Numbers 30:5

KJV

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:5 delineates a specific provision within the Mosaic Law concerning vows made by an unmarried woman living under her father's authority. This verse stipulates that if a father hears his daughter's vow and, on the same day, expresses his disapproval, that vow, along with any self-imposed obligations, is rendered null and void. Crucially, the text emphasizes divine forgiveness for the daughter in such a scenario, confirming that she incurs no guilt or spiritual liability for the non-fulfillment of a vow legitimately disallowed by her father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 30 is a dedicated legal section detailing the sanctity and specific regulations surrounding vows and oaths within ancient Israelite society. It immediately follows the laws concerning offerings and festivals (Numbers 28-29), underscoring the importance of personal commitments to God alongside communal worship. The chapter meticulously distinguishes between the legal standing of vows made by men, widows/divorced women, and married women, each with different conditions for validity. Verses [Numbers 30:3-4](/numbers/30-3-4 "Numbers 30:3-4 - A Daughter's Vow Stands if Father is Silent") lay the groundwork, stating that a young woman's vow stands if her father hears it and remains silent. [Numbers 30:5](/numbers/30-5 "Numbers 30:5 - The Father's Right to Annul a Vow") 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.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a deeply patriarchal society where the father served as the head of the household, holding 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 dedication of property. Breaking a vow was considered a serious offense against God, potentially incurring divine judgment. This legal framework in [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows") protected young women from making rash or ill-advised vows that could bring hardship upon themselves or their families, while also upholding the family's integrity and the father's responsibility for his household. The "day that he heareth" clause implies a need for prompt action, preventing prolonged uncertainty or manipulation.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in [Numbers 30:5](/numbers/30-5 "Numbers 30:5 - Father's Authority and Divine Forgiveness") revolve around **parental authority**, particularly the father's extensive power over his unmarried daughter. This authority is not merely social but divinely sanctioned, as his disallowance directly impacts the spiritual validity of the vow. Another crucial theme is the **sanctity and integrity of vows**. While vows were serious, this passage demonstrates that God's law provided a mechanism for annulment under specific, divinely approved conditions, preventing a person 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 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, as seen throughout the Pentateuch and beyond (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord, a God Merciful and Gracious")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disallow (Hebrew, _yafer'_):** The Hebrew verb יָפֵר (*yafer*) means "to break," "to annul," "to make void," or "to frustrate." It signifies a definitive act of nullification, rendering something legally or functionally non-existent. In this context, 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.
* **vows (Hebrew, _neder'_):** 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., Nazirite vow). They were considered highly sacred and binding, as they were direct commitments to the Almighty. The plural "vows" here suggests that the father's disallowance applies broadly to any such commitment.
* **bonds (Hebrew, _'issar'_):** The Hebrew word אִסָּר (*'issar*) denotes a "bond," "prohibition," or "obligation." While similar to a *neder*, an *'issar* 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth;":** This clause establishes the critical condition for annulment. The father's action must be explicit ("disallow her") and 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 response to his knowledge of the vow, rather than an afterthought or a means of convenience. It underscores the father's active role as guardian and decision-maker.
* **"not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand:":** This is the direct 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. This provision protects the daughter from the potentially severe consequences of breaking a vow, especially if it was made rashly or 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. It provides divine assurance 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 role within it. It highlights that God's justice is always tempered with grace and understanding of human circumstances and relationships.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 30:5 employs several **literary devices** to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, characterized by precise conditions ("if her father disallow her 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. There is also an element of **Repetition** through the use of "vows" and "bonds," which, while distinct, 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 **Divine Pronouncement**, directly stating God's action and character. 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 within the framework of His established order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:5 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people, not only in matters of worship and justice but also in the practicalities of daily life and social structure. It reveals a God who understands the complexities of human relationships and the potential vulnerabilities within society. While upholding the sanctity of vows, God provides a 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 and spiritual integrity 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.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows to the Lord")
* [Psalm 103:10](/psalms/103-10 "Psalm 103:10 - God's Mercy and Forgiveness")

### 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. This passage calls us to consider the seriousness with which we make commitments, especially those with spiritual implications. It reminds us of the importance of wisdom, counsel, and discernment before binding ourselves, recognizing that rash promises can lead to spiritual or practical distress. 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 legitimate 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to make commitments or promises rashly, without sufficient thought or counsel?**
* **How does the concept of legitimate authority (parental, spiritual, civil) play a role in my own decision-making and commitments today?**
* **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?**

### 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 but 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 rather than implying a lack of intelligence or responsibility on the part of the woman.

**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 mercy. God's law generally held vows as sacred and binding, with severe consequences for breaking them (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")). However, Numbers 30:5 presents a divinely sanctioned exception. When the father, acting within his God-given authority, disallows the vow, it is as if the vow was never valid in the first place. Therefore, the daughter is not breaking a legitimate vow; rather, the vow itself is nullified. 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:5, with its emphasis on authority, vows, and divine forgiveness, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority, the perfect Son who perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father. While the Old Testament law provided a mechanism for a father to annul a daughter's vow, freeing her from its obligation, Christ's work on the cross offers a far greater 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 (cf. [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - Christ Fulfilled the Law")). Where the Mosaic Law 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 (cf. [Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt")). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). He is our ultimate Father-figure, whose perfect obedience and sacrifice ensure our complete freedom and forgiveness before God.

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

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Mark 7:10

For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

Mark 7:13

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Hosea 6:6

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.