Deuteronomy 4:2 - Torah's boundaries: add or subtract?

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Hebrew Text

לֹא תֹסִפוּ עַל־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם וְלֹא תִגְרְעוּ מִמֶּנּוּ לִשְׁמֹר אֶת־מִצְוֺת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Lo tosifu al-hadavar asher anochi metzaveh etchem ve-lo tigreu mimenu lishmor et-mitzvot Adonai Eloheichem asher anochi metzaveh etchem.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֣א תֹסִ֗פוּ עַל־הַדָּבָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָנֹכִי֙ מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְכֶ֔ם וְלֹ֥א תִגְרְע֖וּ מִמֶּ֑נּוּ לִשְׁמֹ֗ר אֶת־מִצְוֺת֙ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י מְצַוֶּ֥ה אֶתְכֶֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Adding or Subtracting from the Torah

The verse (Devarim 4:2) prohibits adding to or subtracting from the commandments given by Hashem. This injunction is foundational to halachic observance, ensuring the integrity of Torah law as transmitted at Har Sinai.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that this prohibition includes:

Not adding a fifth species to the Arba Minim (four species taken on Sukkot)
Not adding a fifth paragraph to tefillin
Not adding a fifth fringe to tzitzit

These examples demonstrate that even enhancements with pious intent are forbidden when they alter the Torah's prescribed mitzvot.

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Yesodei HaTorah 9:1), Rambam rules that this prohibition applies to both the Written and Oral Torah. One who adds or subtracts from mitzvot - whether in text, interpretation, or practice - violates this biblical commandment.

Talmudic Elaboration

The Sifrei (Devarim 4:2) explains that this prohibition includes:

Not inventing new mitzvot not commanded by Hashem
Not altering the prescribed methods of performing existing mitzvot
Not changing the number of components in mitzvot (as Rashi noted)

The Boundaries of Rabbinic Legislation

The Talmud (Berachot 4b) discusses how this prohibition coexists with rabbinic enactments. While adding to Torah mitzvot is forbidden, Chazal had authority to establish:

Protective fences (gezeirot) to safeguard Torah law
Rabbinic mitzvot (such as Chanukah lights)
Institutions needed for proper Torah observance

These are permitted because they don't claim to be Torah commandments and are clearly distinguished as rabbinic in origin.

Spiritual Significance

The Kli Yakar explains that this prohibition teaches us that every mitzvah is perfectly balanced - adding or subtracting disrupts the divine wisdom embedded in each commandment. Just as a skilled artisan doesn't alter his masterpiece, we don't modify Hashem's perfect Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 29a

The verse is discussed in the context of adding or subtracting from the commandments, particularly in relation to the interpretation and application of the Torah's laws.

📖 Megillah 14a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the authority of the prophets and the boundaries of their teachings in relation to the Torah.

📖 Nedarim 22b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the seriousness of making vows and the importance of adhering strictly to the commandments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 4:2 mean when it says not to add or subtract from the commandments?
A: This verse teaches that we must observe the Torah's commandments exactly as they were given, without adding new laws or removing existing ones. Rashi explains that this includes not adding extra details to mitzvot (like adding a fifth species to the Lulav on Sukkot) or omitting parts of them. The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 2:9) elaborates that this prohibition applies to both the Written and Oral Torah.

Q: Why is it important not to change the Torah's commandments?
A: The Torah is divine wisdom given by Hashem, and altering it implies that human beings know better than the Creator. The Sifrei (Devarim 4:2) states that adding or subtracting mitzvot shows a lack of faith in the Torah's perfection. Keeping the commandments as given demonstrates our trust in Hashem's wisdom and our commitment to the covenant.

Q: Does this verse mean we can't make new customs or rabbinic laws?
A: No, this verse prohibits changing Torah laws, but rabbinic enactments (like lighting Chanukah candles) are permitted when they help protect Torah observance. The Talmud (Shabbat 23a) explains that rabbinic laws are 'a fence around the Torah' and don't violate this prohibition because they're not presented as Torah commandments, but as protective measures.

Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish practice today?
A: This principle guides halachic decision-making today. When poskim (halachic decisors) rule on Jewish law, they carefully base their decisions on Torah sources without adding or removing from the original commandments. For example, we don't add extra blessings to those prescribed by Chazal, nor do we omit required parts of prayers.

Q: What's an example of adding to or subtracting from mitzvot?
A: An example of adding would be saying there are six paragraphs in the Shema instead of three (Devarim 6:4-9, 11:13-21, Bamidbar 15:37-41). Subtracting would be omitting one of the four species on Sukkot (Vayikra 23:40). The Mishnah (Sanhedrin 10:1) includes those who add or subtract from mitzvot among those who forfeit their share in the World to Come.