Numbers Chapter 30 · Verse 13
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
Original Language Analysis
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נֵ֛דֶר
Every vow
H5088
נֵ֛דֶר
Every vow
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
2 of 11
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לְעַנֹּ֣ת
to afflict
H6031
לְעַנֹּ֣ת
to afflict
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
6 of 11
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
נָ֑פֶשׁ
the soul
H5315
נָ֑פֶשׁ
the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְאִישָׁ֥הּ
her husband
H376
וְאִישָׁ֥הּ
her husband
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 11
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)
יְקִימֶ֖נּוּ
may establish
H6965
יְקִימֶ֖נּוּ
may establish
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
9 of 11
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Historical Context
Fasting and self-affliction were common religious practices in ancient Israel (Leviticus 16:29,31; 23:27,32). While spiritually beneficial when properly motivated, extreme asceticism could damage health and family functioning. Husbandly authority to annul self-affliction vows protected against religious extremism under guise of piety.
Questions for Reflection
- How does husbandly authority over 'affliction of soul' vows guard against self-destructive religiosity masquerading as spirituality?
- What does the balance between personal religious freedom and protective authority teach about healthy spiritual community?
- How can you discern between biblical self-discipline and harmful asceticism that 'afflicts the soul' beyond God's intentions?
Analysis & Commentary
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void—The comprehensive statement every vow (כָּל־נֶדֶר kol-neder) and every binding oath to afflict the soul (כָּל־שְׁבֻעַת אִסָּר לְעַנֹּת נָפֶשׁ kol-shevu'at isar le'anot nafesh, oaths involving self-denial/fasting) establishes husband's comprehensive authority—he could establish (יְקִימֶנּוּ yeqimennu, confirm/make stand) or make void (יְפֵרֶנּוּ yeferenu, annul/break) any oath.
The phrase afflict the soul specifically refers to oaths involving fasting, self-denial, or ascetic practices. This authority prevented wives from imposing harmful austerity that might damage health or family wellbeing. The principle extends beyond ancient patriarchy: proper spiritual authority should protect individuals from self-destructive 'spiritual' commitments. Paul warns against ascetic extremism that has 'appearance of wisdom' but lacks true value (Colossians 2:20-23).