Ecclesiastes 5:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Better {H2896} is it that thou shouldest not vow {H5087}, than that thou shouldest vow {H5087} and not pay {H7999}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Better not to make a vow than to make a vow and not discharge it.

Berean Standard Bible

It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 5:5 delivers a profound admonition from Qoheleth, the Preacher, concerning the gravity and sanctity of vows made to God. It posits that it is far more prudent and spiritually commendable to abstain from making a solemn promise than to make one and subsequently fail to fulfill it. This verse underscores a fundamental principle of integrity in one's relationship with the Divine, emphasizing that words spoken as commitments to God carry immense weight and demand diligent adherence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 5:5 is situated within a broader section (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7) that provides practical wisdom for proper conduct in the presence of God and in the temple. This passage immediately follows warnings against rash speech and foolish offerings (Ecclesiastes 5:1-3), urging reverence, thoughtfulness, and a quiet spirit when approaching God. The preceding verse, Ecclesiastes 5:4, directly addresses the obligation to fulfill vows, stating, "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." Thus, verse 5 serves as a logical and emphatic follow-up, reinforcing the severity of unfulfilled vows by contrasting it with the wisdom of not vowing at all. The entire section culminates in a call to "fear God" (Ecclesiastes 5:7), highlighting that sincerity and integrity in speech and action are integral to true reverence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Vows were a common and significant practice in ancient Israelite society, often made in times of distress, as expressions of gratitude, or as voluntary acts of devotion (e.g., a Nazirite vow as seen in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")). These were solemn commitments, usually involving a promise to offer a sacrifice, dedicate a person or object, or perform a specific act if God granted a request or in thanksgiving for a blessing received. The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations concerning vows, emphasizing their binding nature (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows")). The cultural understanding was that a vow made to God was not a mere human promise but a sacred covenant, and failure to honor it was considered a serious offense against God's holiness and one's own integrity. This context illuminates why Qoheleth places such a high premium on the fulfillment of vows.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ecclesiastes and broader biblical wisdom literature. It highlights the **sanctity of vows** and the **importance of integrity** in one's spiritual life, emphasizing that commitments made to God are not trivial but sacred and binding. This aligns with the book's consistent call for wisdom and prudence, particularly in speech, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 3:7](/ecclesiastes/3-7 "Ecclesiastes 3:7 - A Time for Silence and a Time for Speech") and [Ecclesiastes 9:17](/ecclesiastes/9-17 "Ecclesiastes 9:17 - The Quiet Words of the Wise"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **reverence for God**, reminding the audience that God is not to be trifled with, and that sincerity in worship and conduct is paramount. The consequence of unfulfilled vows speaks to the theme of **accountability**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature that often connects actions with their spiritual outcomes, as also echoed in [Proverbs 20:25](/proverbs/20-25 "Proverbs 20:25 - Rash Vows").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, often translated as "good," "best," or "better," carries a broad semantic range encompassing moral, aesthetic, and practical excellence. In this context, it functions as a comparative adjective, indicating a superior or more advantageous course of action. Qoheleth uses it to express a clear preference and a wise judgment: the state of not vowing is inherently more desirable and less problematic than the alternative. It implies a qualitative assessment of spiritual prudence and integrity.
* **Vow (Hebrew, _nâdar'_):** As a primitive root, _nâdar_ specifically means "to promise (positively, to do or give something to God)" or "to make a vow." It denotes a deliberate, solemn, and often voluntary pledge made to God, typically involving a commitment to perform an action, offer a sacrifice, or dedicate something. The repetition of this verb in the verse ("shouldest not vow" vs. "shouldest vow") emphasizes the act of vowing itself as the critical point of decision and commitment.
* **Pay (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** This root means "to be safe," "to be completed," "to make good," or "to render what is due." In the context of vows, _shâlam_ specifically refers to the act of fulfilling, performing, or completing the promise made. It denotes the full and satisfactory discharge of an obligation. The negative "not pay" thus signifies a failure to complete or render what was promised, highlighting the brokenness of the commitment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow":** This opening clause establishes Qoheleth's primary counsel. It suggests that, given the potential pitfalls and spiritual dangers associated with vows, it is a wiser and more spiritually secure path to refrain from making such solemn commitments in the first place. This is not a condemnation of vows per se, but a pragmatic recognition of human fallibility and the profound seriousness of promises made to the Almighty. It prioritizes prudence and self-awareness over impulsive or ill-considered declarations.
* **"than that thou shouldest vow and not pay":** This contrasting clause presents the undesirable alternative and the core warning of the verse. It describes the spiritual hazard of making a vow (a solemn promise to God) and then failing to fulfill it. The act of "not paying" or "not performing" the vow is presented as a grave offense, implying a lack of integrity, disrespect for God, and potentially bringing spiritual judgment upon oneself. The comparison highlights the greater sin and folly of breaking a sacred word compared to simply not speaking it.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Antithesis** is central, presenting a stark contrast between two courses of action: not vowing versus vowing and failing to pay. This creates a clear moral and spiritual imperative, highlighting the superior wisdom of the former. The use of **hyperbole** or strong emphasis ("Better is it...") underscores the extreme undesirability of breaking a vow, elevating the gravity of the offense. While not a direct **chiasm**, the structure of "not vow" followed by "vow and not pay" creates a subtle mirroring that draws attention to the central action of vowing and its consequences. The verse also utilizes **didactic tone**, characteristic of wisdom literature, directly instructing the reader on proper conduct before God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 5:5 profoundly emphasizes the sanctity of human speech and the binding nature of commitments made before God. It reveals a God who takes human words seriously, particularly when those words are uttered as solemn promises or vows. This principle extends beyond formal vows to encompass all forms of spiritual commitment, whether explicit or implicit. It underscores the importance of a life lived with integrity, where one's words align with one's actions, reflecting a deep reverence for the Divine. The theological implication is that God values truth and faithfulness in the inward being, and that a broken promise to Him is not merely a social faux pas but a spiritual affront.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Law Concerning Vows by Men")
* [Psalm 76:11](/psalms/76-11 "Psalm 76:11 - Pay Your Vows to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 5:5 serves as a timeless reminder for believers to approach all commitments, especially those made to God, with utmost seriousness and forethought. In a culture often characterized by casual promises and fleeting resolutions, this verse calls us to a higher standard of integrity and faithfulness. It challenges us to consider whether our words are truly backed by our intentions and our resolve. Before making pledges in prayer, committing to service, or taking vows in significant life events like marriage or baptism, we are exhorted to weigh the cost and our capacity to fulfill them. It's a call to honest self-assessment and a deep respect for the God who hears and remembers every word. Ultimately, it encourages a life where our "yes" means yes and our "no" means no, reflecting the character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What promises or commitments have I made to God, either explicitly or implicitly, that I may have forgotten or neglected to fulfill?**
* **How does this verse challenge my approach to making resolutions or pledges in my spiritual life?**
* **In what areas of my life can I cultivate greater integrity between my words and my actions, especially in my walk with God?**
* **How does the seriousness of vows in the Old Testament inform my understanding of the commitments I make in my Christian walk today (e.g., church membership, marriage, discipleship)?**

### FAQ
**What constitutes a "vow" in a modern Christian context?**

Answer: While formal vows involving sacrifices are less common today, the principle of Ecclesiastes 5:5 applies to any solemn promise or commitment made to God. This includes personal pledges made in prayer (e.g., "Lord, if you help me through this, I will serve you faithfully"), resolutions to live more righteously, dedications of time, talent, or financial resources to God's service, and public commitments such as baptismal vows, marriage vows, or church membership covenants. The core idea is a deliberate, intentional promise made with God as the witness, as seen in the broader biblical emphasis on integrity in speech found in [Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your Yes Be Yes").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 5:5, with its stark warning about the gravity of unfulfilled vows, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law exposed the human inability to perfectly keep vows and commandments, revealing our inherent brokenness and need for a Savior, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every promise and every divine requirement. He is the faithful One, the "Amen" (as described in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), in whom all of God's promises find their "Yes." Unlike humanity, prone to making vows we cannot keep, Christ's entire life was a perfect obedience and fulfillment of the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate vow of obedience on the cross (as foreshadowed in [Psalm 40:7-8](/psalms/40-7 "Psalm 40:7-8 - Christ's Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He not only paid the penalty for our broken vows and failures but also enables believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live lives of greater integrity and faithfulness, reflecting His own perfect obedience. Our inability to perfectly "pay" our vows is covered by His perfect "payment," allowing us to approach God not on the basis of our flawed promises, but on the flawless promise of God fulfilled in Christ (as seen in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")).

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

Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Proverbs 20:25

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

Deuteronomy 23:22

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