Numbers 30:5

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
But if her father H1 disallow H5106 her in the day H3117 that he heareth H8085; not any of her vows H5088, or of her bonds H632 wherewith she hath bound H631 her soul H5315, shall stand H6965: and the LORD H3068 shall forgive H5545 her, because her father H1 disallowed H5106 her.
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Complete Jewish Bible
But if on the day her father hears it, he expresses his disapproval, then none of her vows or obligations she has bound herself to will stand; and ADONAI will forgive her, because her father expressed his disapproval.
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Berean Standard Bible
But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her.
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American Standard Version
But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth, none of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and Jehovah will forgive her, because her father disallowed her.
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World English Bible Messianic
But if her father forbids her in the day that he hears, none of her vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand. the LORD will forgive her, because her father has forbidden her.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And her father heare her vowe and bonde, wherewith she hath bound her selfe, and her father hold his peace concerning her, then all her vowes shall stande, and euery bonde, wherewith she hath bound her selfe, shall stand.
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Young's Literal Translation
`And if her father hath disallowed her in the day of his hearing, none of her vows and her bonds which she hath bound on her soul is established, and Jehovah is propitious to her, for her father hath disallowed her.
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See also
Ephesians 6:1Matthew 15:4Matthew 15:6Mark 7:10Mark 7:13Hosea 6:6
In the KJVVerse 4,654 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Numbers 30:5 articulates a specific legal provision within the Mosaic Law regarding vows made by an unmarried woman living under her father's authority. This verse stipulates that if a father hears his daughter's vow or self-imposed obligation and, on the very same day, explicitly expresses his disapproval, that vow is immediately rendered null and void. Crucially, the text emphasizes that the Lord Himself will forgive the daughter, ensuring she incurs no guilt or spiritual liability for the non-fulfillment of a vow legitimately disallowed by her father, thereby safeguarding her spiritual standing and well-being.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Numbers 30 is a dedicated legal section within the book of Numbers, meticulously detailing the sanctity and specific regulations surrounding vows and oaths within ancient Israelite society. It is strategically placed immediately following the detailed instructions for offerings and festivals (chapters 28-29), underscoring that personal commitments to God are as vital as communal worship. The chapter systematically distinguishes between the legal standing of vows made by men, widows or divorced women, and married women, each subject to distinct conditions for validity. Verses Numbers 30:3-4 establish the foundational principle that a young woman's vow stands if her father hears it and remains silent, thereby implicitly consenting. Numbers 30:5 then provides the critical counterpoint, establishing the father's explicit right to annul such a vow, thereby preventing the daughter from being bound by it. This specific provision highlights the nuanced application of divine law within the social realities of the time, demonstrating God's wisdom in balancing individual responsibility with familial authority.

  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel was a deeply patriarchal society where the father served as the undisputed head of the household, wielding significant legal, social, and economic authority over his family members, especially unmarried daughters. A woman's identity and legal standing were largely tied to her male guardian—first her father, then her husband. Vows (נֶדֶר, neder) and bonds (אִסָּר, 'issar) were solemn, religiously binding promises made directly to God, often involving abstinence from certain foods, activities, or the dedication of property. Breaking a vow was considered a serious offense against God, potentially incurring divine judgment or a curse. This legal framework in Numbers 30 served a protective function, safeguarding young women from making rash or ill-advised vows that could bring hardship upon themselves or their families, while simultaneously upholding the family's integrity and the father's divinely appointed responsibility for his household. The "day that he heareth" clause implies a crucial need for prompt action, preventing prolonged uncertainty or potential manipulation, and ensuring the father's decision is a direct, timely response to his knowledge of the vow.

  • Key Themes: The primary themes embedded within Numbers 30:5 revolve around parental authority, specifically the father's extensive and divinely sanctioned power over his unmarried daughter. This authority is not merely a social construct but is integrated into God's law, as the father's disallowance directly impacts the spiritual validity of the vow. Another crucial theme is the sanctity and integrity of vows. While vows were considered extremely serious and binding commitments made to God, this passage demonstrates that God's law provided a mechanism for annulment under specific, divinely approved conditions, preventing an individual from being trapped by an ill-conceived commitment. This speaks to God's wisdom in establishing laws that are both just and merciful. Finally, the verse powerfully illustrates divine forgiveness and grace. The explicit statement, "and the LORD shall forgive her," underscores God's profound understanding and compassion. It assures that when a vow is legitimately nullified by a rightful authority, the individual is not held culpable by God for its non-fulfillment, reflecting God's character as both righteous and merciful, a trait consistently revealed throughout the Pentateuch and beyond, as seen in passages like Exodus 34:6-7.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • disallow (Hebrew, nûwʼ, H5106): The Hebrew verb נוּא (nûwʼ) means "to refuse," "to forbid," "to dissuade," or "to neutralize." In this context, it signifies a definitive act of nullification, rendering something legally or functionally non-existent. It highlights the father's absolute power to negate the spiritual and legal standing of his daughter's vow, effectively making it as if it had never been made in the eyes of God and the community. This is a strong legal term, emphasizing the binding nature of his decision and its immediate effect.
  • vows (Hebrew, neder, H5088): The term נֶדֶר (neder) refers to a solemn promise or pledge made voluntarily to God. Such vows often involved dedicating something (e.g., property, a portion of harvest) or abstaining from something (e.g., a Nazirite vow). They were considered highly sacred and binding, as they were direct commitments to the Almighty, necessitating careful consideration. The plural "vows" here suggests that the father's disallowance applies broadly to any such commitment his daughter might make.
  • bonds (Hebrew, ʼĕçâr, H632): The Hebrew word אִסָּר (ʼĕçâr) denotes an "obligation," "prohibition," or "vow of abstinence." While similar to a neder, an ʼĕçâr often refers to a self-imposed restriction or oath that binds the individual's soul or conscience. It emphasizes the personal, internal commitment and the spiritual weight of such a promise. The phrase "wherewith she hath bound her soul" further underscores the deeply personal and spiritual nature of these obligations, making the father's power to release her from them all the more significant and merciful.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth;": This clause establishes the critical condition for the annulment of a vow. The father's action must be explicit and definitive ("disallow her"), and crucially, it must be timely ("in the day that he heareth"). This immediacy prevents the daughter from being under the burden of a vow for an extended period and ensures that the father's decision is a direct, immediate response to his knowledge of the vow, rather than an afterthought or a means of convenience. It underscores the father's active, responsible role as guardian and decision-maker within the household.
  • "not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand:": This is the direct, divinely ordained consequence of the father's disallowance. The legal and spiritual validity of all her vows and self-imposed obligations is completely nullified. The phrase "shall stand" (יָקוּם, yaqum) implies that the vow loses its legal force and spiritual binding power, becoming as if it never existed. This provision protects the daughter from the potentially severe consequences of breaking a vow, especially if it was made rashly, without full understanding, or if its fulfillment would create undue hardship for her or her family.
  • "and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.": This is the theological climax of the verse, providing profound divine assurance. It explicitly states that the daughter is absolved of any guilt or sin for not fulfilling the annulled vow. God Himself grants forgiveness, not because she failed to keep the vow, but precisely because her legitimate earthly authority (her father) had disallowed it. This demonstrates God's mercy and His recognition of the established social order and the father's divinely appointed role within it. It highlights that God's justice is always tempered with grace and understanding of human circumstances and relational dynamics.

Literary Devices

Numbers 30:5 employs several literary devices to convey its precise legal and theological message. The most prominent is Legal Language, characterized by its conditional structure ("But if..."), precise temporal requirement ("in the day that he heareth"), and clear consequences ("not any of her vows... shall stand"). This precision is typical of Mosaic Law, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in matters of divine command and human obligation. There is also an element of Parallelism and Repetition through the pairing of "vows" (neder) and "bonds" ('issar), which, while distinct in nuance, serve to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the father's authority over all forms of his daughter's self-imposed spiritual commitments. Finally, the concluding phrase, "and the LORD shall forgive her," functions as a powerful Divine Pronouncement. This pronouncement is both a legal declaration of absolution and a pastoral reassurance, underscoring God's active involvement in the legal and moral life of His people, providing grace and mercy within the framework of His established order.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Numbers 30:5 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people, extending beyond matters of worship and justice to the practicalities of daily life and social structure. It reveals a God who understands the complexities of human relationships, the potential vulnerabilities within society, and the need for protective measures. While upholding the sanctity of vows as serious commitments to Him, God provides a divinely sanctioned mechanism for release through legitimate authority, demonstrating His mercy and desire to prevent undue burden or spiritual culpability. This passage underscores that God's law is not merely a rigid set of rules but a living framework designed for the well-being, spiritual integrity, and flourishing of His covenant community. It shows that God's forgiveness is extended even when human failure or inability to fulfill a commitment arises from divinely sanctioned circumstances, affirming His character as both just and compassionate.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While the specific social dynamics of ancient Israelite patriarchal society differ significantly from most modern contexts, the underlying principles of Numbers 30:5 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness with which we make commitments, especially those with spiritual implications or those made before God. It reminds us of the importance of wisdom, seeking counsel, and exercising discernment before binding ourselves, recognizing that rash promises can lead to spiritual distress or practical hardship. For those in positions of authority—whether parents, spiritual leaders, or mentors—it highlights the weighty responsibility to guide and protect those under their care, sometimes even from their own ill-advised decisions. Most importantly, the verse offers immense comfort in God's character: He is a God of grace and understanding who extends forgiveness when circumstances beyond our control, or the legitimate exercise of authority, prevent us from fulfilling a commitment. This principle assures us that God's mercy triumphs over rigid legalism, always seeking our ultimate good and spiritual freedom within the framework of His divine order.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what areas of my life do I tend to make commitments or promises rashly, without sufficient thought or counsel, and how can I cultivate greater discernment?
  • How does the concept of legitimate authority (parental, spiritual, civil) play a role in my own decision-making and commitments today, and how can I honor it appropriately?
  • How does the assurance that "the LORD shall forgive her" deepen my understanding of God's grace and mercy in situations where I genuinely cannot fulfill a commitment, and how can I extend that same grace to others?

FAQ

Does Numbers 30:5 imply that women were considered less capable or responsible than men in ancient Israel?

Answer: Numbers 30:5, along with other laws in the chapter, reflects the patriarchal social structure of ancient Israel, where women, particularly unmarried daughters, were under the legal and social authority of their fathers. This was not necessarily a judgment on their inherent capability or responsibility, but rather a reflection of the societal framework designed to ensure order, protection, and family integrity. The laws concerning vows for women, both unmarried and married, were designed to prevent a woman from making a vow that could destabilize her household or place her in conflict with her male guardian, who was responsible for her well-being and the family's honor. The father's right to annul the vow was a protective measure, ensuring that a young woman was not bound by a rash decision that could have severe consequences for her or her family, and that the family unit remained cohesive. It highlights the father's role as a responsible guardian within a divinely ordained social structure, rather than implying a lack of intelligence or moral responsibility on the part of the woman. This framework provided a layer of protection and accountability that was consistent with the cultural norms of the time.

How does God's forgiveness in this verse relate to His justice regarding broken vows?

Answer: This verse beautifully balances God's justice with His profound mercy and understanding. God's law generally held vows as sacred and binding, with serious consequences for breaking them, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:21-23. However, Numbers 30:5 presents a divinely sanctioned exception to this general rule. When the father, acting within his God-given authority, disallows the vow, it is as if the vow was never valid or binding in the first place. Therefore, the daughter is not considered to be breaking a legitimate vow; rather, the vow itself is nullified by a higher, legitimate authority. God's forgiveness here is not for a sin committed, but for the potential guilt or spiritual liability that might otherwise accrue to the daughter for non-fulfillment. It demonstrates God's understanding of human circumstances and His provision for grace within the legal framework, ensuring that His people are not unduly burdened by commitments that are legitimately invalidated by an appointed authority. This reveals God's character as both righteous in upholding His law and merciful in its application.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Numbers 30:5, with its emphasis on authority, the sanctity of vows, and divine forgiveness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. In the Old Testament, a father's authority could annul a daughter's vow, freeing her from its obligation. This foreshadows the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, the perfect Son who perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father in heaven. While the Mosaic Law provided temporary mechanisms for release from specific vows, Christ's work on the cross offers a far greater and eternal liberation. He perfectly kept every command of the law, fulfilling all righteousness, and through His atoning sacrifice, He has freed believers from the impossible burden of perfectly keeping the law and its myriad stipulations (Romans 8:3-4). Where the Old Covenant could only provide temporary forgiveness for specific circumstances, Christ offers complete and eternal forgiveness for all sins, including any broken vows or failures to meet divine standards (Colossians 2:13-14). He is the one who "disallows" the power of sin and death over us, making void the "bonds wherewith we have bound our soul" through our fallen nature and transgressions. In Christ, we are not merely forgiven for a specific annulled vow, but our entire spiritual debt is canceled, and we are brought into a new covenant relationship where grace reigns supreme (Hebrews 8:6). He is our ultimate Father-figure and High Priest, whose perfect obedience and sacrifice ensure our complete freedom and forgiveness before God, establishing a bond of grace that can never be broken.

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Commentary on Numbers 30 verses 3–16

It is here taken for granted that all such persons as are sui juris - at their own disposal, and are likewise of sound understanding and memory, are bound to perform whatever they vow that is lawful and possible; but, if the person vowing be under the dominion and at the disposal of another, the case is different. Two cases much alike are here put and determined: -

I. The case of a daughter in her father's house: and some think, probably enough, that it extends to a son likewise, while he is at home with his father, and under tutors and governors. Whether the exception may thus be stretched I cannot say. Non est distinguendum, ubi lex non distinguit - We are not allowed to make distinctions which the law does not. The rule is general, If a man vow, he must pay. But for a daughter it is express: her vow is nugatory or in suspense till her father knows it, and (it is supposed) knows it from her; for, when it comes to his knowledge, it is in his power either to ratify or nullify it. But in favour of the vow, 1. Even his silence shall suffice to ratify it: If he hold his peace, her vows shall stand, Num 30:4. Qui tacet, consentire videtur - Silence gives consent. Hereby he allows his daughter the liberty she has assumed, and, as long as he says nothing against her vow, she shall be bound by it. But, 2. His protestation against it shall perfectly disannul it, because it is possible that such vow may by prejudicial to the affairs of the family, break the father's measures, perplex the provision made for his table if the vow related to meats, or lessen the provision made for his children if the vow would be more expensive than his estate would bear; however, it was certain that it was an infringement of his authority over his child, and therefore, if he disallow it, she is discharged, and the Lord shall forgive her, that is, she shall not be charged with the guilt of violating her vow; she showed her good-will in making the vow, and, if her intentions therein were sincere, she shall be accounted better than sacrifice. This shows how great a deference children owe to their parents, and how much they ought to honour them and be obedient to them. It is for the interest of the public that the paternal authority be supported; for, when children are countenanced in their disobedience to their parents (as they were by the tradition of the elders, Mat 15:5, Mat 15:6), they soon become in other things children of Belial. If this law be not to be extended to children's marrying without their parents' consent so far as to put it in parents' power to annul the marriage and dissolve the obligation (as some have thought it does), yet certainly it proves the sinfulness of it, and obliges the children that have thus done foolishly to repent and humble themselves before God and their parents.

II. The case of a wife is much the same. As for a woman that is a widow or divorced, she has neither father nor husband to control her, so that, whatever vows she binds her soul with, they shall stand against her (Num 30:9), it is at her peril if she run back; but a wife, who has nothing that she can strictly call her own, but with her husband's allowance, cannot, without that, make any such vow. 1. The law is plain in case of a wife that continues so long after the vow. If her husband allow her vow, though only by silence, it must stand, Num 30:6, Num 30:7. If he disallow it, since her obligation to that which she had vowed arose purely from her own act, and not from any prior command of God, her obligation to her husband shall take place of it, for to him she ought to be in subjection as unto the Lord; and now it is so far from being her duty to fulfil her vow that it would be her sin to disobey her husband, whose consent perhaps she ought to have asked before she made the vow; therefore she needs forgiveness, Num 30:8. 2. The law is the same in case of a wife that soon after becomes a widow, or is put away. Though, if she return to her father's house, she does not therefore so come again under his authority as that he has power to disannul hew vows (Num 30:9), yet if the vow was made while she was in the house of her husband, and her husband disallowed it, it was made void and of no effect for ever, and she does not return under the law of her vow when she is loosed from the law of her husband. This seems to be the distinct meaning of Num 30:10-14, which otherwise would be but a repetition of Num 30:6-8. But it is added (Num 30:15) that, if the husband make void the vows of his wife, he shall bear her iniquity; that is, if the thing she had vowed was really good, for the honour of God and the prosperity of her own soul, and the husband disallowed it out of covetousness, or humour, or to show his authority, though she be discharged from the obligation of her vow, yet he will have a great deal to answer for. Now here it is very observable how carefully the divine law consults the good order of families, and preserves the power of superior relations, and the duty and reverence of inferiors. It is fit that every man should bear rule in his own house, and have his wife and children in subjection with all gravity; and rather than this great rule should be broken, or any encouragement given to inferior relations to break those bonds asunder, God himself would quit his right, and release the obligations even of a solemn vow; so much does religion strengthen the ties of all relations, and secure the welfare of all societiesd, that in it the families of the earth are blessed.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 3–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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