Deuteronomy 23:21-23
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The verse highlights that a vow is not just a promise to God, but a sacred engagement. By declaring it "sin" not to fulfill a vow, it reveals that such promises carry God's authority and, when broken, dishonor Him directly.
“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse appears in a section of Deuteronomy that deals with laws concerning people and their relationship with God and the community, following prohibitions against certain impure acts and regulations about foreign deities. It immediately precedes instructions about permitted and forbidden dealings with neighbors and the poor, framing the importance of faithfulness in promises to God within a broader context of ethical behavior. The implication is that one's commitment to God, expressed through vows, is just as binding as their obligations to others and should be honored without delay.
We often think of vows as optional promises. But in Scripture, a vow made to God is far more serious. It's a binding agreement that carries real weight.
Deuteronomy 23:21 lays down a clear command: 'If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it.' This isn't about a casual promise; it's a sacred covenant entered into with the Creator of the universe.
A Binding Contract
When you vow, you're not just saying words; you're entering into a solemn agreement. God is the witness, and He expects you to honor what you've spoken. Delays can lead to unwillingness or inability to fulfill the vow, making the sin even greater.
God's Expectation
'For the LORD your God will surely require it of you.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a guarantee. God actively expects payment on these vows. To neglect them is to disrespect God and break a sacred trust.
What does it mean for God to 'require' a vow? And why is breaking it considered a sin that demands attention?
The seriousness of vowing comes into sharp focus with the phrase 'the LORD your God will surely require it of you.' This isn't passive; God actively seeks the fulfillment of what was pledged.
Divine Accountability
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God is not a distant observer of our promises. He is involved, and He holds us accountable. When you make a vow, you are essentially inviting God to hold you to it. This requirement underscores that vows are not trivial matters in the divine economy.
Sin and Its Consequences
The verse explicitly states that failing to fulfill a vow 'would be sin.' This highlights that sin isn't just about grand moral failures; it can also stem from a failure to honor sacred commitments made to God. This sin carries weight, implying a debt or obligation that must be addressed.
Understand the original words
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn promise or pledge made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or offer a sacrifice. Making a vow is voluntary, but once made, it is binding and requires fulfillment before God.
cheth · Hebrew Noun
A state of moral failure, missing the mark of God's standard, and incurring legal or spiritual liability for violating His law or breaking one's word to Him.
chadal · Hebrew Verb
To refrain from action or to hold back; in this context, it signifies the freedom from moral obligation because a vow was never initiated.
saphah · Hebrew Noun
The physical organ of speech, used in Scripture to represent the seat of human intention, promises, and the manifestation of the heart's commitments.
nedabah · Hebrew Noun/Adverbial
An act performed by one's own will without external coercion; it emphasizes the personal responsibility and intent behind a vow made to the Lord.
This passage echoes Deuteronomy 23:21, directly stating that it is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it, highlighting the seriousness of our spoken promises to God.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus expands on the principle of truthfulness in speech, urging His followers to let their 'yes' be 'yes' and their 'no' be 'no.' This connects to Deuteronomy by emphasizing the sanctity of our word, whether spoken in a vow or in everyday conversation.
Proverbs 20:25This verse warns against rashly dedicating something to God, implying that an ill-considered vow can lead to regret and spiritual distress. It complements Deuteronomy's command by underscoring the need for careful consideration *before* making a vow.
Acts 5:1-11The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a stark example of the consequences of breaking a vow (or pretending to fulfill one) made to God. Their sin was not just about money, but about lying to the Holy Spirit about their commitment, illustrating the severe spiritual implications of dishonesty with God.
wesleyDeuteronomy 23:21: "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee."
23:21 Not slack - Not delay: because delays may make them both unable to pay it, and unwilling too.
calvinDeuteronomy 23:21-23: "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee."
- When thou shalt vow a vow. The rule of vowing also pertains to the keeping of the Third Commandment, since, by vowing, men exercise themselves in the sanctification of God's name, and to promise anything to God is a kind of swearing. For what between men is called a covenant or agreement, with respect to Go…
The verse highlights that a vow is not just a promise to God, but a sacred engagement. By declaring it "sin" not to fulfill a vow, it reveals that such promises carry God's authority and, when broken, dishonor Him directly.
This verse appears in a section of Deuteronomy that deals with laws concerning people and their relationship with God and the community, following prohibitions against certain impure acts and regulations about foreign deities. It immediately precedes instructions about permitted and forbidden dealings with neighbors and the poor, framing the importance of faithfulness in promises to God within a broader context of ethical behavior. The implication is that one's commitment to God, expressed through vows, is just as binding as their obligations to others and should be honored without delay.
This verse appears in a section of Deuteronomy that deals with laws concerning people and their relationship with God and the community, following prohibitions against certain impure acts and regulations about foreign deities. It immediately precedes instructions about permitted and forbidden dealings with neighbors and the poor, framing the importance of faithfulness in promises to God within a broader context of ethical behavior. The implication is that one's commitment to God, expressed through vows, is just as binding as their obligations to others and should be honored without delay.
"“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from vowing, you will not be guilty of sin. You shall be car…" — The verse highlights that a vow is not just a promise to God, but a sacred engagement. By declaring it "sin" not to fulfill a vow, it reveals that such promises carry God's authority and, when broken…
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Last reviewed October 2026
