Numbers 30:14

KJV

But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which [are] upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

But if her husband {H376} altogether {H2790} hold his peace {H2790} at her from day {H3117} to day {H3117}; then he establisheth {H6965} all her vows {H5088}, or all her bonds {H632}, which are upon her: he confirmeth {H6965} them, because he held his peace {H2790} at her in the day {H3117} that he heard {H8085} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But if her husband entirely holds his peace with her day after day, then he confirms all her vows and obligations; he must let them stand, because he held his peace with her on the day he heard them.

Berean Standard Bible

But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he confirms all the vows and pledges that bind her. He has confirmed them, because he said nothing to her on the day he heard about them.

American Standard Version

But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day, then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he hath established them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:14 clarifies the legal and spiritual standing of a married woman's vows in ancient Israel, stipulating that if her husband hears her vow or binding commitment and does not voice an objection over a period of time, his sustained silence is unequivocally interpreted as full confirmation. This inaction on his part formally establishes the vow, making it legally and spiritually binding upon her, underscoring the serious nature of vows before God and the husband's authoritative role within the household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 30 is a unique chapter within the Pentateuch, entirely dedicated to the intricate laws concerning vows and oaths. It immediately follows the detailed regulations for various offerings and feasts (Numbers 28-29), shifting focus from communal worship to personal spiritual commitments. The chapter begins by establishing the foundational principle that a vow made to the Lord must be kept ([Numbers 30:1-2](/numbers/30-1 "Numbers 30:1-2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")). It then proceeds to delineate specific conditions under which vows made by women—unmarried daughters ([Numbers 30:3-5](/numbers/30-3 "Numbers 30:3-5 - A Father's Authority Over a Daughter's Vows")), married women ([Numbers 30:6-8](/numbers/30-6 "Numbers 30:6-8 - A Husband's Authority Over a Wife's Vows")), and widows or divorcees ([Numbers 30:9](/numbers/30-9 "Numbers 30:9 - Vows of Widows and Divorced Women"))—could be either annulled or confirmed by a male guardian. Verse 14 specifically addresses the scenario where a husband's *silence* confirms his wife's vow, complementing the previous verses that detail his explicit annulment power ([Numbers 30:7-8](/numbers/30-7 "Numbers 30:7-8 - The Husband's Power to Annul")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally patriarchal, with the male head of the household (father or husband) holding significant authority and responsibility for his family's legal, economic, and spiritual well-being. Vows, whether positive promises or negative self-restrictions (like abstinence from certain foods), were considered sacred commitments made directly to God, carrying immense spiritual weight. However, such vows could also have practical implications for the household, potentially affecting its resources, social standing, or the husband's authority. The Mosaic Law, in its wisdom, provided a framework that upheld the sanctity of vows while also protecting the household from potentially rash or ill-considered commitments, and ensuring order within the community. The husband's headship, as seen in this passage, was not merely a privilege but also a responsibility to oversee the spiritual integrity of his household members, particularly regarding binding oaths.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Numbers and the broader Pentateuch. The **sanctity and binding nature of vows** is paramount; God takes seriously the words spoken in His name, as emphasized throughout the law ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")). The passage also highlights the **principle of household authority and responsibility**, where the husband's role as head is affirmed, not just in annulment but also in the confirmation of his wife's spiritual obligations ([Numbers 30:13](/numbers/30-13 "Numbers 30:13 - Husband's Authority Over a Wife's Vow")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **weight and power of inaction or silence**; unlike many legal contexts where silence might imply ignorance, here it is a deliberate and legally binding form of consent. This meticulous legal framework demonstrates God's concern for **order, justice, and accountability** within the Israelite community, even in matters of personal spiritual commitment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hold his peace (Hebrew, _hecherish'_):** From the root חרשׁ (ḥāraš), this verb signifies a deliberate act of silence or inaction, rather than mere ignorance or oversight. It implies that the husband heard the vow and consciously chose not to object, thereby allowing it to stand. This is a powerful form of active non-intervention, carrying significant legal and spiritual weight.
* **Establisheth / Confirmeth (Hebrew, _yaqim'_):** Both words derive from the Hebrew root קום (qûm), meaning "to rise," "to stand," "to establish," or "to make firm." Their repetition within the verse ("he establisheth... he confirmeth") serves to emphasize the definitive and irreversible nature of the husband's silence. It transforms a potentially conditional vow into an absolute, fully binding obligation, making it "stand" as a firm reality.
* **Vows (Hebrew, _nedarim'_):** These are voluntary promises made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act or offer a gift.
* **Bonds (Hebrew, _'issarim'_):** These refer to binding obligations, typically self-imposed restrictions or oaths of abstinence (e.g., a vow to abstain from certain foods or activities). The inclusion of both terms indicates the comprehensive scope of commitments addressed by this law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day;":** This clause sets the crucial condition. The phrases "altogether hold his peace" and "from day to day" are emphatic. They signify not a momentary lapse or a single instance of silence, but a sustained, conscious, and deliberate non-objection over a period. The husband has ample opportunity to voice his disapproval, but he consistently chooses not to.
* **"then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which [are] upon her:":** This is the direct legal consequence of the husband's sustained silence. His inaction functions as a positive act of affirmation. By not annulling, he actively establishes and validates every vow or binding commitment his wife has made, making them fully and irrevocably binding upon her.
* **"he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard [them].":** This final clause reiterates the outcome and provides the underlying rationale. The confirmation is a direct result of his initial and continued silence "in the day that he heard them." This emphasizes that the husband's knowledge of the vow is presumed, and his decision not to object, from the moment of hearing, is what solidifies its validity.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Numbers 30:14 is characterized by its **Legal Language**, employing a precise, conditional "if...then" structure typical of Mosaic Law. This format leaves no ambiguity regarding the conditions and consequences, highlighting God's meticulous concern for order and justice within the community. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** with the phrases "hold his peace" and "establisheth/confirmeth." This rhetorical device serves to underscore the central legal principle: the husband's deliberate inaction is tantamount to an active affirmation, and the resulting confirmation of the vow is absolute. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Parallelism** in the phrase "all her vows, or all her bonds," which uses two closely related terms to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the wife's commitments that are brought under the husband's purview and confirmed by his silence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:14, while rooted in a specific ancient legal context, offers profound theological insights into the nature of commitments, authority, and communication. It underscores God's absolute seriousness concerning vows and oaths; words spoken before Him are not to be taken lightly, and their fulfillment is expected. The husband's role in this passage reflects a delegated authority within the divinely ordained structure of the household, mirroring God's own orderly governance. His silence, interpreted as consent, highlights a broader biblical principle: inaction can carry significant weight and responsibility, particularly when one holds a position of authority or oversight. This passage serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for their words and the implications of their choices, or lack thereof, within their spheres of influence.

* [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 - Fulfilling Vows to God")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus on Oaths and Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal framework of Numbers 30:14 reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israel, the underlying principles offer timeless wisdom applicable to all relationships and contexts. The passage powerfully illustrates that silence is not always neutral; it can carry significant weight and be interpreted as consent or affirmation, especially when one has the responsibility or authority to speak. This challenges us to be intentional and clear in our communication, recognizing that our inaction, as much as our words, can establish or negate commitments. In modern relationships, whether marital, familial, or communal, the need for explicit understanding and mutual agreement is paramount to avoid unintended obligations or misunderstandings. The passage also reinforces the enduring biblical truth that promises and commitments, especially those made before God, should be treated with utmost seriousness and integrity. It calls us to consider the profound implications of our "yes" and our "no," and even our unspoken agreements, in all areas of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might your silence be interpreted as consent or affirmation, and how might this impact your relationships or responsibilities?**
* **How does this passage challenge you to be more intentional and clear in your communication, especially regarding shared commitments or spiritual decisions?**
* **What does Numbers 30:14 teach us about the seriousness with which God views our words and promises, and how can we apply this principle in our modern lives?**

### FAQ
**Does this passage imply women were considered less capable or responsible than men in ancient Israel?**

Answer: This passage must be understood within its specific historical and cultural context, where society was structured patriarchally. It does not imply that women were inherently less capable or responsible. Rather, it reflects a legal framework designed to maintain order within the household and community, and to protect women from the potential repercussions of rash vows that could impact the family's resources or reputation. Women *could* make vows, but their enforceability was mediated by the male head of the household to ensure alignment with household well-being and responsibility. This system provided a form of protection and integration within the established social order, not necessarily a judgment on individual capacity.

**Is this law still relevant for Christian marriages today?**

Answer: While the specific legal stipulations of Numbers 30:14 regarding a husband's power to annul or confirm vows are part of the Mosaic Law, which is not directly binding on New Covenant believers in the same way, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. Christian marriages are called to mutual submission ([Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")), clear communication, and shared spiritual responsibility. The passage reminds us of the seriousness of commitments made before God and the importance of open dialogue between spouses regarding spiritual decisions and obligations. It highlights that silence can be a powerful form of communication, emphasizing the need for clarity and intentionality in all marital interactions. Husbands and wives should discuss and agree upon significant spiritual commitments, honoring each other and God.

**What if a husband genuinely didn't hear or understand the vow?**

Answer: The text of Numbers 30:14 specifies "in the day that he heard [them]." This implies that the husband was indeed aware of the vow. The "silence" described is not one of ignorance or accidental oversight, but a conscious, deliberate choice not to object after having heard the vow. The phrase "from day to day" further emphasizes a sustained period during which he had the opportunity to speak but chose not to. Therefore, the law presumes knowledge and intentional non-objection on the husband's part for the vow to be confirmed by his silence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:14, though rooted in ancient Israelite legal custom, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfiller of all God's promises and vows, embodying the divine "yes" to every covenant made with humanity ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Unlike the husband in Numbers, whose silence confirms a human vow, Christ's entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection are a resounding affirmation of God's redemptive plan. As the head of His church ([Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), Christ does not annul the spiritual commitments of His bride but rather establishes and perfects them through His grace and sacrifice. His "silence" before His accusers during His trial ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - Christ's Silence Before His Accusers"); [Matthew 27:12-14](/matthew/27-12 "Matthew 27:12-14 - Jesus' Silence Before Pilate")) was not an act of passive consent to sin, but a deliberate, active submission to the Father's will, thereby confirming the ultimate vow of redemption and establishing the new covenant in His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")). Through His perfect obedience, Christ establishes and confirms our standing before God, making our spiritual "vows" (our faith and commitment to Him) eternally binding and secure in Him, not by our merit but by His finished work.

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.