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Deuteronomy 13:1 - Torah's unchanging divine command

Deuteronomy 13:1 - דברים 13:1

Hebrew Text

אֵת כָּל־הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אָנֹכִי מְצַוֶּה אֶתְכֶם אֹתוֹ תִשְׁמְרוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת לֹא־תֹסֵף עָלָיו וְלֹא תִגְרַע מִמֶּנּוּ׃

English Translation

Every matter which I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Transliteration

Et kol-hadavar asher anochi metzaveh etchem oto tishmeru la'asot lo-tosef alav velo tigra mimenu.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָנֹכִי֙ מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֹת֥וֹ תִשְׁמְר֖וּ לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת לֹא־תֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֔יו וְלֹ֥א תִגְרַ֖ע מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
אֵ֣ת כׇּל־הַדָּבָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר אָנֹכִי֙ מְצַוֶּ֣ה אֶתְכֶ֔ם אֹת֥וֹ תִשְׁמְר֖וּ לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת לֹא־תֹסֵ֣ף עָלָ֔יו וְלֹ֥א תִגְרַ֖ע מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Adding or Subtracting from the Torah

The verse (Devarim 13:1) commands strict adherence to the mitzvot as given by Hashem, forbidding any addition or subtraction from the Torah's commandments. Rashi explains that this prohibition includes:

  • Not adding a fifth species to the lulav and etrog (which are four species)
  • Not adding a fifth parsha to tefillin (which contains four parshiyot)
  • Not adding a fifth fringe to tzitzit (which has four)

Rambam's Explanation in Mishneh Torah

In Hilchot Mamrim (2:9), the Rambam clarifies that this prohibition applies to both the Written and Oral Torah. One who claims that Hashem commanded an additional mitzvah beyond the 613 commandments is denying the completeness of the Torah. The Ramban adds that this includes not making new stringencies that appear as Torah commandments.

Talmudic Basis

The Gemara in Sanhedrin 29a derives from this verse that even a court cannot add to the mitzvot. The Sifrei (Devarim 81) explains that this prohibition applies to prophets as well - even if a prophet attempts to add a mitzvah, we do not listen to him.

Practical Applications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 454) explains that this mitzvah teaches us to recognize the perfection of the Torah's commandments. We must serve Hashem exactly as He commanded, without human innovations that might distort the divine will. However, this does not prohibit rabbinic enactments (takanot) that are clearly distinguished from Torah law.

Spiritual Significance

The Meshech Chochmah explains that adding to mitzvot demonstrates a lack of faith in the Torah's completeness, while subtracting shows disrespect for its divine origin. Both extremes undermine our relationship with Hashem, who gave us the perfect guide for life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 29a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the prohibition against adding to or diminishing from the commandments given in the Torah.
📖 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 28a
The verse is used to emphasize the importance of adhering strictly to the commandments without alteration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'do not add or subtract' from the commandments mean?
A: This verse teaches that we must observe the mitzvot (commandments) exactly as given in the Torah, without adding new practices as if they were Torah obligations or neglecting any existing ones. Rashi explains that this includes not adding extra details to mitzvot (like adding a fifth species to the Lulav on Sukkot) or removing parts of them (like omitting a required blessing).
Q: Why is it important not to change the commandments?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 2:9) teaches that altering mitzvot undermines the divine authority of the Torah. Since the commandments come from Hashem, modifying them implies that human judgment is superior to divine wisdom. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 29a) also warns that adding or subtracting can lead to distortion of Torah law.
Q: Does this mean we can't create new customs or rabbinic laws?
A: No—rabbinic laws (like lighting Chanukah candles) and minhagim (customs) are permitted because they are not presented as Torah commandments. The Talmud (Berachot 5a) distinguishes between adding to Torah law (forbidden) and enacting rabbinic safeguards (permitted). However, one must always clarify that such practices are rabbinic, not biblical.
Q: How does this apply to modern Jewish practice?
A: This verse reminds us to carefully follow halacha (Jewish law) as transmitted through authentic Torah scholarship. For example, we don’t modify the text of prayers or the number of brachot (blessings) in Birkat Hamazon. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 214:1) applies this principle to all areas of halacha.
Q: What’s a practical example of not adding or subtracting?
A: A classic example is the mitzvah of tzitzit: the Torah commands tying a specific number of threads (Bamidbar 15:38). The Sifrei (Devarim 13:1) states that adding an extra thread would violate 'do not add,' while removing one would violate 'do not subtract.' This shows the precision required in fulfilling mitzvot.