or נֵדֶר; from נָדַר; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised; vow(-ed).
Transliteration:neder
Pronunciation:neh'-der
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun נֶדֶר (neder, `{{H5088}}`) derives from the verbal root נָדַר (nadar, `{{H5087}}`), meaning "to vow" or "to promise." At its core, נֶדֶר refers to a solemn promise made to God. This promise is typically voluntary but, once made, becomes a binding obligation. The term encompasses both the act of making such a commitment and, concretely, the thing or action that is promised or dedicated. Its semantic range thus includes a "vow" in the sense of a pledge, a solemn undertaking, or something "vowed" or "devoted." It signifies a self-imposed religious obligation, often involving a future action, offering, or dedication of property or person to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נֶדֶר (neder, `{{H5088}}`) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Pentateuch, Psalms, and wisdom literature. Its various contexts illuminate its significance:
* **Personal Pledges and Petitions:** Often, a נֶדֶר is made in a time of distress or as a request for divine intervention, with a promise of a specific offering or action if the request is granted. Jacob's vow at Bethel ([[Genesis 28:20-22]]) to dedicate a tenth of his possessions and to acknowledge Yahweh as his God if he is safely returned is a prime example. Similarly, Hannah's vow for a son ([[1 Samuel 1:11]]) in exchange for dedicating him to the Lord's service illustrates a vow made in fervent prayer. Jephthah's tragic vow ([[Judges 11:30-31, 34-35]]) highlights the serious, binding nature of vows, even when rashly made.
* **Cultic and Sacrificial Contexts:** A significant portion of the occurrences of נֶדֶר relate to the laws governing vows in Leviticus and Numbers. [[Leviticus 27]] outlines the procedures and valuations for redeeming persons, animals, houses, and fields that have been "vowed" to the Lord. [[Numbers 30]] provides detailed regulations concerning vows made by men and women, emphasizing the authority of fathers and husbands to nullify certain vows made by their daughters or wives. Vows often entailed specific sacrifices, such as peace offerings ([[Leviticus 7:16]]) or burnt offerings ([[Numbers 15:3]]).
* **Ethical and Wisdom Literature:** The wisdom tradition strongly emphasizes the importance of fulfilling vows. [[Deuteronomy 23:21-23]] admonishes the Israelites to fulfill their vows promptly, stating that God will hold them accountable. [[Ecclesiastes 5:4-5]] warns against making vows lightly and not fulfilling them, asserting that it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay. This highlights the ethical dimension of integrity and the sanctity of one's word before God.
* **Thanksgiving and Praise:** In the Psalms, vows are often associated with deliverance and subsequent acts of thanksgiving. The psalmist frequently promises to fulfill vows made in distress once God has delivered him ([[Psalm 22:25]], [[Psalm 50:14]], [[Psalm 66:13-14]], [[Psalm 76:11]]). This demonstrates a cycle of petition, divine intervention, and grateful fulfillment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **נָדַר (nadar, `{{H5087}}`):** The verbal root from which נֶדֶר is derived. It signifies the act of making the vow. The noun is the result or object of this action.
* **שְׁבוּעָה (shevu'ah, `{{H7621}}`):** An "oath." While both vows and oaths involve solemn declarations, a vow (נֶדֶר) is typically a promise made *to* God concerning a future action or offering, often conditional. An oath (שְׁבוּעָה) is a solemn affirmation, often calling upon God as a witness, concerning the truthfulness of a statement or the performance of an action. One "swears an oath," but "makes a vow."
* **קָרְבָּן (qorban, `{{H7133}}`):** A "sacrifice" or "offering." Vows frequently involved the dedication of specific offerings to God, making the fulfillment of a נֶדֶר a type of קָרְבָּן.
* **חֵרֶם (cherem, `{{H2764}}`):** A "devoted thing," often irrevocably set apart for God, sometimes for destruction. While a vow can involve dedication, חֵרֶם carries a more specific and often more severe connotation of complete, unconditional dedication, often associated with divine judgment.
* **נָזִיר (nazir, `{{H5139}}`):** A "Nazarite," one who is separated or consecrated, often by a special vow. The Nazarite vow ([[Numbers 6]]) is a specific form of נֶדֶר involving abstinence from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding contact with the dead.
### Theological Significance
The concept of נֶדֶר (neder, `{{H5088}}`) carries profound theological implications:
* **Human Agency and Responsibility:** Vows highlight human initiative in relating to God. They are voluntary acts, demonstrating a person's desire to engage with the divine, often in a moment of deep need or profound gratitude. This voluntary nature underscores human responsibility for their commitments before God.
* **The Sanctity of the Word:** The biblical emphasis on fulfilling vows (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 23:21-23]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:4-5]]) underscores the sanctity of one's word. God, who is faithful to His promises, expects His people to be faithful to theirs. Breaking a vow is not merely a breach of human promise but a transgression against God.
* **Worship and Gratitude:** Vows are often expressions of worship, particularly in the context of thanksgiving. Fulfilling a vow made in distress becomes an act of praise and acknowledgement of God's deliverance and faithfulness. This reinforces the idea that true worship involves not only ritual but also integrity and the honoring of commitments.
* **God's Sovereignty and Providence:** Vows are frequently made in recognition of God's power to intervene in human affairs. By making a vow, an individual acknowledges God's ultimate control and seeks His favor, demonstrating faith in His ability to act.
* **Anticipation of Redemption:** The detailed laws in [[Leviticus 27]] concerning the redemption of vowed persons or property, often requiring a payment plus an additional fifth, introduce principles of valuation, substitution, and ransom. While not directly messianic, these laws subtly prefigure the concept of redemption through a costly payment, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
### Summary
נֶדֶר (neder, `{{H5088}}`) signifies a solemn, binding promise made to God, encompassing both the act of vowing and the specific thing or action vowed. Rooted in the verb נָדַר (nadar, `{{H5087}}`), it represents a voluntary, self-imposed obligation that, once made, demands strict fulfillment. Biblical occurrences reveal its diverse applications, from personal petitions and acts of thanksgiving to detailed cultic regulations and ethical admonitions concerning the integrity of one's word. Theologically, נֶדֶר underscores the importance of human responsibility and integrity in one's relationship with God, the sacredness of promises, and the role of vows in expressing worship, gratitude, and reliance upon divine providence. It serves as a powerful reminder that words spoken before God carry eternal weight and that faithfulness in small commitments reflects a deeper faithfulness to the Giver of all good things.
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