Numbers 30:9
But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
Original Language Analysis
וְנֵ֥דֶר
But every vow
H5088
וְנֵ֥דֶר
But every vow
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
1 of 10
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
וּגְרוּשָׁ֑ה
and of her that is divorced
H1644
וּגְרוּשָׁ֑ה
and of her that is divorced
Strong's:
H1644
Word #:
3 of 10
to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce
כֹּ֛ל
H3605
כֹּ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אָֽסְרָ֥ה
wherewith they have bound
H631
אָֽסְרָ֥ה
wherewith they have 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 #:
7 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נַפְשָׁ֖הּ
their souls
H5315
נַפְשָׁ֖הּ
their souls
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
8 of 10
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Romans 7:2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.Luke 2:37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Historical Context
Widows and divorced women in ancient Israel had greater independence than married women, owning property and making contracts. Scripture frequently mentions God's special concern for widows, commanding their protection (Exodus 22:22, Isaiah 1:17). The New Testament continued this emphasis (James 1:27, 1 Timothy 5:3-16). The early church developed widow-support systems recognizing their unique social position. This verse's acknowledgment of their independent vow-making capacity reflects their social-legal status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Scripture's concern for widows and other vulnerable people reflect God's character?
- What does the variation in authority structures (married vs. widowed) teach about applying biblical principles contextually?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The exception that widows' and divorced women's vows stood binding ('But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced...shall stand against her') recognized their independent status without male oversight. This demonstrates biblical law's nuance—general patriarchal oversight had exceptions for women without husbands. Such women bore direct accountability before God for their vows, without male mediation. This reveals that biblical patriarchy was never absolute but adapted to varying circumstances while maintaining accountability structures.