New International VersionWhen a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
New Living TranslationA man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.
English Standard VersionIf a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Berean Standard BibleIf 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.
King James BibleIf a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
New King James VersionIf a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
New American Standard BibleIf a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath to put himself under a binding obligation, he shall not break his word; he shall act in accordance with everything that comes out of his mouth.
NASB 1995“If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
NASB 1977“If a man makes a vow to the LORD, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Legacy Standard BibleIf a man makes a vow to Yahweh or swears an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Amplified BibleIf a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge [of abstinence], he shall not break (violate, profane) his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Christian Standard BibleWhen a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to put himself under an obligation, he must not break his word; he must do whatever he has promised.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to put himself under an obligation, he must not break his word; he must do whatever he has promised.”
American Standard VersionWhen a man voweth a vow unto Jehovah, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Contemporary English VersionWhen one of you men makes a promise to the LORD, you must keep your word.
English Revised VersionWhen a man voweth a vow unto the LORD, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIf a man makes a vow to the LORD that he will do something or swears an oath that he won't do something, he must not break his word. He must do everything he said he would do.
Good News TranslationWhen a man makes a vow to give something to the LORD or takes an oath to abstain from something, he must not break his promise, but must do everything that he said he would.
International Standard VersionWhen a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath—an obligation that is binding to himself—he is not to break his word. Instead, he is to fulfill whatever promise came out of his mouth.'"
NET BibleIf a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath of binding obligation on himself, he must not break his word, but must do whatever he has promised.
New Heart English BibleWhen a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Webster's Bible TranslationIf a man shall vow a vow to the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIf 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.
World English BibleWhen a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen a man vows a vow to YHWH, or has sworn an oath to bind a bond on his soul, he does not defile his word; he does according to all that is going out from his mouth.
Young's Literal Translation 'When a man voweth a vow to Jehovah, or hath sworn an oath to bind a bond on his soul, he doth not pollute his word; according to all that is going out from his mouth he doth.
Smith's Literal TranslationA man when he shall vow a vow to Jehovah, or swear an oath to bind a binding upon his soul, he shall not profane his word; according to all going forth from his mouth he shall do. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf any man make a vow to the Lord, or bind himself by an oath: he shall not make his word void but shall fulfil all that he promised.
Catholic Public Domain Version If any man makes a vow to the Lord, or binds himself by an oath, he shall not make his word null and void, but all that he has promised, he shall fulfill.
New American Bible
When a man makes a vow to the LORD or binds himself under oath to a pledge, he shall not violate his word, but must fulfill exactly the promise he has uttered.
New Revised Standard Version
When a man makes a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
When a man vows a vow to the LORD and swears an oath to bind himself by a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
‘When a man will vow a vow to LORD JEHOVAH and will swear in an oath and will bind a bond on himself, he shall not violate his word; everything that proceeds from his mouth he shall do.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
When a man voweth a vow unto the LORD, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Whatsoever man shall vow a vow to the Lord, or swear an oath, or bind himself with an obligation upon his soul, he shall not break his word; all that shall come out of his mouth he shall do.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Laws Concerning Vows1Then Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 2Ifa manmakesa vowto the LORDorswearsan oathto obligatehimselfby a pledge,he must notbreakhis word;he must doeverythinghe has promised.3And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge,…
Cross References Deuteronomy 23:21-23If 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. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5When 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.
Matthew 5:33-37Again, 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 5:12Above 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 15:4who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,
Judges 11:30-31Jephthah 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.”
Judges 11:35-36As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” / “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have said, for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.”
Leviticus 27:2“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons,
Psalm 50:14Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
Psalm 76:11Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.
Proverbs 20:25It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.
Genesis 28:20-22Then 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.”
1 Samuel 1:11And 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.”
1 Samuel 1:21Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow,
Jonah 2:9But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”
Treasury of Scripture If a man vow a vow to the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. if a man. Numbers 21:2 And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. Genesis 28:20-22 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, … Leviticus 27:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the personsshall be for the LORD by thy estimation. swear Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Leviticus 5:4 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing withhis lips to do evil, or to do good, whatsoeverit be that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid from him; when he knowethof it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. Matthew 5:33,34 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: … to bind Numbers 30:3,4,10 If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bindherself by a bond,being in her father's house in her youth; … Matthew 23:16,18 Woe unto you,ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! … Acts 23:12,14,21 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul… break. Psalm 55:20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. he shall do Job 22:27 Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Psalm 22:25 My praiseshall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. Psalm 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: Jump to Previous BindBondBreakMakesMouthOathObligateObligationPledgeProceedethProceedsSoulSwearSwearethSwearsUndertakingViolateVowVowethVowsWhateverWordJump to Next BindBondBreakMakesMouthOathObligateObligationPledgeProceedethProceedsSoulSwearSwearethSwearsUndertakingViolateVowVowethVowsWhateverWordNumbers 30 1.Vows are not to be broken3.The exceptions of a maid's vows6.Of a wife's9.Of a widow's or her that is divorcedIf a man makes a vow to the LORDIn ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in the context of seeking His favor or blessing. These vows were considered sacred and binding. The practice of making vows is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the story of Hannah, who vowed to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord ( 1 Samuel 1:11). Vows were a way to express devotion and commitment to God, reflecting the seriousness of one's relationship with Him. or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge
Oaths and pledges were formal declarations that invoked God's name as a witness to the truth of one's words or the fulfillment of a promise. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, oaths were common in legal and personal agreements. The use of God's name in an oath underscored the gravity of the commitment, as breaking such an oath was seen as a direct offense against God Himself. Jesus later addresses the misuse of oaths inMatthew 5:33-37, emphasizing the importance of integrity in speech. he must not break his word
The emphasis on keeping one's word highlights the value placed on truthfulness and reliability. In biblical times, a person's word was a reflection of their character. Breaking a vow or oath was not only a personal failure but also a breach of trust within the community. This principle is echoed inEcclesiastes 5:4-5, which warns against making hasty vows and stresses the importance of fulfilling them. he must do everything he has promised
The requirement to fulfill promises made to God underscores the seriousness with which vows were regarded. This reflects God's own faithfulness and the expectation that His people would mirror His character. The call to complete what one has vowed is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness and obedience are central themes. This principle is further reinforced in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no" (James 5:12), emphasizing the importance of integrity and consistency in one's commitments. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received and communicated God's laws, including those concerning vows and oaths. 2. The IsraelitesThe people to whom the laws were given, living in the wilderness during their journey to the Promised Land. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, to whom vows and oaths are made. 4. Vows and OathsSacred promises made to God, which are binding and must be fulfilled. Teaching Points The Sanctity of WordsOur words hold power and significance, especially when making commitments to God. We must treat our promises with the utmost seriousness. Integrity in CommitmentsAs believers, we are called to be people of integrity, ensuring that our actions align with our words, especially in our commitments to God and others. The Weight of a VowUnderstanding the gravity of making a vow to God should lead us to consider carefully before making promises, ensuring we are willing and able to fulfill them. Reflecting God's FaithfulnessBy keeping our vows, we reflect the faithfulness of God, who always keeps His promises to us. Practical Wisdom in SpeechWe should exercise wisdom and restraint in our speech, avoiding rash promises and ensuring our words are truthful and reliable. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Numbers 30:2?
2.How does Numbers 30:2 emphasize the importance of keeping vows to God?
3.What does "must not break his word" teach about integrity in commitments?
4.How can we apply the principle of vow-keeping in our daily lives?
5.Compare Numbers 30:2 with Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 on fulfilling promises to God.
6.In what ways can we ensure our promises align with God's will?
7.How does Numbers 30:2 emphasize the importance of keeping vows to God?
8.What historical context influenced the vow-making practices in Numbers 30:2?
9.How does Numbers 30:2 relate to modern Christian views on promises and commitments?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 30?
11.What does the Bible say about breaking vows?
12.What defines a vow of silence?
13.If Jonathan unknowingly broke Saul’s oath, why would God seemingly condemn him to death (1 Samuel 14:43–45)?
14.If Numbers 30 promotes a God-endorsed hierarchy in vow-making, how does that align with modern concepts of fairness and individual moral agency?What Does Numbers 30:2 Mean If a man makes a vow to the LORDA vow is a voluntary promise made directly to God. Scripture treats such promises with utmost seriousness. •Genesis 28:20-22 shows Jacob vowing in gratitude and dependence. •Deuteronomy 23:21-23 warns, “When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you are not to delay fulfilling it.” •Psalm 76:11 urges, “Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them.” The moment a vow is spoken, God is the listening witness. That awareness presses us to weigh every word before it leaves our lips.
or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledgeAn oath adds self-binding language—“I swear” or “I pledge”—invoking the LORD as guarantor. •1 Samuel 1:11 records Hannah’s oath regarding Samuel, showing that an oath often involves a tangible commitment. •Matthew 5:33-37 andJames 5:12 echo the heart ofNumbers 30:2, urging integrity so consistent that elaborate oaths become unnecessary. Whether vow or oath, the principle is identical: we place ourselves under divine accountability.
he must not break his wordGod’s own character anchors this command; He never lies (Numbers 23:19,Titus 1:2). •Leviticus 19:12 links broken oaths with profaning God’s name. •Psalm 15:1-4 describes the righteous person as one “who keeps his oath even when it hurts.” •Proverbs 12:22 reminds us, “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD.” Breaking one’s word fractures trust with both God and neighbor, undermining the witness God wants His people to bear.
he must do everything he has promisedThe standard is total follow-through, not partial compliance. •Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 stresses that completing a vow pleases God more than making one lightly. • Jesus’ parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-31) illustrates that actual obedience outweighs verbal intent. •Colossians 3:17 presses believers to match every word with action “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” God values deeds that echo declarations; He calls His people to mirror His faithfulness by finishing what they start.
summaryNumbers 30:2 elevates every spoken promise into sacred territory. Whether we call it a vow or an oath, once God hears it, we are duty-bound to keep it—completely and without delay. Because our honest, consistent fulfillment of promises reflects the truthful, promise-keeping nature of the LORD Himself, believers guard their speech, commit thoughtfully, and then follow through wholeheartedly. Verse 2. - If a man vow a vow.נֶדֶר, a vow, is commonly said to be distinctively a positive vow, a promise to render something unto the Lord. This, however, cannot be strictly maintained, because the Nazarite vow was neder, and that was essentially a vow of abstinence. To say that the vow of the Nazarite was of a positive character because he had to let his hair grow "unto the Lord" is a mere evasion. It is, however, probable that neder, when it occurs (as in this passage) in connection with issar, does take on the narrower signification of a positive vow. Swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond. Literally, "to bind a bond upon his soul." אִסָּר, a bond, which occurs only in this chapter, is considered to be a restrictive obligation, a vow of abstinence. It would appear that the issar was always undertaken upon oath, whereas the neder (as in the case of the Nazarite) did not of necessity require it. Heshall not break his word. This was the general principle with respect to vows, and, as here ]aid down, it was in accordance with the universal religious feeling of mankind. Whatever crimes may have claimed the sanction of this sentiment, whatever exceptions and safeguards a clearer revelation and a better knowledge of God may have established, yet the principle remained that whatsoever a man had promised unto the Lord, that he must fulfill. Iphigenia in Aulis, Jephthah's daughter in Gilead, proclaim to what horrid extremities any one religious principle, unchecked by other coordinate principles, may lead; but they also proclaim how deep and true this religious principle must have been which could so over-ride the natural feelings of men not cruel nor depraved.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Ifכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctiona manאִישׁ֩(’îš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personmakesיִדֹּ֨ר(yid·dōr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5087:To promisea vowנֶ֜דֶר(ne·ḏer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5088:A promise, a thing promisedto the LORDלַֽיהוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069:YHWHorאֽוֹ־(’ōw-)Conjunction
Strong's 176:Desire, ifswearsהִשָּׁ֤בַע(hiš·šā·ḇa‘)Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7650:To seven oneself, swearan oathשְׁבֻעָה֙(šə·ḇu·‘āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7621:Something sworn, an oathto obligateלֶאְסֹ֤ר(le’·sōr)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 631:To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battlehimselfנַפְשׁ֔וֹ(nap̄·šōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionby a pledge,אִסָּר֙(’is·sār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 632:A bond, binding obligationhe must notלֹ֥א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nobreakיַחֵ֖ל(ya·ḥêl)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2490:To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to playhis word;דְּבָר֑וֹ(də·ḇā·rōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causehe must doיַעֲשֶֽׂה׃(ya·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeeverythingכְּכָל־(kə·ḵāl-)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhe has promised.הַיֹּצֵ֥א(hay·yō·ṣê)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proxim
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OT Law: Numbers 30:2 When a man vows a vow (Nu Num.) |
