Numbers 30:6

KJV

And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;

KJV (with Strong's)

And if she had at all an husband {H376}, when she vowed {H5088}, or uttered {H4008} ought out of her lips {H8193}, wherewith she bound {H631} her soul {H5315};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If, having made vows or rashly committed herself to an obligation, she gets married;

Berean Standard Bible

If a woman marries while under a vow or rash promise by which she has bound herself,

American Standard Version

And if she bemarriedto a husband, while her vows are upon her, or the rash utterance of her lips, wherewith she hath bound her soul,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 30:6 precisely outlines the legal and spiritual implications of a vow made by a married woman in ancient Israel. This verse, situated within a broader discussion on vows and oaths, establishes the specific conditions under which such a commitment was considered binding, particularly highlighting the crucial role of her husband in its validation. It underscores the profound seriousness with which personal declarations made before God were regarded, while also providing a framework to ensure the integrity and well-being of the family unit within the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 30:6 is an integral part of a comprehensive legal section in the book of Numbers dedicated to the regulation of vows and oaths. This chapter begins by establishing the general principle that vows made to the Lord are binding and must not be broken ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")). It then proceeds to detail specific scenarios: first, the vow of a young, unmarried woman ([Numbers 30:3-5](/numbers/30-3 "Numbers 30:3-5 - Vows of an Unmarried Woman")), followed immediately by the case of a married woman in Numbers 30:6. The subsequent verses ([Numbers 30:7-8](/numbers/30-7 "Numbers 30:7-8 - Husband's Authority Over Vows")) elaborate on the husband's specific power to either confirm or nullify his wife's vow, demonstrating a careful legal progression that addresses different social statuses and their corresponding responsibilities. This detailed legislation reflects the meticulous nature of the Mosaic Law in governing all aspects of Israelite life, including personal spiritual commitments.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was a patriarchal society where the family unit was the foundational social, economic, and spiritual entity. A woman's legal and social standing was primarily defined through her relationship with her father before marriage and her husband afterward. Within this framework, the husband served as the head of the household, bearing significant responsibility for its spiritual integrity, financial stability, and overall welfare. Vows in this era were not mere casual promises; they often involved substantial personal sacrifice, financial obligations, or ritualistic commitments (e.g., a Nazirite vow, [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow")). This legal provision concerning married women's vows was designed to prevent a wife from inadvertently binding herself or her family to obligations that could undermine the household's well-being, create financial hardship, or conflict with her marital duties. It was a protective measure, ensuring order and shared accountability within the established societal structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader chapter, contribute significantly to several key themes within Numbers and the Pentateuch. The primary theme is **Marital Authority and Responsibility**, illustrating the husband's divinely ordained role as the head of the household and his responsibility for its spiritual and practical well-being. The law provided a mechanism for shared accountability, where a husband's knowledge and consent were crucial for the validity of his wife's commitments, as further detailed in [Numbers 30:7-8](/numbers/30-7 "Numbers 30:7-8 - Husband's Authority Over Vows"). Another critical theme is the **Sanctity of Vows**, emphasizing the profound seriousness with which promises made before God were regarded. A vow was understood as a solemn, self-binding obligation that affected one's "soul," reflecting the principle found in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Do Not Delay in Paying Vows") that what is uttered to God must be fulfilled. Finally, the legislation underscores the theme of **Protection and Order**. By allowing for the annulment of certain vows, the law provided a safeguard against rash decisions that could inadvertently bring hardship or disorder to the family, thereby preserving the integrity of the household and the broader community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **vowed (Hebrew, _nādar'_):** This verb signifies making a solemn promise or pledge to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or abstain from something. It implies a voluntary, intentional declaration that creates a binding obligation upon the individual. Unlike a casual promise, a _neder_ (the noun form) was considered a sacred commitment, directly involving God as the witness and recipient.
* **bound her soul (Hebrew, _ʾāsar nap̄šāh'_):** This powerful phrase literally means "to bind her life" or "to bind her self." It indicates that the vow was not merely a verbal agreement but a deep, personal commitment that affected the very essence of the individual's being and her relationship with God. It suggests a self-imposed restriction or obligation that profoundly impacted one's spiritual and personal freedom, underscoring the gravity and spiritual weight attached to such declarations in the Old Testament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if she had at all an husband,"**: This opening clause immediately sets the specific legal context for the subsequent regulations. It distinguishes this scenario from that of an unmarried woman, indicating that the woman is under the authority and protection of her husband, which will be a determining factor in the validity of her vow.
* **"when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips,"**: This specifies the action being regulated: the making of a vow (_nādar_) or any other significant verbal declaration that carries the weight of a solemn promise. The phrase "uttered ought out of her lips" broadens the scope beyond just formal vows to include any binding pronouncement or oath.
* **"wherewith she bound her soul;"**: This final clause emphasizes the profound, self-obligating nature of the vow or utterance. It reiterates that the commitment is not superficial but deeply personal, affecting her very being and her standing before God. This phrase highlights the internal, spiritual dimension of the vow, making its fulfillment a matter of integrity and piety.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 30:6 employs several **Legal Language** conventions typical of Mosaic Law. It is structured as a **Conditional Clause** ("And if she had at all...") which sets up a specific scenario, followed by the conditions under which a particular legal principle applies. This precise, systematic phrasing is characteristic of ancient legal codes, aiming for clarity and comprehensive coverage of various situations. The phrase "bound her soul" functions as a form of **Emphasis** and **Figurative Language**, underscoring the profound personal and spiritual gravity of the vow. It is not a literal binding but a metaphorical one, indicating a deep, self-imposed obligation that affects the individual's core being and relationship with God. The repetition of the concept of "binding" (implied in "vowed" and explicit in "bound her soul") reinforces the seriousness of the commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 30:6, while a specific legal provision, resonates with profound theological principles. It speaks to God's character as a God of order, integrity, and covenant faithfulness. He expects His people to reflect His character in their commitments, treating their words as sacred. The legislation underscores the divine expectation that promises made to God are not to be taken lightly, reflecting a broader biblical emphasis on truthfulness and reliability ([Psalm 15:4](/psalm/15-4 "Psalm 15:4 - One Who Keeps His Oath")). Furthermore, the husband's role in validating his wife's vow highlights the concept of delegated authority and shared responsibility within God's ordered creation, particularly within the foundational unit of the family. It's a reminder that personal spiritual commitments can have communal implications, requiring wisdom and discernment to ensure they align with broader responsibilities and the well-being of others.

* [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 - Do Not Be Rash in Vows")
* [Proverbs 20:25](/proverbs/20-25 "Proverbs 20:25 - The Snare of Rash Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific legal customs of ancient Israel differ from modern contexts, the enduring principles embedded in Numbers 30:6 offer timeless wisdom for believers today. This passage challenges us to approach all our commitments, whether to God or to others, with profound thoughtfulness and integrity. It reminds us that our words carry weight, and promises made, especially those to God, are to be taken with utmost seriousness. For married couples, the passage implicitly emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication regarding significant personal commitments, ensuring that individual aspirations align with the shared vision and responsibilities of the family unit. It encourages mutual respect and discernment, preventing unforeseen burdens or conflicts. Ultimately, this ancient law calls us to a life of accountability—to God, to our spouses, and to our community—reflecting a character marked by truthfulness and faithfulness in all our dealings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seriousness of vows in ancient Israel challenge our modern approach to promises and commitments, both to God and to others?**
* **In what ways can open communication and mutual understanding within a marriage or family unit prevent unintended burdens or conflicts arising from personal commitments?**
* **What does the phrase "binding one's soul" mean for us today in the context of our spiritual commitments and walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why did a husband have the power to annul his wife's vows in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The husband's power to annul his wife's vows, as detailed in [Numbers 30:7-8](/numbers/30-7 "Numbers 30:7-8 - Husband's Authority Over Vows"), was not primarily about subjugation but about maintaining the integrity and well-being of the household unit. In ancient Israelite society, the husband was the head of the household and bore ultimate responsibility for its spiritual, economic, and social standing. Vows often carried significant financial implications (e.g., a vow to donate property to the temple) or ritual obligations that could affect the entire family. This law prevented a wife from inadvertently binding herself or her family to commitments that could bring hardship, conflict with her marital duties, or violate the family's spiritual obligations. It was a protective measure designed to ensure order, shared accountability, and the holistic welfare of the family within the covenant community.

**Does this law apply directly to women today in the same way?**

Answer: No, the specific legal and cultural context of Numbers 30:6 does not directly apply to women in the same way in modern society. The New Covenant, established through Christ, transcends the specific legal codes of ancient Israel, focusing instead on principles of mutual submission ([Ephesians 5:21](/ephesians/5-21 "Ephesians 5:21 - Mutual Submission")), love, and grace. While the direct legal application is obsolete, the underlying principles remain highly relevant. Believers are still called to be thoughtful and prayerful before making commitments ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask for Wisdom")), to honor their word ([Matthew 5:37](/matthew/5-37 "Matthew 5:37 - Let Your 'Yes' Be 'Yes'")), and for married couples, to engage in open communication and mutual discernment regarding decisions that impact the family unit ([Colossians 3:18-19](/colossians/3-18 "Colossians 3:18-19 - Wives and Husbands")). The emphasis shifts from legalistic control to Spirit-led wisdom and relational harmony within the Body of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 30:6, with its intricate details concerning human vows and their validity, ultimately points to the perfect faithfulness and ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While ancient Israelite law grappled with the complexities of human promises and their potential for failure or conflict, Christ is the embodiment of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. He is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful Witness")), who perfectly fulfilled every promise and prophecy concerning Himself and God's redemptive plan. Unlike human vows that could be annulled or broken, Christ's obedience to the Father's will was absolute and unwavering, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He perfectly "bound His soul" to the Father's purpose, not out of legal obligation to an earthly husband, but out of divine love and perfect submission, thereby securing our redemption. In the New Covenant, believers are no longer bound by the rigid legal requirements of vows, but are "bound" to Christ through faith, united with Him in His death and resurrection ([Romans 6:5](/romans/6-5 "Romans 6:5 - United with Christ")). Our commitment is not a self-imposed burden to earn favor, but a joyous response to His finished work, empowered by the Spirit who writes God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Christ's ultimate authority means that in Him, we find freedom from the snare of rash vows and the perfect fulfillment of all God's promises.

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 56:12

Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.