Deuteronomy 23:23

KJV

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

That which is gone out {H4161} of thy lips {H8193} thou shalt keep {H8104} and perform {H6213}; even a freewill offering {H5071}, according as thou hast vowed {H5087} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, which thou hast promised {H1696} with thy mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but if a vow passes your lips, you must take care to perform it according to what you voluntarily vowed to ADONAI your God, what you promised in words spoken aloud.

Berean Standard Bible

Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

American Standard Version

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt observe and do; according as thou hast vowed unto Jehovah thy God, a freewill-offering, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:23 serves as a profound legal and theological statement within the Mosaic Law, underscoring the absolute sanctity and binding nature of any verbal commitment or vow made by an Israelite to the LORD God. It emphasizes that while the initial act of vowing a freewill offering is voluntary, its subsequent fulfillment is an inescapable divine obligation, reflecting God's demand for integrity, faithfulness, and the serious consideration of one's spoken word in the covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a section of Deuteronomy (chapters 23-25) that details various laws governing the purity, social conduct, and religious obligations of the Israelite community as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Specifically, Deuteronomy 23:23 directly follows verses 21 and 22, which introduce the subject of vowing. Verses 21-22 establish that making a vow is not compulsory, and refraining from one does not incur sin. However, the moment a vow is uttered, it transitions from an option to an absolute mandate. This immediate juxtaposition highlights the gravity and irrevocability of a spoken promise to God, setting the stage for the explicit command in verse 23 to "keep and perform" what has been promised. This section, therefore, functions as a critical legal clarification regarding personal commitments within the broader framework of the covenant, ensuring that the Israelites understood the weight of their words before God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, vows were solemn religious acts, often made in times of distress, thanksgiving, or as a spontaneous expression of devotion. They typically involved a promise to offer a sacrifice, dedicate a person or object, or abstain from certain things, contingent on divine favor or as an act of worship. Such vows were not mere casual statements but were understood as direct appeals or commitments to God, carrying immense spiritual weight within the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/24 "Exodus 24 - The Covenant at Mount Sinai"). The cultural expectation was that one's word, especially when given to God, was inviolable. This law ensured that the Israelites approached their relationship with the LORD with utmost seriousness and integrity, distinguishing their worship from the capricious or manipulative practices of surrounding pagan cultures where deities might be "bargained with" without true commitment or expectation of fulfillment.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 23:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament. Foremost is the **Sanctity of Vows**, emphasizing that a promise made to God is not to be taken lightly but is binding and must be fulfilled, reflecting profound respect for God's holiness and the gravity of addressing Him. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, as seen in [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows") and [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow"). It also underscores the theme of **Integrity and Faithfulness**, teaching that one's word, particularly when given to God, is a direct reflection of character and trustworthiness, demanding alignment between verbal declarations and actions. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Power and Consequence of Spoken Words**, asserting that words are not fleeting sounds but carry significant spiritual and moral weight, especially when directed towards the Almighty. Finally, it illustrates the tension between **Voluntary Commitment and Obligatory Performance**: while the initial decision to make a vow is a free choice, once uttered, its performance becomes an absolute, non-negotiable obligation, reinforcing the seriousness of personal responsibility before God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Keep" (Hebrew, _shamar'_):** This verb signifies 'to guard, observe, preserve, be careful about.' In this context, it implies a diligent and conscientious adherence to the vow, not merely a passive acknowledgment but an active safeguarding of the promise. It suggests a watchful attentiveness to ensure the vow is not forgotten or neglected, reflecting a deep respect for the commitment made.
* **"Perform" (Hebrew, _'asah'_):** Meaning 'to do, make, accomplish, carry out,' this word emphasizes the active execution of the vow. It moves beyond mere intention or remembrance to the physical act of fulfilling the commitment. The combination with _shamar_ creates a strong imperative for both the preservation of the promise in one's mind and its concrete realization in action, demonstrating that God expects tangible obedience.
* **"Promised with thy mouth" (Hebrew, _mippika'_):** Literally "from your mouth," this phrase underscores the verbal, deliberate, and public nature of the commitment. It highlights that the vow is not a secret thought or an unarticulated intention, but a declaration that has been audibly uttered, thereby making it binding. This emphasizes the weight and consequence of spoken words before God, making them legally and spiritually actionable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform;":** This opening clause establishes the core command: any verbal declaration made by an individual, particularly a vow, must be meticulously observed and diligently executed. The phrase "gone out of thy lips" personifies the spoken word, giving it agency and emphasizing its departure from the realm of thought into the realm of binding declaration. The dual verbs "keep and perform" underscore the comprehensive nature of the required obedience—it's not enough to merely remember the vow; it must be actively brought to completion.
* **"[even] a freewill offering, ":** This parenthetical phrase clarifies the specific type of commitment in view, though the principle applies broadly to all vows. A "freewill offering" (Hebrew: _nedabah_) was a voluntary gift or sacrifice to God, distinguished from mandatory offerings. Its inclusion here highlights that even in matters of voluntary devotion, once a promise is made, it becomes obligatory. This underscores God's demand for integrity even in acts of spontaneous worship, demonstrating that even uncoerced promises are taken seriously by the divine.
* **"according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.":** This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the binding nature of the commitment by explicitly naming the recipient of the vow ("unto the LORD thy God") and re-emphasizing the means by which it was made ("promised with thy mouth"). The repetition of the concept of "vowing" and "promising with the mouth" serves to stress the solemnity and irrevocability of such an oath, leaving no room for ambiguity or evasion. It links the human act of speaking directly to the divine expectation of fulfillment, highlighting the personal accountability involved.

#### Literary Devices
The text employs several literary devices to impress upon the reader the gravity of the command. **Repetition** is evident in the dual emphasis on the verbal nature of the commitment ("gone out of thy lips" and "promised with thy mouth"), reinforcing the idea that spoken words carry immense weight and are not to be taken lightly. This repetition functions as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, ensuring that the listener fully grasps the non-negotiable nature of fulfilling vows. The use of strong, active verbs like "keep" and "perform" creates a sense of **Imperative Language**, directly commanding action and leaving no room for passive neglect or convenient forgetfulness. Furthermore, the precise and unambiguous phrasing reflects **Legal Language**, characteristic of the Deuteronomic code, which aims to provide clear and binding statutes for the community. The structure moves from a general principle ("that which is gone out...") to a specific example ("freewill offering") and then back to a reinforced general principle, creating a rhetorical arc that highlights the universal applicability of the command to all verbal promises made to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:23 profoundly illuminates God's character as one who values truthfulness, integrity, and faithfulness in His people. It reveals that the LORD takes human words seriously, especially when they are directed toward Him, reflecting His own unchangeable nature and the reliability of His covenant promises. This divine expectation for integrity in speech and action is not merely a legalistic demand but a call to reflect God's own trustworthiness in the covenant relationship. It teaches that true worship involves not only outward acts but also inward sincerity and the diligent fulfillment of commitments, fostering a deep sense of accountability before a holy God. The principle underscores that genuine devotion is demonstrated through consistent obedience to one's word.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless principle embedded in Deuteronomy 23:23 extends far beyond ancient Israelite freewill offerings, calling all believers to a profound level of integrity in their verbal commitments. In a world where words are often cheap, fleeting, or used carelessly, this verse stands as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of our speech, particularly when it involves promises made to God or to others in His name. It challenges us to cultivate a habit of thoughtful consideration before speaking, recognizing that our "yes" should genuinely mean "yes" and our "no" should mean "no," as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes'"). This principle applies to all areas of life, from marriage vows and baptismal promises to commitments made in prayer or service. Living by this standard fosters trustworthiness, strengthens relationships, and builds a character that mirrors the faithfulness of God Himself, demonstrating that our walk aligns with our talk and that our integrity reflects His nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific vows or commitments have I made to God, either explicitly (like baptismal vows) or implicitly (like prayer promises), that I need to review and ensure I am diligently keeping?**
* **How does the principle of "keeping and performing" what comes out of my lips challenge my everyday speech and promises to others, both in personal and professional contexts?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a greater sense of integrity and thoughtfulness before making commitments, especially in spiritual matters, to avoid making rash promises?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean I should never make a vow?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Deuteronomy 23:23, along with verses 21-22, clarifies that making a vow is a voluntary act, and it is not a sin to refrain from making one. The emphasis is not on forbidding vows, but on the absolute necessity of fulfilling them once they are made. The Old Testament contains many examples of legitimate vows, such as Jacob's vow in [Genesis 28:20-22](/genesis/28-20 "Genesis 28:20-22 - Jacob's Vow at Bethel"). The New Testament, particularly [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths") and [James 5:12](/james/5-12 "James 5:12 - Do Not Swear"), advises against making oaths or vows lightly, urging believers to let their "yes" be "yes" and their "no" be "no," implying that our everyday speech should be so trustworthy that formal oaths become unnecessary. The core principle remains: if you make a promise to God, you are bound to keep it, demonstrating integrity and reverence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Deuteronomy 23:23 addresses the human responsibility to fulfill vows, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the perfect obedience and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Unlike humanity, who often fail to keep their promises, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every promise and every jot and tittle of the Law, not only in His words but in His life and sacrificial death. He is the embodiment of the divine expectation of integrity, perfectly performing the will of His Father. His life was a continuous "yes" to God's redemptive plan, culminating in His ultimate "freewill offering" on the cross, where He laid down His life voluntarily, yet in perfect obedience to the Father's command ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Voluntarily")). Through Christ, the New Covenant is established, a covenant based not on human vows and their often-failed performance, but on God's unwavering promise and Christ's perfect fulfillment. Believers are now called to live in response to God's faithfulness, empowered by the Spirit to walk in integrity, reflecting the character of the One who perfectly kept every word that proceeded from His lips ([Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). Our ability to "keep and perform" our commitments is now rooted in His finished work and His indwelling presence, enabling us to live a life that honors the God who is always true to His word ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")) and whose promises are eternally reliable.

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

Proverbs 20:25

¶ [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

Judges 11:30

And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

Judges 11:31

Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

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.

Mark 6:22

And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.