Numbers 30:13

KJV

Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

KJV (with Strong's)

Every vow {H5088}, and every binding {H632} oath {H7621} to afflict {H6031} the soul {H5315}, her husband {H376} may establish {H6965} it, or her husband {H376} may make it void {H6565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Her husband may let every vow and every binding obligation stand, or he may void it.

Berean Standard Bible

Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow or any sworn pledge to deny herself.

American Standard Version

Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:13 delineates a specific legal provision within ancient Israelite society concerning vows and binding oaths made by a married woman, particularly those involving self-denial or spiritual discipline. It grants her husband the ultimate authority to either validate ("establish") or invalidate ("make it void") such commitments, underscoring the patriarchal structure of the household where the husband served as the head, responsible for the well-being and order of his family unit in relation to divine law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 30 is entirely dedicated to the intricate laws surrounding vows and oaths, highlighting their profound seriousness before God and the varying degrees of accountability based on one's social and familial status. The chapter progresses systematically: it first addresses vows made by a daughter still living in her father's house, where the father has the authority to annul them if he disapproves on the day he hears of them ([Numbers 30:3-5](/numbers/30-3 "Numbers 30:3-5 - A Daughter's Vows")). This is followed by a general rule for a woman who makes a vow while unmarried but then marries, implying her husband then assumes the father's previous authority ([Numbers 30:6-8](/numbers/30-6 "Numbers 30:6-8 - Vows of a Newly Married Woman")). Crucially, [Numbers 30:9](/numbers/30-9 "Numbers 30:9 - Vows of a Widow or Divorced Woman") clarifies that vows made by a widow or a divorced woman stand firm, as they are no longer under the authority of a father or husband. Numbers 30:13 then specifically focuses on the married woman, providing the explicit legal framework for her husband's authority over her vows, thereby completing the legal spectrum for women's vows within the Israelite household.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a patriarchal society, a common social structure in the ancient Near East, where the male head of the household (father or husband) held significant authority and responsibility for his family's welfare, legal standing, and spiritual integrity. Vows were considered extremely serious commitments made directly to God, carrying significant spiritual and often practical implications (e.g., fasting, abstaining from certain foods, dedicating property). The husband's authority in [Numbers 30:13](/numbers/30-13 "Numbers 30:13 - A Husband's Authority Over His Wife's Vows") was not arbitrary but was rooted in his role as the family's representative and protector. This system aimed to prevent rash vows that might inadvertently bring hardship upon the family, conflict with the husband's responsibilities, or undermine the household's economic or social stability. It also provided a mechanism for protecting the wife from the potential spiritual burden of an ill-advised vow she might be unable to keep.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the **Sanctity and Seriousness of Vows** before God, emphasizing that such commitments were not to be taken lightly, yet also acknowledging the need for divine order within human relationships. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Authority and Responsibility within the Family Unit**, particularly the husband's role as the head of the household, tasked with discerning and safeguarding the family's spiritual and practical well-being. This authority was balanced with responsibility, ensuring that individual piety did not inadvertently disrupt the established divine order. Thirdly, the law serves as a **Protective Measure**, both for the individual (the wife, preventing her from being bound by a potentially regrettable or impractical vow) and for the collective (the household, ensuring harmony and preventing vows that could disrupt family life or violate the husband's oversight). This reflects God's concern for order and justice within the community, extending even to personal spiritual commitments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Afflict the soul (Hebrew, _‘ānâ nepeš'_):** This phrase does not refer to self-harm in a destructive sense but rather to acts of self-denial, fasting, or ascetic practices undertaken for religious or spiritual purposes. It denotes a humbling or disciplining of oneself, often in repentance or devotion. A prominent example is the command to "afflict your souls" on the Day of Atonement, which refers to fasting and self-humiliation ([Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Afflicting the Soul on the Day of Atonement")). The vow would involve a commitment to abstain from certain pleasures or comforts as a spiritual discipline.
* **Establish (Hebrew, _qûm'_):** Meaning "to stand up," "to confirm," "to make stand," or "to validate." In this context, it signifies the husband's act of giving legal and spiritual validity to his wife's vow, making it binding before God and the community. His "establishing" confirms the vow as legitimate and enforceable.
* **Make it void (Hebrew, _pārar'_):** Meaning "to break," "to annul," "to frustrate," or "to make ineffective." This term denotes the husband's power to nullify or cancel his wife's vow, rendering it non-binding. This action would release her from the spiritual obligation and any associated consequences of breaking it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul":** This clause specifies the scope of the husband's authority. It applies to "every vow" (a spontaneous promise to God) and "every binding oath" (a more formal, solemn promise, often with an accompanying curse if broken). The crucial qualifier "to afflict the soul" indicates that these are not general promises but specifically those involving self-denial, fasting, or ascetic practices, which could directly impact the wife's well-being, her ability to perform household duties, or the family's resources.
* **"her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void":** This second clause explicitly states the husband's decisive power. He holds the sole discretion to either confirm the vow, thereby making it valid and binding, or to annul it, releasing his wife from its obligation. The repetition of "her husband" emphasizes that this authority rests exclusively with him, reinforcing his headship within the marital covenant and the household. This power is immediate and final, preventing the wife from being caught in a spiritual dilemma between her vow to God and her husband's authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Juxtaposition** to convey its precise meaning and implications. The concise, declarative statement is characteristic of legal codes, leaving no ambiguity about the husband's authority. The **Juxtaposition** of "establish" and "make it void" clearly presents the two mutually exclusive outcomes of the husband's decision, highlighting the definitive nature of his power. This binary choice underscores the absolute control he has over his wife's vows. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "her husband" emphasizes the singular source of this authority, reinforcing the patriarchal structure and the husband's unique position as the head of the household in this specific legal context. The verse is a clear example of **Prescriptive Law**, outlining a specific rule for behavior and authority within the Israelite community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:13, while culturally specific, underscores timeless theological principles concerning the seriousness of vows, the divine establishment of order within human relationships, and the balance between individual spiritual devotion and communal responsibilities. God takes vows seriously, expecting them to be fulfilled ([Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - Do Not Delay to Pay a Vow")), yet He also provides a framework for wisdom and protection within the family unit. The husband's authority here is not about arbitrary control but about responsible leadership, ensuring that personal piety does not inadvertently undermine the well-being of the household or conflict with existing covenantal relationships. This reflects a broader biblical theme of God's concern for order and harmony, where individual actions are always considered within the context of community and established structures.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Be Rash with Vows")
* [Ephesians 5:22-24](/ephesians/5-22 "Ephesians 5:22-24 - Wives and Husbands in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal framework of Numbers 30:13 is rooted in the patriarchal society of ancient Israel and not directly transferable to modern legal systems, the underlying principles offer profound insights for contemporary believers. The passage implicitly encourages open and honest communication within marriage regarding significant commitments, especially those that might impact the family's resources, time, or spiritual practices. It highlights the wisdom of seeking counsel, particularly from one's spouse, before making major spiritual or personal decisions, ensuring alignment with existing responsibilities and mutual understanding. For husbands, it underscores the ongoing responsibility to lead their families with wisdom, discernment, and sacrificial love, protecting them from rash decisions and fostering an environment where spiritual growth is pursued in harmony. For wives, it speaks to the wisdom of honoring the spiritual leadership of their husbands, understanding that God's design for order in relationships is ultimately for mutual good and flourishing. This passage reminds us that God cares deeply about order, not only in the broader community but especially within the sacred covenant of marriage, balancing individual devotion with relational harmony.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can couples today apply the principle of mutual discernment and communication when considering significant spiritual commitments or life decisions?**
* **In what ways does this passage inform our understanding of leadership and submission within a marriage, even in a different cultural context?**
* **What does "afflicting the soul" mean for believers today, and how can we ensure our spiritual disciplines are pursued wisely and in harmony with our family responsibilities?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that women are inferior or lack spiritual autonomy?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply inferiority but rather reflects the social and legal structure of ancient Israelite society, where the husband was the designated head of the household. This system provided a framework for order, protection, and responsibility within the family unit. A woman's spiritual autonomy was not denied, as she could make vows; however, the husband's role was to ensure that such vows did not inadvertently undermine the family's well-being or conflict with his headship. This was a legal provision for household order, not a theological statement on the inherent worth or spiritual capacity of women. Other scriptures affirm the equal spiritual standing of men and women before God ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Male or Female in Christ")).

**What is the significance of "to afflict the soul" in this context?**

Answer: "To afflict the soul" (Hebrew: _‘ānâ nepeš'_) refers to acts of self-denial, fasting, or other ascetic practices undertaken for religious or spiritual purposes. It's not about self-harm but about humbling oneself before God through discipline. This phrase is notably used for the Day of Atonement, where the Israelites were commanded to "afflict their souls" through fasting ([Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Afflicting the Soul on the Day of Atonement")). In the context of vows, it means a woman might vow to abstain from certain foods, comforts, or activities for a period. The husband's authority over such vows was crucial because these practices could directly impact her health, her ability to perform household duties, or the family's resources.

**Is this law directly applicable to Christian marriages today?**

Answer: While the specific legal framework of Numbers 30:13 is part of the Old Covenant law given to ancient Israel and is not directly binding on New Covenant believers in the same way, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Christians are not under the Mosaic Law as a system of salvation or daily legal code, but its moral and relational principles offer wisdom. The passage encourages open communication, mutual respect, and wise discernment in marriage regarding significant commitments. The New Testament teaches about headship and submission within marriage ([Ephesians 5:22-33](/ephesians/5-22 "Ephesians 5:22-33 - Wives and Husbands")), emphasizing that the husband's leadership is to be exercised in sacrificial love, like Christ's for the church, and the wife's submission is to be voluntary and respectful. Thus, while the specific annulment power is not directly transferred, the principles of seeking unity, wisdom, and responsible leadership in decision-making are timeless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:13, with its emphasis on the establishment or voiding of vows, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Christ is the ultimate "establisher" of God's promises, the "Yes and Amen" to all divine covenants ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled every requirement of the Law, including the spirit of all vows, through His complete obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike human vows that could be voided, Christ's perfect obedience and His new covenant are eternally established, offering a sure foundation for our faith ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Furthermore, as the Head of the Church, His leadership is not one of arbitrary power but of sacrificial love, laying down His life for His bride ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). He frees us from the burden of self-imposed legalistic vows or the fear of failing to "afflict the soul" adequately, inviting us instead to find rest in His finished work and take His "easy yoke" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Christ's Invitation to Rest")). Through Christ, the principles of order and protection in marriage are transformed by grace, where husbands are called to lead with Christ-like love and wives to respond in respect, all within the freedom and security of the gospel.

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

1 Corinthians 11:3

But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman [is] the man; and the head of Christ [is] God.

Psalms 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing [was] sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

Leviticus 23:32

It [shall be] unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth [day] of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.

1 Peter 3:1

¶ Likewise, ye wives, [be] in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1 Peter 3:6

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

Ezra 8:21

¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Numbers 29:7

And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]: