Deuteronomy 23:22

KJV

But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if thou shalt forbear {H2308} to vow {H5087}, it shall be no sin {H2399} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you choose not to make a vow at all, that will not be a sin for

Berean Standard Bible

But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.

American Standard Version

But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:22 provides a crucial clarification within the Mosaic law concerning personal vows, unequivocally stating that refraining from making a solemn promise to God incurs no sin or moral fault. While the preceding verse emphasizes the binding obligation to fulfill a vow once made, this verse liberates individuals from any divine compulsion to initiate such commitments. It underscores God's profound desire for voluntary, heartfelt devotion rather than coerced or rash pledges, simultaneously highlighting the immense seriousness with which all commitments, especially those made to the Almighty, should be regarded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 23:22 is strategically placed within a broader legislative corpus (chapters 22-25) in Deuteronomy, which outlines various civil, social, and cultic laws for Israel as they prepared to enter and inhabit the Promised Land. This particular verse directly follows [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - The Obligation to Fulfill Vows"), which sternly commands the prompt and faithful fulfillment of any vow made to the Lord, warning that failure to do so constitutes sin. The immediate juxtaposition of these two verses creates a powerful legal and theological tension: absolute obligation to fulfill a vow versus absolute freedom not to make one. This pairing serves to balance the potential burdens of religious practice with the grace of divine understanding, ensuring that sincere devotion is prioritized over legalistic entrapment. The surrounding laws in [Deuteronomy 22-25](/deuteronomy/22 "Deuteronomy 22-25 - Laws for Daily Life") cover a wide range of ethical and ritual matters, all contributing to the establishment of a distinct, holy society under the covenant with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Vows were a ubiquitous and deeply significant practice throughout the ancient Near East, serving as solemn pledges or promises made to deities, often in exchange for divine intervention, as expressions of profound gratitude, or as acts of dedication. These commitments could involve specific offerings, periods of abstinence (such as the Nazirite vow detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")), or particular acts of service. For the Israelites, vows were made exclusively to Yahweh, the one true God, and were considered exceptionally sacred and binding. The cultural understanding was that failure to honor a vow to a deity could invite severe divine displeasure or punishment. Consequently, [Deuteronomy 23:22](/deuteronomy/23-22 "Deuteronomy 23:22 - Freedom from Vowing") functions as a vital safeguard, preventing individuals from inadvertently incurring guilt or divine judgment by refraining from a practice that, while permissible and sometimes beneficial, carried immense spiritual weight and potential for transgression if not meticulously fulfilled. This reflects God's profound understanding of human fallibility and His desire for sincere, uncoerced devotion rather than rash or burdensome commitments.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several foundational themes woven throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **voluntary devotion and freedom of choice** within the covenant relationship. God desires willing hearts and genuine obedience, not forced or rash commitments. The explicit freedom to "forbear to vow" highlights that true piety is not measured by the quantity of solemn promises made, but by the quality of one's obedient walk and the sincerity of one's heart before God. Secondly, it profoundly reinforces the **gravity and integrity of speech**, particularly when directed towards the divine. By stating that *not* vowing is permissible, the text implicitly magnifies the binding nature of a vow *once it is made*, aligning with the wisdom found in [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfill Your Vows") that "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay." Finally, it reveals God's **compassion and understanding** of human weakness, providing a legal framework that prevents individuals from inadvertently ensnaring themselves in sin through well-intentioned but ill-considered promises, thereby fostering a relationship built on grace and truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forbear (Hebrew, _châdal'_):** This primitive root (H2308) signifies "to cease," "to desist," "to refrain from," or "to hold back." In the context of Deuteronomy 23:22, it denotes a deliberate and conscious choice not to engage in the act of making a vow. The KJV's "shalt forbear" translates the specific verb form _tichdal_, but the underlying root _châdal_ emphasizes the voluntary nature of abstention, highlighting the individual's freedom to choose not to make such a solemn commitment.
* **Vow (Hebrew, _nâdar'_):** This primitive root (H5087) means "to promise (pos., to do or give something to God)." While the KJV uses "to vow" as a verb, the root _nâdar_ encapsulates the act of making a solemn pledge or commitment directly to God. Such vows typically involved dedicating something (an object, a portion of income, a period of time, or an action) to God, often as a petition for divine favor, an expression of gratitude, or an act of devotion. This word underscores the gravity of the commitment being considered.
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chêṭᵉʼ'_):** Derived from the root _châṭâʼ_ (to miss the mark), _chêṭᵉʼ_ (H2399) denotes "a crime or its penalty," "fault," "offence," or "transgression." It describes any act that falls short of God's perfect standard or incurs moral culpability. The phrase "it shall be no sin in thee" (לֹא יִהְיֶה בְךָ חֵטְא, _lo yihyeh b'cha chet_) is an unequivocal declaration of exoneration, explicitly stating that no guilt, fault, or divine displeasure will be incurred by the choice to refrain from making a vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if thou shalt forbear to vow":** This opening clause sets the conditional premise of the verse. The conjunction "But" (וְכִי, _v'chi_) introduces an alternative scenario that stands in direct contrast to the preceding verse, which mandated the strict fulfillment of vows. It explicitly addresses the individual's prerogative to choose *not* to make a vow, emphasizing that this is a legitimate and permissible option. There is no divine command or expectation that a person *must* make a vow to demonstrate piety or secure favor.
* **"it shall be no sin in thee":** This declarative statement delivers the legal and theological consequence of choosing not to vow. It unequivocally assures the individual that such a choice is not a transgression against God's law, nor does it incur any moral guilt, fault, or divine disfavor. This assurance highlights God's grace and His desire for genuine, uncoerced devotion, liberating individuals from any perceived pressure to make commitments they might later regret or be unable to fulfill, thereby safeguarding their spiritual well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:22 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most striking is **Contrast**, as the verse stands in direct antithesis to [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - The Obligation to Fulfill Vows"). This deliberate juxtaposition creates a powerful legal and theological dynamic, simultaneously emphasizing the stringent obligation to fulfill vows and the absolute freedom from making them. The verse also functions as a clear **Legal Clarification** or **Exoneration**, providing an unambiguous statement of permissibility and removing any potential ambiguity or guilt associated with the non-initiation of a vow. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement** in the simple phrase "no sin in thee," which, by its very conciseness, implicitly magnifies the profound seriousness of the alternative (sin if a vow is made and not kept), thereby subtly reinforcing the gravity and binding nature of vows themselves.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse offers profound insight into the very nature of God's relationship with His people and the essence of true devotion. It teaches that God values sincerity, integrity, and the genuine disposition of the heart above all else. He desires a relationship built on willing obedience and authentic love, not on burdensome, self-imposed obligations or rash declarations. The freedom to refrain from vowing underscores that the quality of one's commitment matters infinitely more than the quantity of grand pronouncements. It stands as a testament to God's compassionate understanding of human frailty, providing a vital safeguard against rash promises that could lead to guilt, spiritual burden, or a diminished sense of His grace. This principle encourages careful consideration, truthfulness, and integrity in all our words, particularly when addressing the divine, recognizing that God is not impressed by outward show but by the heart's true, uncoerced disposition.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Fulfill Your Vows")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 23:22 provides timeless wisdom for believers today, urging us to approach all our commitments, especially those made to God, with sober reflection, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility. In a contemporary culture where words are often cheapened and promises easily broken, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of our speech. It challenges us to "think before we speak," particularly when contemplating solemn declarations or making significant commitments, whether in our prayers, acts of worship, or daily interactions. It liberates us from any perceived pressure to make grand, public vows as a measure of our faith or spiritual maturity, instead emphasizing that genuine devotion flows from a sincere heart, not from burdensome, self-imposed obligations. Our "yes" should unequivocally mean "yes," and our "no" should truly mean "no," reflecting the unwavering character of a God who is utterly faithful to His own promises. This profound freedom allows us to serve God joyfully and without unnecessary spiritual burdens, secure in the knowledge that He values our authentic walk with Him above any performative acts or rash pledges.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our tendency to make rash promises or commitments, whether to God or to others, in our modern context?**
* **In what specific ways does God's emphasis on voluntary devotion, rather than mandatory vows, shape our understanding of true worship and relationship with Him?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate greater integrity in our speech and commitments, thereby reflecting the sincerity and faithfulness God desires from us?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse discourage making vows to God?**

Answer: No, this verse does not discourage the making of vows to God. Rather, it serves as a vital clarification: making a vow is entirely voluntary. The core emphasis of [Deuteronomy 23:22](/deuteronomy/23-22 "Deuteronomy 23:22 - Freedom from Vowing") is on the freedom *not* to vow, which, by implication, underscores the extreme seriousness and binding nature of a vow *if* one chooses to make it. God desires sincere devotion and genuine commitment. If a vow is made from a pure heart, with careful consideration, and faithfully kept, it can indeed be a profound act of worship and dedication. However, the verse ensures that no individual is obligated or pressured into making such a solemn promise, thus protecting them from potential spiritual entanglement.

**What kind of "vows" are being discussed here in Deuteronomy?**

Answer: In the context of Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament, a "vow" (Hebrew: _neder_) refers to a solemn promise or pledge made directly to God. These vows were often either conditional (e.g., "If You grant me victory, then I will dedicate this to You") or unconditional acts of dedication (e.g., dedicating a portion of one's possessions, time, or even oneself). Notable examples include the Nazirite vow, as detailed in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite"), vows made during times of distress or petition, or vows of thanksgiving. They typically involved a specific offering, a particular act of service, or a period of abstinence. It is crucial to distinguish these "vows" from "oaths" (Hebrew: _shevu'ah_), which were sworn statements, often invoking God's name, primarily used to confirm truthfulness or to bind oneself to an agreement with another person.

**How does this Old Testament teaching on vows relate to New Testament teachings, especially Jesus' words on oaths in Matthew 5?**

Answer: Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths") represents a profound fulfillment and elevation of the spirit of the Old Testament law regarding oaths and vows. While the Old Covenant permitted and regulated vows and oaths under specific conditions, Jesus' radical teaching moves beyond the letter of the law to address the fundamental integrity of the heart behind all speech. He teaches that the believer's character and truthfulness should be so absolute that formal oaths or elaborate vows become unnecessary. "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." This does not contradict [Deuteronomy 23:22](/deuteronomy/23-22 "Deuteronomy 23:22 - Freedom from Vowing") but rather completes its trajectory. Both passages underscore the paramount importance of truthfulness, sincerity, and integrity in all words spoken. Deuteronomy 23:22 grants freedom from the *obligation* to vow, while Jesus' teaching implies that the Christian life, lived in radical integrity, should render the *necessity* of formal oaths or vows obsolete, as our simple word should always be fully trustworthy and binding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 23:22, with its emphasis on the voluntary nature of vows and the freedom from sin in refraining from them, finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While the Old Covenant, with its intricate system of laws, sacrifices, and ritual obligations, could sometimes feel burdensome, Christ's perfect life, impeccable obedience, and atoning sacrifice usher in a New Covenant founded on grace and truth. Jesus Himself perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, embodying the spirit of every vow and commitment. He made the ultimate vow of obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross, becoming the perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience and Humiliation")). For believers in Christ, the burden of self-imposed vows and legalistic obligations is entirely lifted, not because vows are inherently wrong, but because our standing before God is now based entirely on Christ's finished work, not on our own promises, performances, or efforts to earn favor. We are set free from the law of sin and death, and from the pressure to achieve righteousness through our own works ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Romans 8:2 - Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")). The freedom to "forbear to vow" in the Old Testament points to the infinitely greater freedom found in Christ, who has perfectly kept every divine requirement on our behalf. Our "vow" to God in the New Covenant is our covenant relationship with Him, sealed by the blood of Christ, where God's promises to us are an unwavering "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our response is one of grateful, uncoerced devotion, empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than by legalistic obligation or fear of transgression. This profound liberty allows us to serve God with a willing heart, knowing that our acceptance and security are eternally established in the one who made and perfectly kept the ultimate promise.

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.