Numbers 30:10
And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בֵּ֥ית
house
H1004
בֵּ֥ית
house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
2 of 10
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אִישָׁ֖הּ
in her husband's
H376
אִישָׁ֖הּ
in her husband's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 10
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
נָדָ֑רָה
And if she vowed
H5087
נָדָ֑רָה
And if she vowed
Strong's:
H5087
Word #:
4 of 10
to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)
אֽוֹ
H176
אֽוֹ
Strong's:
H176
Word #:
5 of 10
desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if
אָסְרָ֥ה
or bound
H631
אָסְרָ֥ה
or bound
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
6 of 10
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies recognized vows as legally binding religious-civil obligations. Israel's law uniquely provided accountability structures (male headship authority to annul rash vows) protecting both the sanctity of vows and individuals from hasty commitments. This balanced personal agency with communal responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the biblical requirement for accountability in vows challenge contemporary individualism that resists external authority over personal religious commitments?
- What does the distinction between independent adults (widows/divorcees) and those under authority (daughters/wives) teach about responsibility structures in covenant communities?
- How can churches provide accountability for commitments made to God while respecting individual conscience and agency?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath—This verse addresses vows made by married women (נֶדֶר אִשָּׁה בְּבֵית אִישָׁהּ neder ishah beveit ishah, 'vow of a woman in her husband's house'), distinguishing them from single women under father's authority (vv.3-5) or widows/divorcees with independent status (v.9). The phrase bound her soul by a bond (אָסַר אִסָּר עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ asar isar al-nafshah) emphasizes the serious spiritual obligation vows created.
Numbers 30 establishes that vows create binding obligations before God, requiring either fulfillment or authorized annulment by responsible male headship (father or husband). While modern egalitarian sensibilities resist these patriarchal structures, the principle remains vital: promises to God aren't casual and require accountability structures. Ecclesiastes warns: 'When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it... Better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay' (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5).