and reason of a number of cautions and serious warnings; and although there is much reference to their national covenant, yet all may be applied to those who live under the gospel. What are laws made for but to be observed and obeyed? Our obedience as individuals cannot merit salvation; but it is the only evidence that we are partakers of the gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ, Considering how many temptations we are compassed with, and what corrupt desires we have in our bosoms, we have great need to keep our hearts with all diligence. Those cannot walk aright, who walk carelessly. Moses charges particularly to take heed of the sin of idolatry. He shows how weak the temptation would be to those who thought aright; for these pretended gods, the sun, moon, and stars, were only blessings which the Lord their God had imparted to all nations. It is absurd to worship them; shall we serve those that were made to serve us? Take heed lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your God. We must take heed lest at any time we forget our religion. Care, caution, and watchfulness, are helps against a bad memory.