The instruction to not add or take away from God’s word is found in Deuteronomy 4:2, which says “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.” This principle is repeated in Revelation 22:18-19 as a warning to not tamper with the words of the prophecy in that book.
This command has to do with preserving the purity and integrity of God’s revealed word. God gave His word through prophets and apostles to communicate His truth and instructions for mankind. His word represents His complete and final revelation for all people in all times (Hebrews 1:1-2). Therefore, it must be guarded against corruption by addition or subtraction.
Adding to God’s word can include:
- Claiming new doctrines or practices not found in Scripture
- Asserting that new prophecies or revelations are equal to Scripture
- Requiring more religious rituals or rules beyond what Scripture teaches
Taking away from God’s word can include:
- Rejecting or contradicting clear teachings of Scripture
- Denying miracles or historical events recorded in the Bible
- Ignoring or selectively obeying biblical commands
Both adding and taking away distort God’s true message and lead people astray. So God wants His people to treat Scripture with care and respect, affirming all it teaches without addition or subtraction.
At the same time, this principle does not rule out:
- Using wisdom in how to apply biblical principles to new situations
- Gaining deeper understanding of Scripture through continued study
- Discerning foundational doctrines from secondary issues
As long as Scripture remains the final authority, growing in understanding and wisely applying God’s word is not the same as changing its message. Scripture itself attests to being useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
In summary, not adding to or taking away from Scripture means:
- Affirming the Bible we have as God’s complete written revelation
- Not elevating any additional writings or teachings to the level of Scripture
- Rejecting ideas or practices that contradict the clear message of Scripture
- Upholding all that Scripture teaches without selectively obeying parts of it
- Letting Scripture interpret itself rather than reading meaning into it
- Applying biblical principles faithfully in new contexts
- Gaining deeper insight through continued study without distorting its message
God gave His word to guide us in truth, so we must handle it rightly by believing all it says and obeying all it teaches without addition or subtraction. This honors God and allows His word to accomplish its purpose in our lives.
1. The Origin of the Command
The command to not add or take away from God’s words originates in Deuteronomy, spoken by Moses to the Israelites:
“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live…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.” (Deuteronomy 4:1–2)
This instruction was given after God had directly revealed His law to Israel at Mount Sinai. His commandments provided complete guidance for righteous living, worship, and relationship with Him. The Israelites were not to add rituals, laws or requirements beyond what God had commanded. Nor were they to disregard any part of God’s instructions. His word alone was to guide them.
2. Its Relevance for All Scripture
While this command was originally addressed to the Old Testament law, the same principle applies to all of God’s word. Scripture describes itself as God-breathed, useful for teaching and correction (2 Timothy 3:16). It also claims divine origin and authority, not springing from human interpretation (2 Peter 1:20-21).
So just as the Israelites were to adhere strictly to the law God gave them, believers today are called to affirm all Scripture as God’s complete written revelation. We should not add teachings requiring more than Scripture does. Nor should we take away Scripture’s intended meaning and messages.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of 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 the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18–19)
This warning not to tamper with Scripture’s words applies to the whole Bible, not just Revelation. God cares greatly about preserving the integrity of His word.
3. Handling Scripture Rightly
How then can we handle Scripture rightly, without adding to or taking away from it? Some key principles include:
- Recognizing Scripture as the final authority for doctrine and practice
- Interpreting less clear passages in light of clearer ones
- Understanding verses in context, not isolation
- Letting Scripture interpret itself rather than reading meaning into it
- Affirming all Scripture teaches and obeying its commands
- Neither denying parts we don’t like nor adding ideas not taught in it
Scripture itself attests to being “breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). So we should look to it for complete instruction in faith and truth, handling it with care to preserve its intended meaning.
4. Adding to God’s Word
Adding to God’s word means requiring more for doctrine or practice than Scripture teaches. Some examples include:
- Extra-biblical teachings: Some groups claim new prophecies or revelations that add to Scripture. But the Bible warns about false prophets and teaches God’s revelation is complete (Jude 1:3, Revelation 22:18).
- Traditions of men: Human rules and regulations can end up overriding Scripture when elevated to equal status. But Jesus rebuked those who did this (Mark 7:1-13).
- Works for salvation: Adding requirements like circumcision to faith distorts the gospel of grace (Galatians 1:6-9). Salvation is God’s free gift, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In essence, adding to Scripture distorts the exclusivity and sufficiency of its divine message. Only what Scripture teaches can establish doctrine for the church. We must be wary ofelevating anything else to Scripture’s level.
5. Taking Away from God’s Word
Taking away from God’s word means denying, ignoring or rejecting parts of Scripture’s message. Some examples include:
- Rejecting biblical accounts: Denying events, miracles or people groups Scripture affirms implicitly rejects its authority.
- Ignoring clear commands: Neglecting biblical instructions on issues like holiness or forgiveness ignores the Bible’s intended application.
- Selective obedience: Some claim certain biblical teachings were only for past cultures. But God’s moral standards are unchanging.
- Teaching false doctrines: Ideas contrary to Scripture subtract from its definitive message. Scripture warns against false teachers.
In essence, taking away Scripture’s intended meaning distorts its unified message and nullifies its authority over us. All Scripture is profitable for equipping the believer (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must uphold its complete message.
6. Applying Scripture Wisely
At the same time, applying biblical principles wisely to new situations is not the same as changing Scripture. Scripture itself attests to being useful for teaching and training (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Examples include:
- Using wisdom in how to apply commands to current culture while upholding the unchanging principle.
- Gaining deeper understanding of Scripture through continued study, without distorting its meaning.
- Determining which teachings are primary and which are secondary when disagreements arise.
- Discerning between descriptions and prescriptions – what Scripture records vs what it requires.
Scripture must transform us to align more closely with Christ. As the Holy Spirit guides us in understanding and application, we can grow in biblical wisdom without tampering with God’s word itself.
7. Important Passages on Handling Scripture Well
Below are some key verses about preserving God’s word without addition or subtraction:
“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.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of 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 the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)
“For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18)
These verses emphasize taking care not to distort God’s word through addition or subtraction. We must uphold Scripture in its entirety as God’s complete revelation and final authority for faith and practice.
8. Dangers of Distorting Scripture
Changing God’s intended meaning in Scripture is dangerous both to individuals and the church. Reasons we must avoid distorting Scripture include:
- Leads people into falsehood rather than God’s truth
- Nullifies Scripture’s authority and ability to instruct
- Rejects parts of God’s revelation He intended as essential
- Elevates human ideas in place of God’s wisdom
- Creates divisions and misunderstandings about biblical truth
- Represents arrogance and irreverence towards God
God gave His word for our benefit, so we should handle it carefully to preserve its ability to transform lives. Distorting it ultimately hinders its purpose and brings harm.
9. Benefits of Upholding Scripture Wholly
In contrast, there are many blessings when we treasure all Scripture as God’s gift and affirm its complete message:
- Allows God’s word to work effectively in changing hearts and minds
- Avoids deception and deepens understanding of biblical truth
- Upholds Scripture as having divine authority over us
- Brings reverence for God as we submit to His revelation
- Promotes unity in the church around shared biblical convictions
- Equips believers with Scripture’s life-giving message
God graciously gave us His word to nourish our souls and guide our lives. By upholding its entirety as our source of truth, we reap these benefits and honor the Lord.
10. How to Avoid Adding to or Taking Away from Scripture
How then can believers and churches avoid the dangers of adding to or taking away from Scripture? Here are some suggestions:
- Regularly read and study Scripture to know its message well
- Rely on Scripture alone as the final authority for doctrine and practice
- Interpret Scripture in context and using other Scripture
- View additional teachings and prophecies with deep discernment
- Reject ideas and movements proven to contradict Scripture
- Don’t ignore biblical commands simply because they are difficult
- Uphold all Scripture as useful and authoritative, not just favorite parts
- Submit personal convictions to Scripture’s teachings
- Handle areas not directly addressed by Scripture with humility and wisdom
The more we know and love Scripture, the better equipped we will be to reject anything contradicting its message. Standing firm on God’s word in its entirety protects the church from deception.
11. Objections and Responses
Some common objections to taking this command literally, and brief responses, include:
- Objection: We need ongoing revelation beyond the Bible. Response: Scripture claims to contain all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). God’s revelation is complete in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2).
- Objection: We shouldn’t take all Scripture literally. Response: While some passages are poetic, Scripture is authoritative in all genres. We should interpret carefully without explaining away difficult texts.
- Objection: Some commands were only for their original cultures. Response: While applications differ across cultures, God’s moral standards are unchanging. Scripture is useful for all people in all times.
- Objection: People will interpret wrongly anyway, so who can say? Response: Scripture itself attests to being clear and sufficient. While misunderstandings occur, this is no excuse for passively allowing Scripture to be distorted.
In essence, Scripture is complete, clear and authoritative. We must uphold its entire message while allowing applications to differ across cultures and generations.
12. Conclusion
The Bible contains God’s full revelation and instructions for life. Therefore, we must handle Scripture with care, affirming all it teaches without addition or subtraction. Though originally given to Israel, this principle applies to the whole of Scripture.
Adding to God’s word distorts its exclusivity and sufficiency. Taking away denies its unified message and authority. But wise understanding and application are not the same as altering its meaning.
Mishandling Scripture brings dangerous consequences, while upholding its complete message brings blessing. As God’s people, we must commit to knowing Scripture thoroughly, interpreting carefully, and believing all it says without tampering. This honors the Lord and allows His word to work powerfully in changing lives.