Numbers 30:2
Numbers 30:2 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
When 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.
When a man takes an oath to the Lord, or gives an undertaking having the force of an oath, let him not go back from his word, but let him do whatever he has said he will do.
If a man makes a solemn promise to the Lord, or pledges to do something by swearing an oath, he must not break his promise. He must do everything he said he would.
Moses also spake vnto the heads of ye tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded,
'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.
When 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.
If 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.
And he said to the princes of the tribes of the children of Israel: This is the word that the Lord hath commanded:
“If a man solemnly promises Yahweh that he will do something, he must do what he promised.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 30:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Numbers 30:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר
מֹשֶׁה֙
אֶל
רָאשֵׁ֣י
הַ/מַּטּ֔וֹת
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
זֶ֣ה
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
צִוָּ֥ה
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רָאשֵׁ֣י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-mp
הַ/מַּטּ֔וֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
tribe
Art | N-mp
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 30:2
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֤ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
מֹשֶׁה֙
Môsheh
H4872
"Moses"
N-proper
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רָאשֵׁ֣י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/מַּטּ֔וֹת
maṭṭeh
H4294
"tribe"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.
Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.
לִ/בְנֵ֥י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
זֶ֣ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הַ/דָּבָ֔ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
צִוָּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Study Notes — Numbers 30:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 30:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 30:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 30:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 30:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 30:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
- Sermons on Numbers 30:2
Context — Laws about Vows
1Then Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel, “This is what the LORD has commanded:
2If 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.
3And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, 4and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:14 | Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. |
| 2 | Psalms 116:14 | I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Job 22:27 | You will pray to Him, and He will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. |
| 5 | Psalms 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. |
| 6 | Acts 23:12 | When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. |
| 7 | Acts 23:21 | Do not let them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. They have bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting your consent.” |
| 8 | Leviticus 5:4 | Or if someone swears thoughtlessly with his lips to do anything good or evil—in whatever matter a man may rashly pronounce an oath—even if he is unaware of it, when he realizes it, he is guilty in the matter. |
| 9 | Psalms 22:25 | My praise for You resounds in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You. |
| 10 | Numbers 30:3–4 | And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. |
Numbers 30:2 Summary
[This verse reminds us that when we make a promise to God, we must keep it, just like the Lord keeps His promises to us, as seen in Psalm 119:90. When we make a vow or pledge to the Lord, we are committing to fulfill a specific promise or action, and it is essential to carefully consider our commitments and strive to fulfill them with integrity and honesty, as also seen in Matthew 5:33-37, where Jesus teaches us to let our yes be yes and our no be no.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of making a vow to the Lord in Numbers 30:2?
Making a vow to the Lord is a serious commitment, as seen in Numbers 30:2, and it is essential to understand that it is a promise made to God, similar to the concept of oaths in Deuteronomy 23:21-23, where a person is obligated to fulfill their promise to the Lord.
Can a person break their vow or oath to the Lord?
According to Numbers 30:2, a person must not break their word or vow to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's commitments, as also seen in Psalm 15:4, where it is written that a person who keeps their oath even when it hurts is one who will never be shaken.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives as Christians?
This verse reminds us of the importance of being people of our word, just as the Lord is faithful to His promises, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:13, and it encourages us to be mindful of the commitments we make, whether to the Lord or to others, and to strive to fulfill them with integrity and honesty.
What is the role of pledges in this verse?
A pledge in Numbers 30:2 refers to a commitment or promise made to the Lord, similar to a vow, and it serves as a means of obligating oneself to fulfill a specific promise or action, highlighting the importance of carefully considering one's commitments, as also seen in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, where it is written that it is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have made vows or commitments to the Lord, and how can I ensure that I am fulfilling them with integrity and faithfulness?
- How can I apply the principle of keeping my word and being faithful to my commitments in my relationships with others, whether in my family, church, or community?
- What are some potential consequences of breaking my word or vow to the Lord, and how can I avoid these consequences by being mindful of my commitments and striving to fulfill them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love and devotion to the Lord by being faithful to my commitments and keeping my word, just as He is faithful to His promises to me?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 30:2
If a man vow a vow unto the Lord,.... Which must be in a thing that is lawful to be done, which is not contrary to the revealed will and mind of God, and which may tend to the glory of God, the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
A man; which notes both the sex, as appears by , and the age, that he be grown up; for none can be so weak as to think the vow of a young child would bind it. A vow, i.e. a simple Vow to do something possible and lawful. 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 meat or drink; or to oblige himself to the performance of something otherwise not necessary, is to observe a private day of fasting. He shall not break his word, Heb. not pollute or profane his word, as the same phrase is used, 89:34, i.e. not render his word, and consequently himself, profane, or vile and contemptible in the eyes of others. According to all that proceedeth out of his own mouth; and that without delay, , provided the thing be not unlawful and forbidden by God, ; for it is an idle conceit that a man can give away God’ s right, or that he can make void God’ s commands by his own vows, which was the dotage of the Pharisees, ,26.
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
Numbers 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.Ver. 2. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord.] God is the proper object of a vow. Papists vow to saints, both themselves, as to Francis, Austin, Dominick, &c., and other things, as pilgrimages, oblations, &c. Our Lady, as they call her, of Loretto, hath her churches so stuffed with vowed presents and memories, as they are fain to hang their cloisters and churchyards with them. This is sacrilege; yea, it is idolatry. To bind his soul with a bond.] Which none ought to do, but such as (1.) are free, or have the consent of their governors; (2.) Such as have knowledge and judgment to discern of a vow or oath; (3.) Are conscientious, as Jacob, Hannah, &c. Not such votaries as Herod, those assassins, those idolaters. He shall not break his word.] If he do, he will make a great breach in his conscience and crack his comfort exceedingly. "Better not vow than not pay." It is a sin as bad or worse than perjury, and God takes it heavily at men’ s hands. Sandys’ s Relation of West.
Relig., sect. 4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
Verse 2. 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 ver. Numbers 30:13; 2. Of the Nazarite, see Numbers 6:1-21; 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 law in this chapter must have been very useful, as it both prevented and annulled rash vows, and provided a proper sanction for the support and performance of those that were rationally and piously made. Besides, this law must have acted as a great preventive of lying and hypocrisy.
If a vow was properly made, a man or woman was bound, under penalty of the displeasure of God, to fulfil it.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 30:2
2. Two kinds of pledges are here mentioned, a vow and an obligation. A vow is a promise to give something to God. Such votive offerings were frequent in times of danger or special need (cf. Genesis 28:20-22, Judges 11:30 f.). In post-exilic times they would often consist in gifts to the temple (cf. Luke 21:5 ἀναθήματα). An obligation is a prohibition laid upon oneself, a pledge of abstinence; e.g from wine, as in the case of a Nazirite (ch. 6), or from food (1 Samuel 14:24, Acts 23:21); see also Psalms 132:3 f. he shall not profane his word] To break a solemn promise is an act of profanation. The importance of keeping vows is emphasized in Deuteronomy 23:21 ff., Ecclesiastes 5:4 f.; cf. Matthew 5:33. all that proceedeth out of his mouth] A vow is not a vow until it has been expressed in words (cf.
Numbers 32:24, Judges 11:35 f.). The Rabbis of a later time further enjoined in the Mishna that the mere utterance of words without a real intention is not binding. ‘No utterance is binding unless the mouth and the heart agree.’
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 30:2
The “vow” was positive; the “bond” negative or restrictive. By a vow a man engaged to dedicate something to God, or to accomplish some work for Him: by a bond he debarred himself from some privilege or enjoyment.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 30:2
THE OF VOWS, Numbers 30:1-2. 2. A vow is a religions promise unto the Lord. For the different kinds see Leviticus 27, introductory note.
Sermons on Numbers 30:2
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Ungodly Practice of Dating by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the strength of the Lord to conquer the challenges and obstacles in life. He specifically mentions children as |
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Sermon on the Mount: Deceptive Speech by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the lives of believers. He highlights that as subjects of Christ's rule and kingdom, Christians s |
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Grave Warnings! by David Daniel | David Daniel emphasizes the sacredness of entering the house of the Lord, warning against the dangers of familiarity that can lead to contempt. He urges believers to approach worsh |
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Swearing Under the Gospel by Isaac Penington | Isaac Penington preaches about the controversy of whether it is lawful for Christians to swear under the gospel, examining the nature, purpose, and cases of oaths under the law. He |
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"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share |
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Right Song—wrong Side by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to God during times of testing and trials, arguing that true faith is demonstrated by praising Go |
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Jonah Gave Thanks and Was Delivered by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes Jonah's journey from despair to deliverance, illustrating how Jonah, trapped in the belly of a whale, turned to God in thanksgiving despite his dire circ |