Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it. New Living Translation “So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them. English Standard Version “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. Berean Standard Bible See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it. King James Bible What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. New King James Version “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. New American Standard Bible “Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take anything away from it. NASB 1995 “Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. NASB 1977 “Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. Legacy Standard Bible “Whatever I am commanding you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. Amplified Bible “Everything I command you, you shall be careful to do it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. Christian Standard Bible Be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it. Holman Christian Standard Bible You must be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it.” American Standard Version What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Contemporary English Version Obey all the laws and teachings I am giving you. Don't add any, and don't take any away. English Revised Version What thing soever I command you, that shall ye observe to do: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. GOD'S WORD® Translation Be sure to do everything I command you. Never add anything to it or take anything away from it. Good News Translation "Do everything that I have commanded you; do not add anything to it or take anything from it. International Standard Version Now as to everything I'm commanding you, you must be careful to observe it. Don't add to or subtract from it." NET Bible You must be careful to do everything I am commanding you. Do not add to it or subtract from it! New Heart English Bible Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Webster's Bible Translation Whatever thing I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add to it, nor diminish from it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSee that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it. World English Bible Whatever thing I command you, that you shall observe to do. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe whole thing which I am commanding you, you observe to do it; you do not add to it, nor diminish from it.” Young's Literal Translation The whole thing which I am commanding you -- it ye observe to do; thou dost not add unto it, nor diminish from it. Smith's Literal Translation Every word which I command you, ye shall watch to do it: thou shalt not add upon it, and thou shalt not take away from it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhat I command thee, that only do thou to the Lord: neither add any thing, nor diminish. Catholic Public Domain Version What I command to you, this only shall you do, for the Lord. You may neither add nor subtract anything.” New American Bible Every word that I command you, you shall be careful to observe, neither adding to it nor subtracting from it. New Revised Standard Version You must diligently observe everything that I command you; do not add to it or take anything from it. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleEverything that I command you, that you must be careful to do; you shall not add nor take from it. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Every word that I command to you, keep it and do; you shall not add upon it and you shall not subtract from it.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917All this word which I command you, that shall ye observe to do; thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. Brenton Septuagint Translation Every word that I command you this day, it shalt thou observe to do: thou shalt not add to it, nor diminish from it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context A Warning Against Idolatry…31You must not worship the LORD your God in this way, because they practice for their gods every abomination which the LORD hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. 32 See that you do everything I command you; do not add to it or subtract from it. Cross References 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. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. / Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar. Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. / 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. Galatians 1:8-9 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! / As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be under a curse! 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. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. 1 Corinthians 4:6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another. Jeremiah 26:2 “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the house of the LORD and speak all the words I have commanded you to speak to all the cities of Judah who come to worship there. Do not omit a word. John 14:15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. / For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 119:160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever. Acts 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. Hebrews 2:1-3 We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, Treasury of Scripture What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it. thou shalt not 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. Deuteronomy 13:18 When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God. Joshua 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Jump to Previous Add Addition Care Careful Command Commanding Diminish Heed Making Observe Soever Thereto Whatever Whole Word WordsJump to Next Add Addition Care Careful Command Commanding Diminish Heed Making Observe Soever Thereto Whatever Whole Word WordsDeuteronomy 12 1. Monuments of idolatry to be destroyed4. The place of God's service to be kept 15. Blood is forbidden 17. Holy things must be eaten in the holy place 19. The Levite is not to be forsaken 20. Blood is again forbidden 26. and holy things must be eaten in the holy place 29. Idolatry is not to be enquired after See that you do everything I command you; This phrase emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as given through Moses. In the context of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are on the brink of entering the Promised Land, and God is reiterating the need for strict adherence to His laws. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience is a sign of faithfulness and devotion. The command to "do everything" underscores the comprehensive nature of God's law, covering all aspects of life. This is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments (John 14:15). do not add to it or subtract from it. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and commandments to the Israelites. 2. Israelites The chosen people of God, receiving the laws as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. 3. Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 4. Mount Sinai The place where God originally gave the Law to Moses, establishing the covenant with Israel. 5. Canaanite Practices The pagan rituals and practices that God warns the Israelites against adopting. Teaching Points Authority of ScriptureThe verse underscores the authority of God's Word. Believers are called to respect and adhere to the Bible as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. Integrity of God's Commands The command not to add or subtract from God's Word highlights the need for maintaining the integrity and purity of Scripture. Believers should be cautious of teachings that deviate from biblical truth. Obedience and Faithfulness This verse calls for complete obedience to God's commands. It challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure they are living in accordance with God's will. Discernment Against False Teachings In a world with many voices, this verse encourages believers to discern and reject teachings that contradict or distort biblical truth. Cultural Influence Just as the Israelites were warned against adopting Canaanite practices, believers today must be vigilant against cultural influences that compromise their faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 12:32?2. How does Deuteronomy 12:32 emphasize the importance of obeying God's commandments fully? 3. What are the dangers of adding to or subtracting from God's Word? 4. How does Deuteronomy 12:32 connect with Revelation 22:18-19 on Scripture integrity? 5. In what ways can we ensure adherence to God's commands in our lives? 6. How can Deuteronomy 12:32 guide us in discerning false teachings today? 7. What does Deuteronomy 12:32 imply about adding or subtracting from God's commandments? 8. How does Deuteronomy 12:32 influence the interpretation of biblical texts? 9. Why is adherence to Deuteronomy 12:32 important for biblical inerrancy? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 12? 11. Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31) 12. Why does God forbid adding to Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19), yet Christianity later included new books in the New Testament? 13. In Deuteronomy 12:2-4, how does the command to destroy all pagan worship sites fit with archaeological findings that some Canaanite altars appear to have remained in use? 14. Job 34:12 - Elihu insists God always acts justly; how does this align with texts describing God commanding destruction (e.g., Joshua 6)? What Does Deuteronomy 12:32 Mean See that you do everything I command you“See that you do everything I command you” (Deuteronomy 12:32) calls God’s people to wholehearted, careful obedience. Moses has just finished detailing statutes about worship and idolatry, so the command reaches back to all that has been said and forward to all that will follow. • Obedience is comprehensive. As Jesus affirmed, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). James echoes, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Obedience is careful. Israel is urged to “be careful to follow the statutes and ordinances” (Deuteronomy 12:1), mirroring how Noah built the ark “just as God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). • Obedience delights God. “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). When we do everything He commands, we demonstrate trust in His wisdom and goodness (Psalm 119:68). do not add to it “Do not add to it” warns against supplementing God’s word with human ideas, traditions, or extra rules that dilute or distort divine revelation. • Moses already said, “You shall not add to the word I command you” (Deuteronomy 4:2), forming bookends around the law. • Proverbs repeats the caution: “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you” (Proverbs 30:6). • Jesus rebuked leaders who “set aside the command of God to keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9). • The New Testament closes the canon with the same warning: “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book” (Revelation 22:18). Adding communicates that God’s revelation is insufficient, undermining His authority and burdening believers with man-made requirements (Galatians 1:6-9). or subtract from it “Or subtract from it” forbids trimming, ignoring, or selectively editing God’s commands. • Jeremiah stood in the temple and declared “all the words” God had given him, “without omitting a word” (Jeremiah 26:2). • Jesus insisted, “Not a single stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18), and warned that whoever “sets aside one of the least of these commandments” will be called least in the kingdom (Matthew 5:19). • Paul modeled full proclamation: “I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Subtracting suggests portions of Scripture are outdated, embarrassing, or optional. Instead, “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). summary Deuteronomy 12:32 urges total allegiance to God’s revealed word: obey every command, refuse to embellish it with human additions, and refuse to mute any part of it. Such reverence upholds God’s complete authority, preserves the purity of worship, and protects His people from error. (32) What thing soever I command you.--No later writer could put these words into the mouth of Moses, if he had altered the precepts of Moses to any appreciable extent.Verse 32. - The admonition in this verse is best regarded as forming an intermediate link between this chapter and the following, "closing what goes before and introductory to what follows" (Keil). |
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