Ecclesiastes 5:4

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When thou vowest {H5087} a vow {H5088} unto God {H430}, defer {H309} not to pay {H7999} it; for he hath no pleasure {H2656} in fools {H3684}: pay {H7999} that which thou hast vowed {H5087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If you make a vow to God, don't delay in discharging it. For God takes no pleasure in fools, so discharge your vow!

Berean Standard Bible

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:4 delivers a profound admonition from the Preacher concerning the solemnity and prompt fulfillment of vows made to God. It underscores the divine expectation for integrity and faithfulness in spiritual commitments, warning that procrastination or failure to honor such pledges is deemed foolish and displeasing to the Almighty. The verse serves as a timeless reminder that words spoken to God carry immense weight and demand immediate, sincere action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of Ecclesiastes (chapters 4-5) that shifts from observations on life's vanities to practical wisdom concerning proper conduct, particularly in one's relationship with God and fellow humans. The immediate preceding verses (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3) provide counsel on reverence in worship, urging listeners to "keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God," emphasizing thoughtful listening over thoughtless sacrifice and cautioning against rash words. Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 then specifically addresses the gravity of vows, forming a coherent unit that stresses the importance of sincerity and promptness in spiritual commitments, culminating in the warning against multiplying words before God. The passage as a whole aims to guide the reader toward a life of reverent wisdom rather than superficial religiosity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Vows were a common and significant practice in ancient Israelite society, deeply embedded in their religious and legal framework. Individuals would make voluntary pledges to God, often involving offerings, dedicated service, or specific acts of abstinence (like the Nazarite vow described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow")). These vows were considered sacred agreements, binding upon the individual, and were often made in times of distress, thanksgiving, or as acts of heightened devotion. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning vows, emphasizing their binding nature and the severe consequences of failing to fulfill them (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows")). The cultural expectation was that a person's word, especially when given before God, was inviolable, reflecting the high value placed on integrity and covenant faithfulness in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 5:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and biblical wisdom literature. Primarily, it highlights the **Sanctity of Vows and Commitments** to God, elevating them beyond mere promises to sacred obligations that reflect one's reverence and respect for the Divine. The injunction to "defer not to pay it" underscores the theme of **Prompt Fulfillment and Integrity**, emphasizing that sincerity in one's word is paramount and procrastination is a sign of disrespect. Furthermore, the declaration that God "hath no pleasure in fools" introduces the theme of **Divine Displeasure with Folly and Irreverence**. In wisdom literature, "fools" are not merely unintelligent but morally senseless, those who disregard divine wisdom and act carelessly in sacred matters. This verse thus reinforces the broader message of Ecclesiastes that true wisdom involves a profound and practical reverence for God, manifested in faithful and sincere obedience to all commitments, especially those made directly to Him. This theme is further developed in [Ecclesiastes 5:5](/ecclesiastes/5-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:5 - Better Not to Vow than Not to Pay"), which starkly contrasts the wisdom of not vowing at all with the folly of vowing and failing to pay.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vow (Hebrew, _nâdar'_):** From H5087 and H5088. This primitive root means "to promise (pos., to do or give something to God); (make a) vow." The noun form (neder, H5088) refers to "a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised." In Ecclesiastes 5:4, the repetition "vowest a vow" (nâdar neder) emphasizes the solemnity and intentionality of the commitment. It is not a casual statement but a deliberate, binding pledge made directly to the divine.
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** From H2656. This word denotes "pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing." It signifies God's disposition or delight. When the text states God "hath no pleasure" in fools, it indicates His strong disapproval and lack of delight in their behavior. This is not merely a passive observation but an active aversion to insincerity and unfaithfulness in spiritual matters.
* **Fools (Hebrew, _kᵉçîyl'_):** From H3684. This term, derived from a root meaning "fat," figuratively implies "stupid or silly." In biblical wisdom literature, a "fool" (kᵉçîyl) is not simply lacking intelligence but is morally deficient, stubborn, resistant to wisdom, and often acts rashly or irreverently, especially in spiritual contexts. Here, it describes those who make promises to God carelessly or fail to honor them, demonstrating a profound lack of reverence and spiritual understanding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou vowest a vow unto God":** This opening clause establishes the premise: a voluntary, solemn promise or pledge made by an individual directly to the divine. The double emphasis of "vowest a vow" (verb and noun from the same root) highlights the gravity and intentionality of such a commitment, distinguishing it from casual speech. It sets the stage for a direct interaction between the human and the divine, where human integrity is tested.
* **"defer not to pay it;":** This is the immediate command following the premise. "Defer not" (from H309, `ʼâchar`, meaning to loiter, procrastinate, delay) is an urgent injunction against any delay in fulfilling the vow. The expectation is prompt and immediate payment or fulfillment. Procrastination is seen as a sign of disrespect, a lack of seriousness, and potentially a weakening of resolve, which God finds displeasing.
* **"for he hath no pleasure in fools:":** This clause provides the divine rationale for the command. God's character is revealed: He does not delight in those who are "fools" (kᵉçîyl), meaning those who are morally senseless, rash, or insincere in their spiritual commitments. This is a strong statement of divine disapproval, indicating that God values integrity, faithfulness, and reverence far more than empty words or unfulfilled promises.
* **"pay that which thou hast vowed.":** This concluding phrase reiterates and reinforces the initial command, serving as a powerful summary and final imperative. It leaves no ambiguity: the vow must be paid. The repetition emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the obligation and the seriousness of the divine expectation, bringing the instruction to a firm and unequivocal close.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:4 employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The use of **repetition**, specifically the phrase "vowest a vow" and the repeated command to "pay that which thou hast vowed," serves to emphasize the central theme of the verse and underscore the seriousness and binding nature of such commitments. The verse also utilizes **contrast**, implicitly setting the wise person who promptly fulfills their vows against the "fool" who defers or neglects them, thereby highlighting the consequences of each choice. The declaration that God "hath no pleasure in fools" is a form of **anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotion (pleasure/displeasure) to God to make His disposition relatable and impactful. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **proverbial statement** within the wisdom tradition, offering concise, practical advice on righteous conduct that is both universally applicable and deeply rooted in theological truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:4 profoundly articulates the biblical emphasis on the sanctity of promises made to God, reflecting a core aspect of divine character and human responsibility. This principle is not unique to Ecclesiastes but is woven throughout the Old Testament legal and prophetic literature, underscoring that God is a God of covenant faithfulness who expects His people to mirror that faithfulness in their commitments to Him. The verse highlights that true worship involves not just external acts but internal integrity and prompt obedience to one's word, particularly when that word is given to the Creator. It teaches that God values sincerity and action over empty declarations, and that our words, especially those directed heavenward, must be backed by genuine intent and diligent fulfillment.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "The Law Regarding Vows")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Binding Nature of a Vow")
* [Psalm 66:13-14](/psalm/66-13 "Fulfilling Vows to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:4 serves as a timeless call to integrity, particularly in our spiritual lives. While formal vows may be less common today than in ancient Israel, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the weight of all our commitments, whether they are explicit pledges made during baptism, church membership, or dedication, or more informal promises made in prayer, personal devotion, or service. It compels us to cultivate a lifestyle where our "yes" truly means "yes" and our "no" truly means "no," not just to God but in all our interactions, recognizing that our faithfulness in small things reflects our reverence for the Divine. The warning against being "fools" who defer payment reminds us that procrastination in spiritual matters is not merely inefficiency but can be a sign of a deeper spiritual deficiency—a lack of seriousness, reverence, or even genuine faith. Therefore, this verse urges us to be deliberate in our speech, swift in our obedience, and unwavering in our commitment to honor God in every promise we make.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "vows" or commitments, explicit or implicit, have I made to God in my life (e.g., during conversion, baptism, church membership, prayer, or times of crisis)?**
* **Am I prone to making promises to God that I then defer or neglect to fulfill? What might be the underlying reasons for this tendency?**
* **How does my promptness (or lack thereof) in fulfilling commitments to God reflect my reverence and respect for Him?**
* **In what areas of my life can I demonstrate greater integrity and faithfulness, ensuring that my words are consistently matched by my actions?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is a "vow" in the biblical sense, and are they still relevant today?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, a "vow" (Hebrew: _neder_) was a solemn, voluntary promise or pledge made directly to God. It typically involved dedicating something (like an offering), performing a specific service, or abstaining from certain things for a period (e.g., the Nazarite vow in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazarite Vow")). These vows were considered legally and spiritually binding, and failing to fulfill them was a serious offense (as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Regarding Vows")). While formal vows in the Old Testament sense (e.g., animal sacrifices, specific abstinences) are less common for Christians today due to the New Covenant, the underlying principle of integrity in commitments to God remains profoundly relevant. This includes promises made during baptism, church membership, dedication of children, or personal pledges made in prayer regarding service, tithing, or lifestyle choices. The verse teaches that any commitment made to God, whether formal or informal, should be taken seriously and fulfilled promptly.

**Why does God have "no pleasure in fools" in this context?**

Answer: The "fools" (Hebrew: _kᵉçîyl_) referred to in Ecclesiastes 5:4 are not merely unintelligent people, but rather those who are morally senseless, stubborn, and resistant to wisdom, particularly spiritual wisdom. In this context, they are individuals who make rash promises to God or fail to honor the vows they have made. God has "no pleasure" (Hebrew: _chêphets_) in them because such behavior demonstrates a profound lack of reverence, sincerity, and integrity towards Him. It suggests a casual or disrespectful attitude towards the divine, treating sacred commitments lightly. God values faithfulness, sincerity, and obedience, and the failure to fulfill a vow is seen as an act of spiritual folly that dishonors Him. This concept is echoed in [Proverbs 15:8](/proverbs/15-8 "Proverbs 15:8 - The Lord's Displeasure with the Sacrifice of the Wicked"), which states that "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:4, with its stern warning against unfulfilled vows, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law emphasized human responsibility to keep vows, pointing to the inherent human struggle with integrity and faithfulness, Christ perfectly embodied the ultimate fulfillment of all promises and covenants. He is the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful Witness")), in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Jesus' entire life was one of perfect obedience and faithfulness to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate "vow" to lay down His life for the redemption of humanity ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). He perfectly paid the debt of sin, fulfilling the ultimate promise of salvation. For believers, our inability to perfectly keep our own vows and commitments underscores our need for His perfect righteousness. Through Christ, we are brought into a New Covenant, not based on our flawed promises, but on God's unwavering promise, secured by the blood of Jesus ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). Thus, while the command to keep our word remains, our ability to do so, and our acceptance by God, is ultimately rooted in Christ's flawless integrity and His complete fulfillment of all that was vowed and promised on our behalf.

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

Numbers 30:2

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.

Deuteronomy 23:21

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.

Deuteronomy 23:23

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.

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.

Matthew 5:33

¶ Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

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.