Numbers 30:15
But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יָפֵ֛ר
But if he shall any ways
H6565
יָפֵ֛ר
But if he shall any ways
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
2 of 9
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
יָפֵ֛ר
But if he shall any ways
H6565
יָפֵ֛ר
But if he shall any ways
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
3 of 9
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
אֹתָ֖ם
H853
אֹתָ֖ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
אַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
שָׁמְע֑וֹ
that he hath heard
H8085
שָׁמְע֑וֹ
that he hath heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְנָשָׂ֖א
them then he shall bear
H5375
וְנָשָׂ֖א
them then he shall bear
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
7 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
Historical Context
This provision protected women from capricious husbandly authority exercised after silent ratification. Once a husband's silence confirmed a vow, attempting later annulment made him guilty of causing vow-breaking. This transferred guilt principle ensured thoughtful, timely authority exercise rather than impulsive control.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the guilt-transfer principle (from vow-maker to authority-figure for improper annulment) teach the serious responsibility of exercising spiritual authority?
- What does this verse warn about leaders who wrongly intervene after the proper time for oversight has passed?
- How can you ensure that any exercise of spiritual authority happens properly (right timing, right motivation, right authorization) to avoid bearing others' guilt?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity—The phrase any ways make them void after (הָפֵר יָפֵר אֹתָם אַחֲרֵי שָׁמְעוֹ hafer yafer otam acharei shom'o, 'utterly annul them after his hearing') describes attempting annulment after the same-day window closed. The result: he shall bear her iniquity (וְנָשָׂא אֶת־עֲוֹנָהּ venasa et-avonah, 'he will carry her guilt')—the husband becomes responsible for the broken vow, not the wife.
This startling provision demonstrates that improper exercise of authority transfers guilt to the authority figure. When leaders wrongly intervene (too late, without authorization, or from wrong motives), they bear responsibility for resulting consequences. Peter warns elders against wrongful oversight: exercise authority 'not as being lords... but examples' (1 Peter 5:3). Authority is stewardship requiring proper exercise—abuse or misuse incurs divine accountability.