Numbers 30:15

KJV

But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard [them]; then he shall bear her iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

But if he shall any ways {H6565} make them void {H6565} after {H310} that he hath heard {H8085} them; then he shall bear {H5375} her iniquity {H5771}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If he makes them null and void after he has heard them, then he will bear the consequent guilt."

Berean Standard Bible

But if he nullifies them after he hears of them, then he will bear her iniquity.”

American Standard Version

But if he shall make them null and void after that he hath heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:15 is a pivotal legal provision within the Mosaic Law concerning the sanctity of vows, specifically addressing the scenario of a husband's authority over his wife's commitments. This verse stipulates that if a husband, having heard his wife's vow, initially allows it to stand—either through explicit affirmation or by remaining silent—but then subsequently attempts to annul it, he himself will bear the iniquity or guilt for this breach of integrity. It underscores the profound seriousness with which God regards promises made in His name and highlights the personal accountability of those in positions of authority for their consistency and faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers chapter 30 is a meticulously detailed legal exposition dedicated entirely to the intricate laws governing vows and oaths within ancient Israelite society. The chapter begins by establishing the foundational principle that any vow made to the Lord is absolutely binding and must be fulfilled ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")). The subsequent verses systematically delineate the conditions under which vows made by various categories of individuals—men, single women, widows, divorced women, and married women—could be confirmed or annulled. For a married woman, her husband's authority was paramount. If he heard her vow and immediately expressed disapproval on the same day, he could invalidate it, and she would be forgiven ([Numbers 30:8](/numbers/30-8 "Numbers 30:8 - Husband's Right to Annul Vows")). Conversely, if he remained silent and did not object, the vow was considered confirmed and fully binding upon her ([Numbers 30:11](/numbers/30-11 "Numbers 30:11 - Husband's Silence Confirms Vows")). Numbers 30:15 serves as the culminating and most severe provision regarding married women's vows, specifically addressing the husband's culpability if his initial inaction or affirmation is later contradicted by an attempt to annul the vow. In such a case, the "iniquity" or spiritual consequence for the broken vow is transferred from the wife to the husband, emphasizing the divine seriousness of consistency and integrity in leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a patriarchal society, where women, though highly valued within the family and community, were generally under the legal and social authority of their fathers before marriage and their husbands afterward. Vows (Hebrew: _nedarim_) were solemn, voluntary promises made directly to God, often involving a dedication of resources, a period of abstinence (such as the Nazirite vow described in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow")), or a specific action. Such vows were considered extremely serious and binding, reflecting a deep reverence for God's holiness and the integrity of one's word before Him. Breaking a vow was not merely a social faux pas but a direct offense against God, incurring spiritual consequences. This legal framework in Numbers 30 ensured that while women could make vows, their commitments would not inadvertently create conflict within the household or undermine the husband's headship. Simultaneously, it protected the sanctity of the vow itself by holding the husband accountable for his consistency and integrity, preventing arbitrary or self-serving annulments after initial consent.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 30:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the **Sanctity of Vows and Oaths**, emphasizing that promises made to God are not to be taken lightly and carry divine weight. This aligns with broader biblical principles found in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord"), which admonish prompt and faithful fulfillment of vows. Secondly, the verse highlights **Responsibility and Accountability**, particularly for those in positions of authority. The husband's actions (or inactions) have direct spiritual consequences, not only for his wife but for himself. His initial decision to allow the vow to stand places the burden of its fulfillment, or the guilt of its annulment, squarely on his shoulders. Thirdly, it speaks to the crucial importance of **Integrity and Consistency**. The husband's attempt to "make them void" after having implicitly or explicitly validated the vow demonstrates a profound lack of consistency, which is deemed a serious offense in the eyes of God, leading him to "bear her iniquity." This principle extends to the broader call for God's people to live with unwavering integrity in all their dealings, especially those involving spiritual commitments and leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make them void (Hebrew, _pârar'_):** Derived from the primitive root H6565 (pârar), this verb means "to break up," "to violate," "to frustrate," or "to annul." In the context of Numbers 30:15, it refers to the husband's act of attempting to invalidate or render ineffective a vow that he had previously allowed to stand, either by explicit affirmation or through his silence. This action signifies a reversal of his prior implicit or explicit consent, an act that undermines the sacred nature of the vow and his own integrity before God.
* **Bear her iniquity (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ ʻâvôn'_):** This significant theological phrase combines H5375 (nâsâʼ), meaning "to lift," "to carry," or "to bear," with H5771 (ʻâvôn), meaning "perversity," "moral evil," "fault," "iniquity," or "sin." Together, "bear iniquity" implies taking on the responsibility, guilt, or penalty for an offense. In this verse, if the husband attempts to void a previously confirmed vow, he incurs the divine displeasure, guilt, or punishment that would otherwise have fallen upon his wife had she broken a valid vow. It signifies that the spiritual burden and accountability for the broken vow are transferred from the wife to the husband due to his inconsistent and presumptuous action. This concept appears frequently in the Old Testament, often referring to the consequences of sin or the means of atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if he shall any ways make them void":** This clause introduces the conditional scenario, highlighting a specific transgression. It describes the husband's action of attempting to annul or invalidate his wife's vows. The phrase "any ways" emphasizes that any method or attempt to void the vow, once it has been established as binding, is considered a transgression in God's eyes.
* **"after that he hath heard [them];":** This specifies the crucial timing that defines the husband's culpability. The husband's attempt to void the vow occurs *after* he has already heard it and, either by his silence or explicit consent, allowed it to stand. This temporal distinction is critical, as it highlights the inconsistency and lack of integrity in his subsequent action, given that his initial inaction or approval had already rendered the vow binding.
* **"then he shall bear her iniquity.":** This is the direct and unavoidable consequence clause. As a result of his inconsistent and presumptuous attempt to void a confirmed vow, the husband becomes personally accountable for the spiritual guilt and consequences. The "iniquity" that would have fallen upon his wife for breaking a valid vow is now transferred to him, signifying divine judgment for his disregard of sacred commitments and his own lack of integrity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Numbers 30:15 is **Legal Formulation**, specifically a **Conditional Clause** or **Casuistic Law**. The verse is meticulously structured as an "if...then" statement, a common characteristic of ancient Near Eastern legal codes. This precise structure clearly delineates a specific scenario (the husband attempting to void a confirmed vow after initial consent) and its direct, unavoidable consequence (he shall bear her iniquity). This precise legal language leaves no ambiguity regarding the divine judgment on such an action. Furthermore, the concept of "bearing iniquity" functions as a powerful form of **Symbolism** for divine judgment and accountability, representing the spiritual burden and consequences of sin. The transfer of this "iniquity" from the wife to the husband underscores the principle of **Vicarious Accountability** in this specific legal context, where the husband's actions directly impact the spiritual standing of his household.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:15 powerfully reinforces the biblical understanding of God as one who takes human words, especially vows and oaths, with utmost seriousness. It reveals a God who values integrity, consistency, and accountability, particularly from those in positions of authority. The transfer of "iniquity" to the husband underscores that God's justice is precise; He holds individuals responsible for their actions and decisions, especially when those decisions impact sacred commitments. This principle extends beyond the specific context of vows, speaking to the broader truth that our words and commitments, once given, carry spiritual weight before the Lord. It also subtly highlights God's protective nature over those who seek to honor Him, even within a patriarchal system, by ensuring that the sanctity of a vow is upheld and accountability is justly assigned, preventing arbitrary annulment and upholding divine order.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Importance of Fulfilling Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")
* [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33-37 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural context of patriarchal authority and formal vows has evolved, the timeless principles embedded in Numbers 30:15 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to a radical integrity in our words and commitments, reminding us that God hears and takes seriously every promise we make, whether explicitly to Him or implicitly in our daily lives. It challenges those in positions of leadership—in families, churches, or workplaces—to exercise their authority with unwavering consistency and responsibility, recognizing that their decisions and even their silence can have profound spiritual and practical consequences for those under their care. The warning against inconsistency serves as a powerful reminder that our "yes" should be "yes" and our "no" should be "no," reflecting the character of a faithful God. Ultimately, this passage fosters a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a commitment to living lives marked by truthfulness and accountability in all our dealings, understanding that our words are not mere trifles but carry weight in God's economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate greater integrity and consistency between my words and my actions?**
* **How does this passage inform my understanding of responsibility, especially if I am in a position of authority over others in my family, church, or community?**
* **What promises or commitments have I made, perhaps informally, that I need to re-evaluate and ensure I am honoring before God?**
* **How does the concept of "bearing iniquity" deepen my appreciation for the seriousness with which God views our faithfulness and the profound cost of unfaithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that women are not fully responsible for their vows?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that women are not responsible for their vows. Rather, it operates within the specific legal and social framework of ancient Israel where a woman was generally under the authority of her father before marriage and her husband afterward. The primary purpose of this law was to prevent a woman's vow from creating a conflict within the household or undermining the husband's headship. If a husband heard his wife's vow and did not annul it on the same day, it became fully binding upon her ([Numbers 30:11](/numbers/30-11 "Numbers 30:11 - Husband's Silence Validates a Vow")). Numbers 30:15 specifically addresses the husband's accountability if he *later* attempts to void a vow he had previously allowed to stand. It highlights the husband's responsibility for his consistency and integrity, ensuring that the sanctity of the vow itself is upheld, and that he bears the consequence of his own vacillation, not that the wife is inherently less responsible for her initial commitment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:15, with its emphasis on bearing iniquity and the sanctity of vows, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The legal principle of one bearing the iniquity of another, or the consequences of a broken covenant, points directly to the atoning work of Christ. While the husband in Numbers 30:15 bears the iniquity for his own inconsistency and disregard for a sacred vow, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, bore the iniquity of humanity—our collective sin and failure to keep God's perfect law and covenant promises. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He became our substitute, taking upon Himself the divine judgment we deserved ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions")). Furthermore, Christ perfectly fulfilled every vow and every righteous requirement of the law, demonstrating ultimate integrity and unwavering faithfulness 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")). Through His sinless life and sacrificial death, we are freed from the burden of our own iniquity and brought into a new covenant relationship, sealed not by our imperfect vows, but by His perfect, unwavering faithfulness and the shedding of His blood ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")).

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

Leviticus 5:1

¶ And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and [is] a witness, whether he hath seen or known [of it]; if he do not utter [it], then he shall bear his iniquity.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Numbers 30:12

But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard [them; then] whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.

Numbers 30:8

But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard [it]; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

Numbers 30:5

But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.