Deuteronomy 23:21

KJV

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou shalt vow {H5087} a vow {H5088} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, thou shalt not slack {H309} to pay {H7999} it: for the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} will surely {H1875} require {H1875} it of thee; and it would be sin {H2399} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When you make a vow to ADONAI your God, you are not to delay in fulfilling it, for ADONAI your God will certainly demand it of you, and your failure to do so will be your sin

Berean Standard Bible

If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.

American Standard Version

When thou shalt vow a vow unto Jehovah thy God, thou shalt not be slack to pay it: for Jehovah thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:21 presents a solemn divine injunction concerning vows made to the LORD, emphasizing the critical importance of fulfilling such commitments promptly and faithfully. This verse underscores God's expectation of integrity from His people, making it clear that a vow is not a casual promise but a sacred obligation. Failure to honor a vow is not merely a lapse in memory or diligence, but a direct offense against God, incurring the spiritual consequence of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23:21 is situated within a larger section of legal and moral statutes (Deuteronomy 22-25) given by Moses to the second generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into the Promised Land. This particular verse falls within a series of laws concerning community purity, social justice, and religious practices, including regulations about usury, divorce, and the treatment of the poor. It immediately follows a command regarding the proper disposal of human waste and precedes laws on lending and the gleaning of fields. The placement of this law on vows among various civil and cultic regulations highlights its integral role in the comprehensive ethical and spiritual life of the covenant community, emphasizing that personal integrity before God is as fundamental as public conduct.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, vows were a common practice, serving as solemn promises to deities, often made in times of distress or to secure divine favor. However, Israelite vows were distinct, made specifically to Yahweh, the covenant God. A vow (Hebrew: _neder_) was a voluntary, yet absolutely binding, promise. It could involve dedicating a person or object to God, abstaining from certain pleasures (like the [Nazarite vow](/numbers/6-2 "Numbers 6:2 - The Nazarite Vow")), or performing a specific act of devotion or sacrifice. While not commanded, once uttered, a vow was considered a sacred, unbreakable commitment, reflecting the seriousness of one's word in a society where oral agreements held immense weight. The law here ensures that such voluntary expressions of devotion are treated with the utmost reverence and promptness, reflecting the character of a faithful God who keeps His promises.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Old Testament. Foremost is the theme of **covenant faithfulness** and **human integrity**. God, who is utterly faithful to His covenant promises, expects His people to mirror that faithfulness in their own commitments, particularly those made directly to Him. The concept of **divine accountability** is central, as the LORD Himself "will surely require it," indicating His active involvement in monitoring and enforcing the sanctity of vows. This underscores God's **holiness** and the seriousness with which He views all interactions with humanity. Furthermore, the explicit declaration that failure to pay a vow is "sin in thee" highlights the theme of **the gravity of disobedience** and the spiritual consequences of neglecting one's word. This resonates with other passages like [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Better Not to Vow Than to Vow and Not Pay"), which reinforces the wisdom of careful consideration before making a vow and the necessity of prompt fulfillment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vow (Hebrew, _neder'_):** This term refers to a voluntary, solemn promise made to God, often involving a commitment to give something, perform an action, or abstain from something. Unlike a mandatory offering or command, a _neder_ originates from the individual's free will, making its fulfillment a profound demonstration of personal devotion and integrity. Once uttered, it becomes a binding obligation, highlighting the sacredness of one's word before the Almighty.
* **Slack (Hebrew, _'achar'_):** Meaning "to delay," "linger," or "procrastinate," this word emphasizes the imperative for promptness in fulfilling a vow. It implies not just a failure to act, but a deliberate or negligent postponement. The prohibition against "slacking" underscores that God values not only the keeping of the promise but also the timely and eager spirit in which it is fulfilled, preventing a sacred commitment from becoming a burdensome or forgotten task.
* **Require (Hebrew, _darash'_):** This verb signifies "to seek," "to demand," "to inquire," or "to hold accountable." When applied to God, it conveys His active and intentional pursuit of what is due to Him. It's not a passive expectation but an active divine insistence. The LORD will "surely require" the vow, indicating that He will not overlook its non-fulfillment and will hold the individual to account for their word, reinforcing His justice and the seriousness of the covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God":** This opening clause establishes the voluntary nature of the commitment ("When thou shalt vow") and specifies the divine recipient ("unto the LORD thy God"). It highlights that such a promise is not made to a human, but directly to the sovereign God of Israel, elevating its significance and binding power. The repetition of "vow a vow" (a pleonasm) serves to emphasize the act itself and its solemnity.
* **"thou shalt not slack to pay it":** This is a direct, negative command, prohibiting delay in the fulfillment of the vow. The imperative "thou shalt not slack" underscores the urgency and importance of prompt action. It implies that procrastination in spiritual matters is a serious offense, as it demonstrates a lack of reverence for God and a diminished commitment to one's word.
* **"for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee":** This clause provides the divine rationale and enforcement for the command. God is not a passive observer; He is actively involved and will hold the individual accountable. The phrase "surely require it" conveys absolute certainty and divine resolve, indicating that there will be consequences for non-compliance. This highlights God's justice and His expectation of integrity from His people.
* **"and it would be sin in thee":** This concluding phrase states the grave spiritual consequence of failing to pay a vow promptly. It explicitly defines such neglect as "sin," meaning it is an offense against God, a transgression of His moral law, and a breach of the covenant relationship. This elevates the act of breaking a vow beyond mere forgetfulness or inconvenience to a matter of spiritual integrity and offense to the divine character.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Legal Injunction**, as the verse functions as a direct, authoritative command from God through Moses, typical of the Deuteronomic law code. This is reinforced by the use of **Imperative Mood** ("thou shalt not slack"), which conveys the non-negotiable nature of the directive. The verse also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, establishing a clear logical progression: if a vow is made, then its payment must not be delayed, because God will demand it, and failure to comply will result in sin. The **Pleonasm** "vow a vow" (Hebrew: _ki tidor neder_) serves to emphasize the act of vowing, highlighting its significance and solemnity. Finally, the phrase "the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee" employs a mild form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like action (demanding payment) to God, thereby making His active involvement and accountability more relatable and impactful for the Israelite audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:21 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that words spoken, especially those directed to God, carry immense weight and demand utmost integrity. It reflects God's own perfect faithfulness and His expectation that His covenant people will mirror His character. This passage underscores that our commitments are not merely human endeavors but are witnessed and upheld by a holy God who values truthfulness and honors His own word above all. It teaches that integrity in speech is foundational to a right relationship with God and that spiritual commitments are not to be taken lightly, for they bear eternal significance. The seriousness of a vow, even if voluntary, reveals the high standard of faithfulness God requires from those who claim to follow Him.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows") - "If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth."
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Better Not to Vow Than to Fail to Pay") - "When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
* [Psalm 66:13-14](/psalm/66-13 "Psalm 66:13-14 - Fulfilling Vows to God") - "I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 23:21 serves as a timeless reminder for believers today about the profound importance of integrity in our commitments, especially those made to God. While formal vows might be less common in contemporary Christian practice than in ancient Israel, the underlying principle remains powerfully relevant. Any promise, pledge, or commitment made to God, whether explicit or implicit, in prayer, worship, or service, falls under the spirit of this command. This includes the solemn vows of marriage, the public declarations of faith at baptism, ordination vows, or even personal resolutions to dedicate time, talent, or treasure to the Lord's work. This verse challenges us to cultivate a heart of careful deliberation before making commitments and a spirit of diligent and prompt fulfillment once they are made. It calls us to live lives marked by consistent faithfulness, reflecting the unwavering character of our God, and reminds us that our words matter deeply to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I view the promises and commitments I make to God in my daily life?**
* **Are there any specific vows or pledges I have made to God that I have delayed or neglected to fulfill?**
* **What does God's "requiring" of vows reveal about His character and His relationship with me?**
* **How can I cultivate greater integrity in my speech and actions, not just concerning formal vows, but in all areas of my life?**

### FAQ

**Are Christians required to make vows to God today?**

Answer: No, Christians are not explicitly commanded to make vows in the New Testament. The emphasis shifts from formal, binding vows to a call for absolute truthfulness and integrity in all speech, whether a formal vow or an everyday statement. Jesus taught, "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Jesus on Oaths and Truthfulness")). The New Testament encourages believers to live lives of such consistent honesty that formal oaths or vows become unnecessary. However, if a Christian *chooses* to make a vow or a solemn promise to God, then Deuteronomy 23:21's principle of prompt and faithful fulfillment certainly applies, as God still values integrity and commitment.

**What if someone made a vow they now realize they cannot keep, or it was made rashly?**

Answer: The Old Testament did provide certain provisions for unintentional sins or rash vows (e.g., [Leviticus 5:4-6](/leviticus/5-4 "Leviticus 5:4-6 - Unintentional Sins and Offerings")). While the New Testament doesn't detail a specific "vow-breaking" sacrifice, the overarching principle for any sin is confession, repentance, and seeking God's forgiveness through Christ ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). If a vow was made rashly or is genuinely impossible to keep without sinning, the individual should confess this to God, repent of the rashness, and seek His grace and wisdom. The emphasis is on the heart's intention and integrity. It is better to admit a mistake and seek forgiveness than to persist in a commitment that leads to further sin or dishonors God.

**How does this verse apply to modern church pledges or commitments, such as financial giving or membership covenants?**

Answer: While not formal "vows" in the ancient sense, modern church pledges and membership covenants embody the spirit of Deuteronomy 23:21. When a believer commits to financially support the church, serve in a ministry, or uphold the responsibilities of church membership, these are solemn promises made before God and the community. The principle of integrity, promptness, and accountability remains paramount. Just as God "requires" the fulfillment of ancient vows, He expects His people to honor their word in contemporary commitments. These actions reflect a heart devoted to God and a commitment to the body of Christ, reinforcing the importance of sincerity and faithfulness in all our spiritual undertakings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:21, with its stern command regarding the fulfillment of vows, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity consistently struggles to keep its promises, often "slacking" or failing to pay, Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of absolute faithfulness to God's will. He did not make a vow in the Deuteronomic sense, yet His entire life was a living "vow" of obedience to the Father's mission. He declared, "I delight to do thy will, O my God" ([Psalm 40:8](/psalm/40-8 "Psalm 40:8 - Christ's Delight in God's Will"), quoted in [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")), demonstrating a prompt and unwavering commitment. The ultimate "vow" was God's covenant promise to redeem humanity, and Jesus, the Lamb of God, perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of that divine pledge through His sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection. He is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), the one in whom all of God's promises are "Yea, and in him Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). For believers, our ability to live with integrity and fulfill our commitments is not based on our own strength, which would inevitably lead to "sin in thee," but on the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to walk in Christ's faithfulness. Through Him, we are empowered to be people of our word, reflecting the character of the One who perfectly kept every divine and human obligation, securing our salvation and demonstrating the ultimate integrity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 66:14

Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

Psalms 76:11

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

Deuteronomy 23:18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these [are] abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Psalms 116:18

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,