Numbers 30:13
New International Version
Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself.

New Living Translation
So her husband may either confirm or nullify any vows or pledges she makes to deny herself.

English Standard Version
Any vow and any binding oath to afflict herself, her husband may establish, or her husband may make void.

Berean Standard Bible
Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow or any sworn pledge to deny herself.

King James Bible
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

New King James Version
Every vow and every binding oath to afflict her soul, her husband may confirm it, or her husband may make it void.

New American Standard Bible
“Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.

NASB 1995
“Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.

NASB 1977
“Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may cause it to stand, or her husband may annul it.

Amplified Bible
“Every vow and every binding oath to humble herself, her husband may confirm it or her husband may annul it.

Christian Standard Bible
Her husband may confirm or cancel any vow or any sworn obligation to deny herself.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Her husband may confirm or cancel any vow or any sworn obligation to deny herself.

American Standard Version
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

Contemporary English Version
Her husband has the final say about any promises she makes to the LORD.

English Revised Version
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"A husband decides whether or not his wife has to keep any vow to do something or any oath to do without something.

Good News Translation
Her husband has the right to affirm or to annul any vow or promise that she has made.

International Standard Version
Her husband may confirm or revoke every vow and binding obligation that afflicts her.

Majority Standard Bible
Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow or any sworn pledge to deny herself.

NET Bible
"Any vow or sworn obligation that would bring affliction to her, her husband can confirm or nullify.

New Heart English Bible
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

Webster's Bible Translation
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

World English Bible
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Every vow and every oath—a bond to humble a soul—her husband establishes it, or her husband breaks it;

Young's Literal Translation
'Every vow and every oath -- a bond to humble a soul -- her husband doth establish it, or her husband doth break it;

Smith's Literal Translation
Every vow, and every oath of binding to afflict the soul, her husband shall cause it to stand, and her husband shall annul it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If she vow and bind herself by oath, to afflict her soul by fasting, or abstinence from other things, it shall depend on the will of her husband, whether she shall do it, or not do it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If she has vowed or bound herself by oath, in order to afflict her soul by fasting, or by abstaining from other things, it shall be for the arbitration of her husband, as to whether or not she may do it.

New American Bible
“Any vow or any pledge that she makes under oath to humble herself, her husband may either confirm or annul.

New Revised Standard Version
Any vow or any binding oath to deny herself, her husband may allow to stand, or her husband may nullify.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Every vow and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish or her husband may make it void.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Her husband may confirm all of the vows and all the oaths of bonds that detract from the soul, or her husband may nullify them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may let it stand, or her husband may make it void.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict her soul, her husband shall confirm it to her, or her husband shall cancel it.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws Concerning Vows
12But if her husband nullifies them on the day he hears of them, then nothing that came from her lips, whether her vows or pledges, shall stand. Her husband has nullified them, and the LORD will absolve her. 13Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow or any sworn pledge to deny herself. 14But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he confirms all the vows and pledges that bind her. He has confirmed them, because he said nothing to her on the day he heard about them.…

Cross References
Matthew 5:33-37
Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...

James 5:12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / 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.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Matthew 15:4-6
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ / he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

Mark 7:9-13
He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. / For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), ...

1 Corinthians 7:36-38
However, if someone thinks he is acting inappropriately toward his betrothed, and if she is beyond her youth and they ought to marry, let him do as he wishes; he is not sinning; they should get married. / But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well. / So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

1 Samuel 1:11
And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”

1 Samuel 1:21-23
Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, / but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” / “Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

Judges 11:30-31
Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”

Judges 11:35-36
As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” / “My father,” she replied, “you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have said, for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.”


Treasury of Scripture

Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

and every

1 Corinthians 11:3,9
But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God…

1 Peter 3:1-6
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; …

to afflict

Numbers 29:7
And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein:

Leviticus 16:29
And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 23:27,32
Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD…

Jump to Previous
Afflict Annul Binding Bond Break Confirm Deny Establish Herself Humble Husband Makes Nullify Oath Pleasure Pledge Soul Stand Supported Sworn Undertaking Void Vow
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Afflict Annul Binding Bond Break Confirm Deny Establish Herself Humble Husband Makes Nullify Oath Pleasure Pledge Soul Stand Supported Sworn Undertaking Void Vow
Numbers 30
1. Vows are not to be broken
3. The exceptions of a maid's vows
6. Of a wife's
9. Of a widow's or her that is divorced














Her husband
In the ancient Hebrew context, the husband held a position of authority within the family structure. This reflects the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where the husband was seen as the head of the household. The Hebrew word for husband here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can also mean "man" or "male," emphasizing the role of the husband as a leader and protector. This authority was not meant to be oppressive but rather a responsibility to guide and support his family in accordance with God's laws.

may confirm
The Hebrew word used here is "יָקִים" (yakim), which means to establish, uphold, or confirm. This implies that the husband has the authority to validate the vow, making it binding. In a spiritual sense, this reflects the importance of unity and agreement within the marriage covenant, as the husband and wife are seen as one flesh (Genesis 2:24). The act of confirming a vow signifies the husband's support and agreement with his wife's spiritual commitments.

or nullify
The Hebrew term "יָפֵר" (yafer) means to break, annul, or make void. This indicates the husband's authority to release his wife from a vow if he deems it unwise or harmful. This power to nullify is not arbitrary but should be exercised with discernment and love, reflecting the husband's role as a spiritual leader who seeks the well-being of his wife and family. It underscores the importance of communication and mutual respect in marriage.

any vow
A vow, or "נֶדֶר" (neder) in Hebrew, is a solemn promise or commitment made to God. Vows were taken very seriously in ancient Israel, as they were considered binding and sacred. This phrase highlights the gravity of making vows and the need for careful consideration before making such commitments. It also reflects the spiritual discipline of self-denial and dedication to God.

or any sworn pledge
The phrase "שְׁבוּעַת אִסָּר" (shevuat issar) refers to an oath or a binding promise. This emphasizes the seriousness of spoken commitments and the expectation of integrity and faithfulness in fulfilling one's word. In the biblical context, oaths were often made in the name of the Lord, adding a divine witness to the promise and increasing its solemnity.

to deny herself
The Hebrew phrase "לְעַנֹּת נַפְשָׁהּ" (le'anot nafshah) literally means "to afflict her soul." This suggests a vow involving self-denial or personal sacrifice, often for spiritual purposes such as fasting or dedicating oneself to prayer. It reflects the biblical principle of self-discipline and the willingness to set aside personal desires for a higher spiritual goal. This phrase underscores the depth of commitment involved in making vows to God.

(13) Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul.--Reference is again made to the two kinds of vows which are treated of in this chapter--viz., a vow to do anything, and a vow to abstain from anything.

Verse 13. - Oath to afflict the soul. No doubt by fasting or by other kinds of abstinence. The expression is especially used in connection with the rigorous fast of the day of atonement (Leviticus 16:29; Numbers 29:7; and cf. Isaiah 58:5; 1 Corinthians 7:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Her husband
אִישָׁ֥הּ (’î·šāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

may confirm
יְקִימֶ֖נּוּ (yə·qî·men·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

or nullify
יְפֵרֶֽנּוּ׃ (yə·p̄ê·ren·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6565: To break up, to violate, frustrate

any
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

vow
נֵ֛דֶר (nê·ḏer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised

or any
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

sworn
שְׁבֻעַ֥ת (šə·ḇu·‘aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7621: Something sworn, an oath

pledge
אִסָּ֖ר (’is·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 632: A bond, binding obligation

to deny
לְעַנֹּ֣ת (lə·‘an·nōṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted

herself.
נָ֑פֶשׁ (nā·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


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OT Law: Numbers 30:13 Every vow and every binding oath (Nu Num.)
Numbers 30:12
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