Numbers 30:2
If 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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes that a spoken pledge, whether a vow or an oath, is binding and must be honored, not merely as a matter of honor, but as a direct reflection on God's own trustworthiness. It highlights that what is declared by our words, especially when concerning God, carries weight and must be brought to fulfillment.
This chapter addresses the seriousness and validity of vows and oaths made to God. It begins by establishing the general principle that any word spoken in a vow or oath must be honored, setting the stage for the more specific regulations that follow regarding when such vows are binding and when they can be annulled, particularly concerning women and their fathers or husbands.
Have you ever made a promise so serious it felt like a vow? Numbers 30:2 reminds us that when we speak to God, our words carry incredible weight.
This verse lays out the foundational principle for making vows and oaths to the Lord. It's clear: If you make a vow or swear an oath to God, you must keep it.
This emphasis on the spoken word highlights the sacredness of our commitments to God. Our words, once uttered with intention, create a binding pledge.
Why is it so important to keep our word when we speak to God? Numbers 30:2 reveals the deep significance behind our vows and oaths.
The language used in Numbers 30:2, particularly the phrase 'bind himself by a bond,' and commentators mentioning 'profane his word,' points to the profound spiritual implications of our commitments to God.
Understand the original words
neder · Hebrew Noun
A solemn promise or religious pledge made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific action or abstain from something. It carries the weight of a binding contract that one is morally obligated to fulfill.
shevuah · Hebrew Noun
A solemn declaration, often invoking God as a witness, confirming the truth of a statement or the intent to fulfill a promise. It serves as a guarantee of integrity and commitment.
esar · Hebrew Noun
An object, action, or state of prohibition that acts as a restraint or binding force on a person's liberty or behavior. It signifies a self-imposed restriction to ensure accountability.
chalal · Hebrew Verb
This passage directly reinforces the principle of Numbers 30:2, stating that if one makes a vow, they should not be slow to fulfill it, as the LORD will surely require it.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5This passage echoes the seriousness of vows and oaths, cautioning against rashly making promises to God and emphasizing that it is better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill it.
Matthew 5:33-37Jesus addresses the misuse and devaluation of oaths, teaching a higher standard of integrity where one's 'yes' should be 'yes' and 'no' should be 'no,' reflecting the sincerity required in fulfilling vows.
Acts 23:12-14This passage illustrates a situation where a group of people took a rash oath to kill Paul, showing how vows or oaths can be misused and become binding in a way that conflicts with God's will, similar to the cautionary context around vows in Numbers.
clarkeNumbers 30:2: "If 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."
If a man vow a vow - A vow is a religious promise made to God. Vows were of several kinds: - 1. Of abstinence or humiliation, see Numbers 30:13; 2. Of the Nazarite, see Numbers 6; 3. Of giving certain things or sacrifices to the Lord, Leviticus 7:16; 4. Of alms given to the poor, see Deuteronomy 23:21. The la…
bensonNumbers 30:2: "If 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."
Numbers 30:2 . If a man vow a vow — Concerning something lawful, and in his power to perform. Unto the Lord — To the honour and service of God. Or swear an oath — Confirm his vow by an oath. To bind his soul with a bond — To restrain himself from something otherwise lawful; as, suppose, from such a sort of me…
The verse emphasizes that a spoken pledge, whether a vow or an oath, is binding and must be honored, not merely as a matter of honor, but as a direct reflection on God's own trustworthiness. It highlights that what is declared by our words, especially when concerning God, carries weight and must be brought to fulfillment.
This chapter addresses the seriousness and validity of vows and oaths made to God. It begins by establishing the general principle that any word spoken in a vow or oath must be honored, setting the stage for the more specific regulations that follow regarding when such vows are binding and when they can be annulled, particularly concerning women and their fathers or husbands.
This chapter addresses the seriousness and validity of vows and oaths made to God. It begins by establishing the general principle that any word spoken in a vow or oath must be honored, setting the stage for the more specific regulations that follow regarding when such vows are binding and when they can be annulled, particularly concerning women and their fathers or husbands.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Numbers 30:2 is available in the Sola app.
To violate or act profanely against a sacred commitment, promise, or covenant. In a legal and covenantal sense, it refers to the failure to uphold one's spoken word.
"If 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." — The verse emphasizes that a spoken pledge, whether a vow or an oath, is binding and must be honored, not merely as a matter of honor, but as a direct reflection on God's own trustworthiness. It highl…
