a primitive root; to promise (pos., to do or give something to God); (make a) vow.
Transliteration:nâdar
Pronunciation:naw-dar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H5087}}` (nâdar) is a primitive root whose core meaning is "to vow" or "to promise solemnly." It specifically denotes a voluntary and binding commitment made by a person to God. This commitment typically involves a pledge to perform a specific action, offer a particular sacrifice, or abstain from certain things, often in exchange for divine favor, as an expression of gratitude, or as an act of devotion. Unlike an oath, which might be sworn to another person or as a legal declaration, a vow is distinctly directed towards the divine, establishing a direct obligation before God. The semantic range emphasizes the seriousness and self-imposed nature of this spiritual covenant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H5087}}` (nâdar) appears throughout the Old Testament, providing insight into its practical and theological implications.
* **Early Narratives:** One of the earliest and most significant occurrences is Jacob's vow at Bethel in [[Genesis 28:20-22]]. Jacob pledges that if God will be with him, protect him, and provide for him, then the Lord will be his God, and he will give a tenth of all he receives. This illustrates a conditional vow, a common form where a promise is made contingent upon divine action.
* **Mosaic Law (Numbers & Deuteronomy):** The majority of occurrences are found in the Pentateuch, particularly in Numbers and Deuteronomy, where detailed legislation concerning vows is presented.
* [[Numbers 30:2]] establishes the fundamental principle: "If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth." This verse underscores the absolute binding nature of vows and the divine expectation of their fulfillment.
* Numbers 30 further elaborates on the annulment of vows, specifically for women. A father could annul a daughter's vow if he heard it and disapproved [[Numbers 30:3-5]], and a husband could annul his wife's vow [[Numbers 30:6-8]], highlighting the patriarchal structure and the legal framework surrounding personal commitments.
* [[Deuteronomy 23:21-23]] reiterates the command to fulfill vows promptly, stating, "When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin in you." It also clarifies that not vowing is not sin, but breaking a vow is.
* **Cautionary Tales:** Jephthah's vow in [[Judges 11:30-39]] serves as a tragic example of a rash vow made in desperation. His pledge to sacrifice whatever came out of his house first upon his victorious return led to the sacrifice of his only daughter, illustrating the severe, unintended consequences of an ill-considered vow.
* **Psalms:** The Psalms often reflect the personal piety of individuals fulfilling or intending to fulfill vows made in times of distress or deliverance (e.g., [[Psalm 56:12]], [[Psalm 61:5]], [[Psalm 65:1]]). This shows vows as an integral part of individual worship and thanksgiving.
* **Wisdom Literature:** [[Ecclesiastes 5:4-5]] offers a pragmatic and sobering perspective: "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better not to vow than to vow and not pay." This passage emphasizes prudence and integrity in making and keeping commitments to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5088}}` (neder):** This is the direct noun form derived from `{{H5087}}` (nâdar), meaning "a vow" or "a thing vowed." The close relationship between the verb and noun underscores the concrete nature of the commitment made.
* **`{{H7650}}` (shaba'):** To swear, take an oath. While both vows and oaths involve solemn promises, an oath typically invokes a divine witness to the truth of a statement or the sincerity of a promise, whereas a vow (`{{H5087}}`) is a self-imposed obligation to perform an action for God.
* **`{{H5144}}` (nazir):** The Nazirite vow is a specialized and extended form of vow, involving a period of separation and dedication to God, including specific prohibitions (e.g., abstaining from wine, not cutting hair). This highlights a deeper level of personal consecration through vowing.
* **Sacrifice and Offering:** Vows frequently involved the promise of a specific sacrifice or offering (e.g., a burnt offering, a peace offering) as part of their fulfillment. The votive offering was a common expression of a fulfilled vow.
* **Covenant:** The broader concept of covenant undergirds the practice of vowing. Just as God makes and keeps covenants with humanity, so too are humans expected to honor their commitments (vows) made to God, reflecting the reciprocal nature of the relationship.
### Theological Significance
The act of `{{H5087}}` (nâdar) carries profound theological weight, revealing significant aspects of the relationship between God and humanity.
* **God's Sovereignty and Holiness:** The requirement to fulfill vows underscores God's absolute authority and holiness. Promises made to Him are not to be taken lightly, as He is the ultimate witness and judge of human integrity.
* **Human Accountability and Integrity:** Vows serve as a powerful test of human character and faithfulness. The seriousness with which the Law treats vows emphasizes that words spoken to God are binding and reflect the speaker's commitment to truth and righteousness. This cultivates a sense of personal responsibility before the divine.
* **Voluntary Worship and Piety:** Beyond the prescribed rituals and laws, vows offered individuals a means of expressing personal devotion, gratitude, and earnest petition. They allowed for a deeper, voluntary engagement with God, reflecting a heart of worship that goes beyond mere obligation.
* **The Danger of Presumption and Rashness:** The biblical narratives, particularly Jephthah's vow, serve as theological warnings against making hasty or ill-considered promises to God. They highlight the need for wisdom, prudence, and a clear understanding of God's character and will before making such solemn commitments.
* **Divine Faithfulness as a Model:** The expectation that humans fulfill their vows implicitly points to God's own unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. If God demands integrity from humanity, He Himself is the epitome of faithfulness, providing the ultimate model for keeping one's word.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H5087}}` (nâdar) means "to vow" or "to make a solemn promise to God." It describes a voluntary, binding commitment, often involving a specific action, offering, or abstinence, made directly to the divine. Biblical law, particularly in Numbers and Deuteronomy, stresses the absolute obligation to fulfill such vows (e.g., [[Numbers 30:2]], [[Deuteronomy 23:21-23]]), emphasizing that breaking a vow is a sin. While allowing for sincere expressions of personal devotion and gratitude (e.g., [[Psalm 65:1]]), the Scriptures also caution against making rash or ill-considered vows, as tragically illustrated by Jephthah's experience ([[Judges 11:30-39]]) and the wisdom of [[Ecclesiastes 5:4-5]]. Theologically, `{{H5087}}` underscores human accountability before a holy God, the sanctity of promises, and the importance of integrity in worship, reflecting God's own faithfulness and the seriousness with which He regards human commitments.
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