Numbers 30:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If a man {H376} vow {H5087} a vow {H5088} unto the LORD {H3068}, or swear {H7650} an oath {H7621} to bind {H631} his soul {H5315} with a bond {H632}; he shall not break {H2490} his word {H1697}, he shall do {H6213} according to all that proceedeth {H3318} out of his mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

when a man makes a vow to ADONAI or formally obligates himself by swearing an oath, he is not to break his word but is to do everything he said he would do.

Berean Standard Bible

If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.

American Standard Version

When a man voweth a vow unto Jehovah, or sweareth 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:2 lays down a foundational principle within the Mosaic Law, asserting the profound sanctity and binding nature of vows and oaths made by a man to the Lord. This verse unequivocally declares that any verbal commitment or solemn promise uttered from one's mouth, especially when invoking the divine name or presence, creates an inescapable obligation. It emphasizes that such a word must not be violated but must be meticulously fulfilled, highlighting the deep spiritual accountability and integrity required of those who enter into such sacred agreements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 30 immediately follows a detailed exposition of the sacrificial system and the prescribed offerings for various festivals throughout the year, as outlined in [Numbers 28-29](/numbers/28 "Numbers 28-29 - Laws for Offerings and Feasts"). This transition from communal, ritualistic worship to individual, personal commitments is significant. It demonstrates that while corporate worship is vital, individual integrity and faithfulness in one's personal dealings with God are equally paramount. The placement of these laws on vows and oaths underscores that one's private spiritual life and spoken word are as much a part of covenant faithfulness as public observances. The subsequent chapters, such as [Numbers 31](/numbers/31 "Numbers 31 - Vengeance on Midian"), deal with the practical outworking of Israel's covenant relationship, further emphasizing the seriousness of divine commands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the spoken word, especially an oath or vow, carried immense weight and legal force. Unlike modern societies that rely heavily on written contracts, ancient cultures often viewed verbal agreements, particularly those invoked with divine witness, as absolutely binding. A man's reputation and honor were intrinsically tied to his ability to keep his word. Vows were often made in times of distress (e.g., [Judges 11:30-31](/judges/11-30 "Judges 11:30-31 - Jephthah's Vow")), thanksgiving, or as an act of dedication (e.g., the Nazirite vow in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")). To break such a vow was not merely a social slight but a grave offense against the deity invoked, inviting divine judgment. This cultural backdrop illuminates the gravity of the command in Numbers 30:2, placing it within a framework where the divine realm was understood to actively witness and enforce human promises.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 30:2 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it champions the **Sanctity of the Spoken Word**, elevating verbal commitments to a sacred level, particularly when made to God. This reflects the character of God Himself, whose word is always true and reliable (e.g., [Psalm 33:4](/psalms/33-4 "Psalm 33:4 - The Faithfulness of God's Word")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Personal Integrity and Faithfulness**, positing that a person's character is fundamentally revealed by their adherence to their promises. This aligns with the call for Israel to be a holy people, reflecting God's own faithfulness in their daily lives and interactions, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:11](/leviticus/19-11 "Leviticus 19:11 - Laws of Honesty")). Thirdly, the verse highlights **Divine Witness and Accountability**, establishing God as the ultimate guarantor and enforcer of vows made in His name. Breaking such a vow is not merely a human transgression but a direct affront to the Lord, emphasizing the profound spiritual consequences of unfulfilled commitments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vow (Hebrew, _neder'_):** (נֶדֶר) This term refers to a voluntary promise or dedication made to God, often involving a specific act of devotion, sacrifice, or abstinence. Unlike a command from God, a _neder_ originates from the individual's free will, making its fulfillment an even greater demonstration of personal piety and reverence. It could involve dedicating property, abstaining from certain foods or drink, or performing a specific service.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _shevu'ah'_):** (שְׁבוּעָה) An oath is a sworn statement, often invoking the name of God as a witness or guarantor of truth. While a vow is typically a promise to do something, an oath is a solemn affirmation of truth or a pledge to abide by a certain declaration. The invocation of God's name in an oath made it exceptionally serious, placing the one swearing under divine judgment if the oath was violated.
* **Bind his soul with a bond (Hebrew, _le'esor issar al-nafsho'_):** (לֶאְסֹר אִסָּר עַל־נַפְשׁוֹ) This vivid phrase literally means "to bind a bond upon his soul" or "to impose an obligation upon himself." It powerfully conveys the idea of a self-imposed, inescapable obligation that affects one's very being. It signifies that the commitment is not merely external but becomes an intrinsic part of the person's spiritual and moral identity, making its breach a violation of the soul itself.
* **Shall not break his word (Hebrew, _lo yachel devaro'_):** (לֹא יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ) The verb "break" (חָלַל, _chalal_) often means "to profane," "to defile," or "to violate." Thus, "he shall not break his word" carries the strong connotation that to fail in fulfilling a vow or oath is not merely to neglect a promise, but to profane or desecrate the sacredness of the spoken word, especially when God has been invoked as a witness. It implies a violation of divine honor and trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man vow a vow unto the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the specific context: a voluntary, solemn promise made by an individual man. The phrase "unto the LORD" is crucial, indicating that God Himself is the recipient and witness of the vow, elevating it from a mere human agreement to a sacred covenant with the Divine. The repetition of "vow a vow" (נֶדֶר יִדֹּר, _neder yiddor_) emphasizes the deliberate and intentional nature of such a commitment.
* **"or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond":** This expands the scope to include oaths, which are sworn declarations, often invoking God's name to guarantee truth or commitment. The phrase "to bind his soul with a bond" vividly portrays the self-imposed, inescapable nature of the obligation. It signifies that the individual's very being, his "soul" or life-force, is pledged and bound by the spoken word, making the commitment profoundly personal and spiritually weighty.
* **"he shall not break his word":** This is a direct, negative command prohibiting the violation of such a sacred commitment. The Hebrew term implies profaning or defiling the word. It highlights that the spoken word, once uttered in this context, takes on a sacred quality that must not be debased or rendered void. This clause underscores the absolute immutability of the promise once made.
* **"he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth":** This positive command reinforces the previous prohibition, mandating complete and faithful fulfillment. It emphasizes that every aspect of the spoken commitment, "all that proceedeth out of his mouth," must be carried out precisely as declared. This stresses the importance of precision and integrity in speech, especially when dealing with God, and serves as a powerful call to absolute faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is evident in "vow a vow" (נֶדֶר יִדֹּר, _neder yiddor_) and the conceptual repetition in "bind his soul with a bond" (לֶאְסֹר אִסָּר, _le'esor issar_), which serves to emphasize the deliberate and binding nature of such commitments. This **Emphasis** underscores the gravity of the act. The phrase "bind his soul with a bond" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the abstract concept of a promise as a physical restraint, an unbreakable tether on one's very being. The use of **Legal Language** is central, presenting these commands as divine statutes with clear consequences for adherence or violation, reflecting the covenantal framework of the Mosaic Law. The verse's concise, declarative structure also lends it an air of **Authority**, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding the divine expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:2 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's own character as faithful and true, a God whose word never fails. Just as God is utterly reliable in His promises and covenants, He expects His people to reflect that same integrity in their own speech, especially when invoking His name or making commitments to Him. This principle extends beyond literal vows to encompass all forms of truthfulness and reliability in communication, serving as a cornerstone for ethical living within the covenant community. It reminds believers that words are not empty utterances but carry spiritual weight, holding the speaker accountable before a holy God who hears and remembers every declaration.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning 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' Teaching on Oaths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific cultural practice of making vows and oaths "unto the LORD" might seem distant to contemporary believers, the underlying spiritual principle of Numbers 30:2 remains powerfully relevant. This verse calls us to a profound level of integrity and intentionality in all our spoken commitments, recognizing that our words carry weight not just with others, but ultimately before God. It challenges us to be people whose "yes" means "yes" and whose "no" means "no," reflecting the unwavering faithfulness of our Creator. This applies to promises made to family, commitments in the workplace, and especially to pledges made in prayer or worship. It encourages us to think carefully before we speak, to be deliberate in our declarations, and to cultivate a character marked by trustworthiness and reliability, knowing that our integrity honors God and builds trust in our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to make casual promises or commitments?**
* **How does the idea of God as a witness to my spoken word impact my approach to integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my "yes" is truly "yes" and my "no" is truly "no"?**
* **How can cultivating integrity in my speech reflect the character of Christ to those around me?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between a "vow" and an "oath" in this context?**

Answer: While closely related and both binding, a "vow" (נֶדֶר, _neder_) is typically a voluntary promise to perform a specific action or dedicate something to God, often in exchange for a divine favor or as an act of devotion. Examples include abstaining from certain things (like the Nazirite vow in [Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")) or dedicating possessions. An "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, _shevu'ah_), on the other hand, is a sworn statement, often invoking God's name, to affirm the truth of something or to guarantee the fulfillment of a pledge. It is a solemn appeal to God as a witness to the truthfulness of one's words or intentions. Both carry the full weight of divine accountability.

**Does this command apply to Christians today, given Jesus' teaching on oaths in Matthew 5?**

Answer: Yes, the underlying principle of integrity and faithfulness in speech absolutely applies to Christians today, though the specific manner of making vows and oaths has been recontextualized by Christ. In [Matthew 5:33-37](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths"), Jesus does not abolish the Old Testament command to keep one's word, but rather intensifies it. He teaches against the casual use of oaths to lend credibility to one's statements, implying that a believer's ordinary speech should be so truthful and reliable that no oath is ever needed to confirm it. The emphasis shifts from the legalistic fulfillment of a sworn oath to a pervasive, internal integrity where one's simple "yes" or "no" is sufficient and trustworthy. Thus, Numbers 30:2 remains relevant as a call to profound honesty and reliability in all our communications, reflecting the character of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:2, with its emphasis on the inviolable nature of a spoken word, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. He is the very "Amen," the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")), in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Unlike humanity, who often "break their word," Jesus perfectly fulfilled every promise, every prophecy, and every jot and tittle of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His life was a seamless demonstration of absolute integrity, where His "yes" was always "yes" and His "no" always "no" ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Jesus' Teaching on Oaths")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "bond" by which God's covenant promises are secured for humanity. Through His perfect obedience, His sacrificial death, and His resurrection, He established the New Covenant, fulfilling the ancient vows and oaths God made to His people ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Him, we see the perfect Man who never "broke His word" but completely "did according to all that proceeded out of His mouth," offering Himself as the spotless Lamb and securing our salvation through His unwavering faithfulness.

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

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 116:14

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ 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.

Ecclesiastes 5:5

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

Job 22:27

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Proverbs 20:25

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