Numbers 30:13
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?
Related Resources
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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).