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Deuteronomy 23:23

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That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; [even] a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

That which is gone out {H4161} of thy lips {H8193} thou shalt keep {H8104} and perform {H6213}; even a freewill offering {H5071}, according as thou hast vowed {H5087} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}, which thou hast promised {H1696} with thy mouth {H6310}.

but if a vow passes your lips, you must take care to perform it according to what you voluntarily vowed to ADONAI your God, what you promised in words spoken aloud.

Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt observe and do; according as thou hast vowed unto Jehovah thy God, a freewill-offering, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:23 is a powerful injunction from the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the sacredness of a spoken promise or vow made to the LORD God. It underscores the divine expectation for Israel to uphold their word, particularly in matters of religious commitment and offerings.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy (chapters 23-25) that outlines various laws and regulations for the Israelite community, covering aspects of purity, social conduct, and religious obligations. Specifically, Deuteronomy 23:23 follows directly after verses 21 and 22, which discuss the act of vowing. While verses 21-22 state that it is not a sin to refrain from making a vow, they immediately establish that once a vow is made, its fulfillment is absolutely mandatory. This highlights the seriousness with which God viewed verbal commitments made in His name within the covenant relationship.

Key Themes

  • The Sanctity of Vows: The primary message is that a promise spoken to God is binding and must be fulfilled. It reflects a deep respect for God's holiness and the gravity of addressing Him. This principle of the sanctity of vows is echoed throughout Scripture.
  • Integrity and Faithfulness: The verse stresses the importance of personal integrity. One's word, especially when given to God, is a direct reflection of character and faithfulness. It teaches that a person's outward actions must align with their inward intentions and verbal declarations.
  • The Power of Spoken Words: "That which is gone out of thy lips" emphasizes the weight and consequence of verbal commitments. Words are not merely fleeting sounds but carry spiritual and moral weight, particularly when directed towards the Almighty.
  • Voluntary Commitment, Obligatory Performance: The mention of a "freewill offering" indicates that the initial act of vowing is voluntary. However, once that free choice is made and the promise uttered, its performance becomes an absolute obligation, not an option.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "keep and perform" translates from the Hebrew words shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning 'to guard, observe, keep,' and asah (עָשָׂה), meaning 'to do, make, perform.' The combination creates a strong emphasis on the absolute necessity of fulfilling the vow. The phrase "promised with thy mouth" (מִפִּיךָ - mippika) literally means "from your mouth," underscoring the verbal, deliberate nature of the commitment.

Practical Application

While the specific context of "freewill offerings" may be tied to ancient Israelite worship, the underlying principle of Deuteronomy 23:23 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers to:

  • Consider Commitments Carefully: It serves as a strong caution against making rash promises, particularly in spiritual matters. It's better not to promise than to promise and not fulfill.
  • Uphold Personal Integrity: The verse is a timeless reminder that our word matters. Whether it's a pledge to God (like baptismal vows, marriage vows, or dedications of service) or a promise to another person, our "yes" should mean "yes".
  • Live Accountably: It encourages a life of accountability, where actions follow words, fostering trustworthiness in our relationship with God and with others. This divine expectation for integrity builds a foundation for a strong faith and reliable character.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 20:25 (4 votes)

    ¶ [It is] a snare to the man [who] devoureth [that which is] holy, and after vows to make enquiry.

  • Judges 11:30 (3 votes)

    And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,

  • Judges 11:31 (3 votes)

    Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

  • 1 Samuel 1:11 (2 votes)

    And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

  • Psalms 66:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

  • Psalms 66:14 (2 votes)

    Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

  • Mark 6:22 (2 votes)

    And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give [it] thee.