Numbers 30:15

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard [them]; then he shall bear her iniquity.

Complete Jewish Bible:

If he makes them null and void after he has heard them, then he will bear the consequent guilt."

Berean Standard Bible:

But if he nullifies them after he hears of them, then he will bear her iniquity.”

American Standard Version:

But if he shall make them null and void after that he hath heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But if he shall any ways^{H6565} make them void^{H6565} after^{H310} that he hath heard^{H8085} them; then he shall bear^{H5375} her iniquity^{H5771}.

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Commentary for Numbers 30:15

1. The verse in question, Numbers 30:15, is part of a larger passage that deals with the regulations concerning vows made by women. In the context of ancient Israelite society, the passage addresses the role of a father or a husband in either upholding or annulling a woman's vow. The verse specifically refers to the scenario where a husband hears his wife's vow and does not object to it at the time. If he later decides to nullify her vow, the verse states that he will bear the responsibility for her iniquity, suggesting that he becomes accountable for the consequences of invalidating her commitment.

2. The historical context of Numbers 30 is situated within the patriarchal framework of Israelite society. Women's autonomy was limited, and their vows could be subject to the authority of the men in their lives—first their fathers, if they were unmarried and living at home, and then their husbands, once they were married. This system reflected the social norms of the time, where women's actions, including religious commitments, were often under male oversight.

3. The themes of Numbers 30:15 include the sanctity of vows, the importance of following through with one's religious commitments, and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority. The verse underscores the gravity of vows and the potential consequences of altering or dismissing them, emphasizing personal accountability. It also touches on the dynamics of power and gender roles within the family structure, as well as the communal implications of individual actions within the covenant community of Israel.

4. In summary, Numbers 30:15 addresses the seriousness of vows within the religious and social life of ancient Israel. It highlights the idea that once a vow is heard and not immediately contested by a husband, it stands as a binding commitment. Should the husband later decide to nullify the vow, he assumes the moral and religious burden of that decision, indicating a shift in responsibility and the potential for culpability. This verse reflects the broader legal and ethical framework of the Israelite community, as outlined in the Torah, and provides insight into the complex interplay between personal devotion, social hierarchy, and communal responsibility.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6565
   There are 46 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּרַר
   Transliteration: pârar
   Pronunciation: paw-rar'
   Description: a primitive root; to break up (usually figuratively), i.e. to violate, frustrate; [idiom] any ways, break (asunder), cast off, cause to cease, [idiom] clean, defeat, disannul, disappoint, dissolve, divide, make of none effect, fail, frustrate, bring (come) to nought, [idiom] utterly, make void.
   
2. Strong's Number: H310
   There are 766 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַחַר
   Transliteration: ʼachar
   Pronunciation: akh-ar'
   Description: from אָחַר; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses); after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8085
   There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַע
   Transliteration: shâmaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
   Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5375
   There are 611 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָשָׂא
   Transliteration: nâsâʼ
   Pronunciation: naw-saw'
   Description: or נָסָה; (Psalm 4:6 (אֲבַד)), a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5771
   There are 213 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָוֺן
   Transliteration: ʻâvôn
   Pronunciation: aw-vone'
   Description: or עָווֹן; (2 Kings 7:9; Psalm 51:5 (אֲבַד)), from עָוָה; perversity, i.e. (moral) evil; fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin.