Deuteronomy 4:2

Deuteronomy 4:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Make no addition to the orders which I give you, and take nothing from them, but keep the orders of the Lord your God which I give you.

Free Bible Version FBV

You are not to add to or take away from what I'm telling you, so that you can keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I'm ordering you to follow.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye shall put nothing vnto the word which I command you, neither shall ye take ought there from, that ye may keepe the commandements of the Lord your God which I commande you.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Ye do not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor diminish from it, to keep the commands of Jehovah your God which I am commanding you.

World English Bible WEB

You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

You shall not add to the word that I speak to you, neither shall you take away from it: keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Translation for Translators T4T

Do not add anything to what I command you, and do not take anything away from what I tell you. Obey all the commands of Yahweh our God that I am giving to you.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 4:2

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Deuteronomy 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB לֹ֣א תֹסִ֗פוּ עַל הַ/דָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָנֹכִי֙ מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם וְ/לֹ֥א תִגְרְע֖וּ מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ לִ/שְׁמֹ֗ר אֶת מִצְוֺת֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְ/כֶֽם

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֹסִ֗פוּ yâçaph H3254 to add V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/דָּבָר֙ dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

מְצַוֶּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel

אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תִגְרְע֖וּ gâraʻ H1639 to dimish V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

לִ/שְׁמֹ֗ר shâmar H8104 to keep Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מִצְוֺת֙ mitsvâh H4687 commandment N-fp

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֔ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָנֹכִ֖י ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

מְצַוֶּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel

אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 4:2

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תֹסִ֗פוּ yâçaph H3254 "to add" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2mp

To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.

Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/דָּבָר֙ dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-ms

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אָנֹכִי֙ ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

מְצַוֶּ֣ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

תִגְרְע֖וּ gâraʻ H1639 "to dimish" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.

Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.

מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

לִ/שְׁמֹ֗ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִצְוֺת֙ mitsvâh H4687 "commandment" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.

Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)

Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֱלֹֽהֵי/כֶ֔ם ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֲשֶׁ֥ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

אָנֹכִ֖י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

מְצַוֶּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel

אֶתְ/כֶֽם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

Study Notes — Deuteronomy 4:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Deuteronomy 4:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 4:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:2
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2
Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:2

Context — An Exhortation to Obedience

1Hear now, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and may enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.

2You must not add to or subtract from what I command you, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you.

3Your eyes have seen what the LORD did at Baal-peor, for the LORD your God destroyed from among you all who followed Baal of Peor. 4But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive to this day, every one of you.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 12:32	See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it.
2	Proverbs 30:6	Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.
3	Revelation 22:18–19	I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and the holy city, which are described in this book.
4	Joshua 1:7	Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go.
5	Matthew 5:18	For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
6	Galatians 3:15	Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.
7	Ecclesiastes 12:13	When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
8	Mark 7:1–13	Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. ” He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by the tradition you have handed down. And you do so in many such matters.”
9	Matthew 15:2–9	“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”
10	Matthew 5:43	You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘Hate your enemy.’

Deuteronomy 4:2 Summary

This verse means that we should follow God's commands exactly as He gives them to us, without adding or subtracting anything. This shows that we love and trust Him, and it helps us to avoid sin and its consequences. Just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 12:32, we should strive to follow God's commands carefully, and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13, to help us understand and obey them. By doing so, we can demonstrate our love and obedience to God, as stated in John 14:15.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to add to or subtract from God's commands?

This means that we should not alter or modify God's commands to fit our own desires or understanding, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:2, and instead follow them as given, just like the Israelites were instructed to do in Deuteronomy 12:32.

Why is it important to follow God's commands exactly as given?

Following God's commands exactly as given shows our love and obedience to Him, as stated in John 14:15, and helps us to avoid sin and its consequences, as warned in Deuteronomy 28:15.

How can we ensure that we are not adding to or subtracting from God's commands?

We can ensure that we are not adding to or subtracting from God's commands by studying Scripture carefully, such as Psalm 119:160, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 16:13.

What is the consequence of adding to or subtracting from God's commands?

The consequence of adding to or subtracting from God's commands can be severe, as seen in the example of the Israelites who followed Baal of Peor in Numbers 25:1-9, and can lead to spiritual death and separation from God, as warned in Revelation 22:18-19.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I may be adding to or subtracting from God's commands in my own life, and how can I correct this?
How can I balance the need to understand and interpret Scripture with the warning not to add to or subtract from God's commands?
What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping me to understand and follow God's commands, and how can I seek His guidance?
In what ways can I show my love and obedience to God by following His commands exactly as given, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:2 and John 14:15?

Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add to the word which I command you, nether shall you diminish ought from it,.... Neither make new laws of their own, and join them to the law of God, and set them upon a level with it,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

Ye shall not add, by devising other doctrines or ways of worship than what I have taught or prescribed; see ,40 Deuteronomy 12:8,32 ; for this were to accuse me of want of wisdom or care or faithfulness in not giving you sufficient instructions for my own service. Neither shall ye diminish, by rejecting or neglecting any thing which I have commanded, though it seem never so small.

Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

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.Ver. 2. Ye shall not add.] The Jews have added their deuteroseis; the Turks their alfurta; the Papists their unwritten verities, which they equalise, at least, to the Holy Scriptures; and so argue them of insufficiency and imperfection. Oισοφοιημωνδευτερωσι, Our wise men teach tradition See 1 Corinthians 1:20.

Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

(2) Ye shall not add unto the word.—The word, not “the words.” The word is the substance of the Law. The words in which it is expressed may be more or less. The law of Moses contains in it the germ of all revelation to the very end.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

Verse 2. Ye shall not add] Any book, chapter, verse or word, which I have not spoken; nor give any comment that has any tendency to corrupt, weaken, or destroy any part of this revelation. Neither shall ye diminish] Ye shall not only not take away any larger portion of this word, but ye shall not take one jot or tittle from the LAW; it is that word of God that abideth for ever.

Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 4:2

2. Ye shall not add unto the word … neither … diminish from it] So Deuteronomy 12:32 [Hebrews 13:1], cp. Jeremiah 26:2, Revelation 22:18 f. That the Law was tampered with in Josiah’s day is implied in Jeremiah 8:8, the false pen of the scribes has wrought falsehood. Our verse and Deuteronomy 12:32 have been interpreted as if the deuteronomic law gave itself forth as the full, final letter of the Divine Revelation. This is not so: cp. its promise of a new prophet like to Moses, Deuteronomy 18:15 ff. which I command you] Again the participle, am about to command. Sam. and Luc. add this day.

Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 4:2

2. Ye shall not add unto the word — The Pharisees received condemnation from Christ for adding to the law. Matthew 15:3.

Sermons on Deuteronomy 4:2

	Sermon	Description
	Fren-18 Fondements Apostoliques - La Vraie Prdication by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the words he speaks are not his own, but are given to him by God. He shares his experience of feeling physically weak and disoriented, b
	Jude #1 Ch. 1:1-4 Introduction by Chuck Missler	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Jude and its purpose. He explains that Jude had to write this book because there were false teachers infiltrating the church. Th
	To Love the Word of God (Part 1) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of basing our lives and actions on the unchanging word of God rather than the ever-changing trends of society. He highlights
	Wrong Revival Principles - Part 4 by Jonathan Edwards	The sermon transcript discusses the natural inclinations that humans have and how they can be regulated in a way that is not sinful or selfish. It emphasizes the importance of pare
	Marriage and the Gospel by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a holistic life that encompasses the intellect, soul, and body. He encourages listeners to use their God-given abili
	The Church in Exile (Birmingham Conference) by Gary Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the history of God and the exile that the Old Testament people of God went through. He starts by referencing the story of Adam and Eve in the
	The Ideal of the Puritan Hearers by J.I. Packer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a man named Varsius as a guide in difficult places. Varsius is described as someone who knows and reveals dark things to sinners,