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Bible >Deuteronomy >Chapter 23 > Verse 22

◄ Deuteronomy 23:22►

New International Version
But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty.

New Living Translation
However, it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow.

English Standard Version
But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin.

Berean Standard Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.

King James Bible
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

New King James Version
But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you.

New American Standard Bible
However, if you refrain from making vows, it will not be a sin for you.

NASB 1995
“However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you.

NASB 1977
“However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you.

Legacy Standard Bible
However, if you refrain from vowing, it will not be a sin in you.

Amplified Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, that would not be [counted as] sin in you.

Christian Standard Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, it will not be counted against you as sin.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, it will not be counted against you as sin.

American Standard Version
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

Contemporary English Version
On the other hand, if you never make a sacred promise, you can't be guilty of breaking it.

English Revised Version
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you didn't make a vow, you would not be guilty.

Good News Translation
It is no sin not to make a vow to the LORD,

International Standard Version
But if you refrain from making a vow, then you won't be guilty.

NET Bible
If you refrain from making a vow, it will not be sinful.

New Heart English Bible
But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you.

Webster's Bible Translation
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.

World English Bible
But if you refrain from making a vow, it shall be no sin in you.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And when you refrain to vow, it is not sin in you.

Young's Literal Translation
'And when thou forbearest to vow, it is not in thee a sin.

Smith's Literal Translation
And if thou shalt cease to vow, it shall not be sin in thee.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
If thou wilt not promise, thou shalt be without sin.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If you are not willing to make a promise, then it shall be without sin.

New American Bible
Should you refrain from making a vow, you will not be held guilty.

New Revised Standard Version
But if you refrain from vowing, you will not incur guilt.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But if you are unwilling to make a vow, then it shall be no sin in you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And if you do not want to make a vow, no sin would be upon you.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But if thou shouldest be unwilling to vow, it is not sin in thee.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Miscellaneous Laws
…21If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.22But if you refrain from making a vow,you will not be guilty of sin.23Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Numbers 30:2
If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

Matthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.

Psalm 50:14
Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

Proverbs 20:25
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

Leviticus 27:2-3
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons, / if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel.

Judges 11:30-31
Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”

Acts 5:4
Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

Psalm 66:13-14
I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— / the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.

Jonah 2:9
But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”

1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

Genesis 28:20-22
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Malachi 1:14
“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.

Treasury of Scripture

But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you.

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However Making Oath Refrain Sin Vow Vowing

Deuteronomy 23

1.Who may or may not enter into the congregation
9.Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host
15.Of the fugitive servant
17.Of filthiness
18.Of abominable sacrifices
19.Of usury
20.Of vows
24.Of trespass

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But if you refrain from making a vow
In the context of ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in exchange for His favor or blessing. The Israelites were encouraged to be cautious about making vows, as they were binding and required fulfillment. This phrase suggests that it is permissible to refrain from making vows, highlighting the importance of sincerity and the avoidance of rash promises. In the broader biblical context, Jesus inMatthew 5:33-37 advises against making oaths, emphasizing honesty and integrity in one's words without the need for vows.

you will not be guilty of sin
This phrase underscores the principle that not making a vow is not sinful. It reflects the understanding that God values truthfulness and integrity over the making of promises that one might not keep. In the cultural and historical context, vows were serious commitments, and failing to fulfill them was considered a sin. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of accountability and the importance of one's word.Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 also warns against making vows lightly, reinforcing the idea that it is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.

2.Israelites
The audience receiving the laws and commandments 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.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Vows
In the Hebrew context, a vow (neder) is a solemn promise made to God. Understanding the weight of such commitments is crucial for maintaining a faithful relationship with God.

Freedom from Unnecessary Burdens
The verse highlights that refraining from making vows is not sinful. This teaches us that we are not obligated to make promises to God to prove our faithfulness. Instead, we should focus on living obediently without adding unnecessary burdens.

Integrity in Speech
The principle of letting our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no" (as taught by Jesus) aligns with this verse. It encourages believers to be people of their word without relying on vows to validate their truthfulness.

Trust in God's Provision
By not making vows, we demonstrate trust in God's provision and timing. It reflects a heart that relies on God's faithfulness rather than our own promises.

Avoiding Rash Decisions
This verse serves as a caution against making hasty commitments. It encourages thoughtful consideration and prayer before making promises, ensuring that our words align with God's will.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 23:22?

2.What does Deuteronomy 23:22 teach about making vows to the Lord?

3.How does Deuteronomy 23:22 emphasize the importance of keeping promises to God?

4.Why is it significant that God does not require vows, according to Deuteronomy 23:22?

5.How can we apply the principle of vow-keeping in our daily lives?

6.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of integrity in our commitments to God?

7.What is the significance of vows in Deuteronomy 23:22?

8.How does Deuteronomy 23:22 reflect God's expectations of His people?

9.Why does Deuteronomy 23:22 emphasize not making vows?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 23?

11.What does 'Words of My Mouth, Meditation of My Heart' mean?

12.What is gleaning in the Bible?

13.Esther 9:10: Does executing Haman's sons conflict with any biblical principles on individual accountability or moral responsibility?

14.Why did God allow Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter in Judges 11 without stopping him?

What Does Deuteronomy 23:22 Mean

but

• This small conjunction links back to verse 21, where Israel is warned, “When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to fulfill it.” The “but” makes clear that the Lord is offering an alternative to careless promise-making, not lowering His standard (cf.Numbers 30:2;Ecclesiastes 5:4–5).

• It highlights divine mercy: God knows our limitations and gives space to avoid presumptuous speech (James 1:19).

if you refrain

• “If” introduces personal responsibility. We choose whether or not to speak a vow (Proverbs 10:19).

• “Refrain” stresses self-control—holding back words before the Lord (James 3:2).

• By pausing, we avoid rash commitments that could dishonor God (Judges 11:30–35).

from making a vow

• A vow is a voluntary promise to God, often tied to worship or gratitude (Genesis 28:20–22;Psalm 66:13–14).

• Scripture never commands vows as routine; they remain optional acts of devotion (Leviticus 27:2).

• Jesus echoes this freedom: “Do not swear at all… let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’” (Matthew 5:34, 37).

you will not be guilty

• Guilt arises when integrity and action don’t match (James 4:17).

• By staying silent rather than over-promising, we keep a clear conscience (1 Timothy 1:5).

• The verse guards us from the spiritual fallout of broken promises—both relational and covenantal (Malachi 2:14).

of sin

• Sin here is missing God’s righteous standard; a broken vow would be sin because it profanes His name (Leviticus 19:12).

• The Lord counts careless promises as sinful, but silence—when unsure—avoids that guilt (Numbers 30:15).

• The principle affirms that God values truthful, measured speech over impulsive religion (James 5:12).

summary

Deuteronomy 23:22 teaches that vows are voluntary. If we wisely hold our tongues instead of making commitments we may not keep, we remain innocent before the Lord. Better no promise than a broken one. God prizes integrity, honesty, and thoughtful worship more than hasty declarations.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

But if
וְכִ֥י(wə·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction

you refrain
תֶחְדַּ֖ל(ṯeḥ·dal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2308:To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle

from making a vow,
לִנְדֹּ֑ר(lin·dōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5087:To promise

you will not
לֹֽא־(lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

be
יִהְיֶ֥ה(yih·yeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

guilty of sin.
חֵֽטְא׃(ḥêṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2399:A crime, its penalty

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:22 But if you shall forbear to vow (Deut. De Du)