Numbers 30:16
New International Version
These are the regulations the LORD gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and his young daughter still living at home.

New Living Translation
These are the regulations the LORD gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter who still lives at home.

English Standard Version
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses about a man and his wife and about a father and his daughter while she is in her youth within her father’s house.

Berean Standard Bible
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter still in his home.

King James Bible
These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

New King James Version
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between a father and his daughter in her youth in her father’s house.

New American Standard Bible
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses concerning matters between a man and his wife, and between a father and his daughter while she is in her youth in her father’s house.

NASB 1995
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses, as between a man and his wife, and as between a father and his daughter, while she is in her youth in her father’s house.

NASB 1977
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses, as between a man and his wife, and as between a father and his daughter, while she is in her youth in her father’s house.

Legacy Standard Bible
These are the statutes which Yahweh commanded Moses, as between a man and his wife, and as between a father and his daughter, while she is in her youth in her father’s house.

Amplified Bible
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between a father and his daughter while she is a youth in her father’s house.

Christian Standard Bible
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, or between a father and his daughter in his house during her youth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, or between a father and his daughter in his house during her youth.

American Standard Version
These are the statutes, which Jehovah commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father's house.

Contemporary English Version
These are the laws that the LORD gave Moses about husbands and wives, and about young daughters who still live at home.

English Revised Version
These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father's house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the laws the LORD gave Moses for husbands and wives, and for fathers with young daughters still living at home.

Good News Translation
These are the rules that the LORD gave Moses concerning vows made by an unmarried woman living in her father's house or by a married woman.

International Standard Version
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning a man and his wife and concerning a father and his young daughter while she still lives in her father's house.

NET Bible
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses, relating to a man and his wife, and a father and his young daughter who is still living in her father's house.

New Heart English Bible
These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father's house.

Webster's Bible Translation
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter still in his home.

World English Bible
These are the statutes which Yahweh commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father’s house.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
These [are] the statutes which YHWH has commanded Moses between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, in her youth, [in] the house of her father.

Young's Literal Translation
These are the statutes which Jehovah hath commanded Moses between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, in her youth, in the house of her father.

Smith's Literal Translation
These the laws which Jehovah commanded Moses between a man to his wife, between a father to his daughter, in her youth in her father's house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These are the laws which the Lord appointed to Moses between the husband and the wife, between the father and the daughter that is as yet but a girl in age, or that abideth in her father's house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
These are the laws which the Lord has appointed to Moses, between a husband and a wife, between a father and a daughter, who is still in the state of childhood or who remains in her father’s house.

New American Bible
These are the statutes which the LORD commanded Moses concerning a husband and his wife, as well as a father and his daughter while she is still in her youth in her father’s house.

New Revised Standard Version
These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning a husband and his wife, and a father and his daughter while she is still young and in her father’s house.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter while she is still in her youth in her father's house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These are the laws that LORD JEHOVAH commanded Moshe between a man and his wife and the house of a father and his daughter in her youth, in the house of her father.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father's house.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
These are the ordinances which the Lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between a father and daughter in her youth in the house of her father.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws Concerning Vows
15But if he nullifies them after he hears of them, then he will bear her iniquity.” 16These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, and between a father and a young daughter still in his home.

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. ...

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.

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.

Leviticus 27:2-8
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons, / if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. / Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. ...

Judges 11:30-39
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.” / So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. ...

Psalm 15:4
who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,

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 7:10-13
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), / he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. ...

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.

Acts 5:1-4
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...

Genesis 28:20-22
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”

Proverbs 20:25
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

Acts 18:18
Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.


Treasury of Scripture

These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

Numbers 5:29,30
This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled; …

Leviticus 11:46,47
This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth: …

Leviticus 13:59
This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp, or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

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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














These are the statutes that the LORD commanded Moses
This phrase indicates divine authority and instruction. The statutes refer to specific laws given by God to Moses, emphasizing the theocratic nature of Israel's governance. The use of "commanded" underscores the non-negotiable nature of these laws, reflecting God's sovereign will. This is consistent with the broader context of the Pentateuch, where Moses frequently acts as the mediator between God and the Israelites (Exodus 20:19-21). The statutes are part of the covenantal relationship established at Sinai, where God provided laws to guide the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of His people.

concerning the relationship between a man and his wife
This part of the verse addresses marital dynamics, specifically the authority and responsibility within a marriage. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, the husband held a leadership role within the family. This reflects the patriarchal structure of society at the time, where the husband was seen as the head of the household (Ephesians 5:23). The statutes provided here aim to ensure order and harmony within the family unit, which was foundational to the community's stability. The New Testament echoes this structure, emphasizing mutual love and respect (Ephesians 5:25-33).

and between a father and a young daughter still in his home
This phrase highlights the father's role in the family, particularly concerning his unmarried daughter. In ancient Israel, daughters were under the protection and authority of their fathers until marriage. This reflects the cultural norms of the time, where family honor and lineage were paramount. The father's responsibility included making decisions for his daughter, ensuring her well-being, and arranging her marriage (Genesis 24:1-4). This protective role is seen as a type of Christ's care for the Church, where believers are under His authority and protection (Ephesians 5:29-30). The statutes provided guidance to maintain family integrity and honor, crucial in a society where family was the primary social unit.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD
The divine lawgiver who provides statutes and commandments to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with Him.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of Israel who receives and communicates God's laws to the people. He serves as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

3. A Man and His Wife
Represents the marital relationship, highlighting the authority and responsibility within the family unit as ordained by God.

4. A Father and His Young Daughter
Illustrates the protective and authoritative role of a father over his unmarried daughter, emphasizing family structure and responsibility.

5. The Israelites
The covenant community to whom these statutes are given, representing God's chosen people who are to live according to His laws.
Teaching Points
Divine Order in Family Relationships
God has established a clear order and structure within the family, emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of each member. Understanding and respecting these roles leads to harmony and reflects God's design.

Authority and Responsibility
Authority in the family is coupled with responsibility. Husbands and fathers are called to lead with love and care, ensuring the well-being and spiritual growth of their wives and children.

The Importance of Vows and Commitments
The context of Numbers 30 involves vows, highlighting the seriousness of making commitments before God. This teaches us to be mindful and intentional about the promises we make.

Protection and Provision
The statutes reflect God's concern for the protection and provision of women within the family structure, ensuring they are cared for and not left vulnerable.

Living in Covenant Community
As part of God's covenant people, we are called to live according to His statutes, which includes honoring family relationships and commitments.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Numbers 30:16?

2. How does Numbers 30:16 emphasize the importance of vows in a marriage context?

3. What role do fathers and husbands play in vows according to Numbers 30:16?

4. How can Numbers 30:16 guide us in making commitments today?

5. How does Numbers 30:16 connect to Jesus' teachings on oaths in Matthew 5:33-37?

6. In what ways can we apply the principles of Numbers 30:16 in family life?

7. What does Numbers 30:16 reveal about gender roles in biblical times?

8. How does Numbers 30:16 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israel?

9. Why does Numbers 30:16 emphasize the authority of men over women?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 30?

11. Why did Korah rebel against Moses and Aaron?

12. What are key events in Joshua's life?

13. Why does God's response in Numbers 16:44-45 seem inconsistent with His mercy in other parts of the Bible?

14. What does 'ruach' mean?
What Does Numbers 30:16 Mean
These are the statutes

Numbers 30 closes by emphasizing that what has just been laid out is not suggestion but statute—binding law. The earlier fifteen verses specify how vows may be upheld or annulled in a household. By saying “These are the statutes,” the text roots those household dynamics in God’s unchanging moral order, echoing how other covenant commands are introduced (Exodus 20:1-3; Deuteronomy 4:1-2). Accepted literally, these words settle any debate about whether vow-keeping is optional.

Key implications:

•Vows are sacred promises, not casual words (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6).

•The statutes are comprehensive; nothing is left for human improvisation (Psalm 19:7-8).


the LORD commanded Moses

Authority flows from the LORD, through Moses, to Israel. This continues the consistent pattern of revelation—God speaks, Moses mediates, the people obey (Leviticus 1:1-2; Numbers 1:1). By anchoring family order in divine command, the passage safeguards it from cultural whims. Just as Jesus later affirms Moses’ writings as God’s word (Mark 7:10-13), so we receive this instruction with the same weight today.

Takeaways:

•Obedience to family authority structures is obedience to God (Colossians 3:18-20).

•The chain of command prevents confusion and protects the vulnerable (1 Corinthians 14:33).


concerning the relationship between a man and his wife

Verses 6-15 describe how a husband may confirm or annul his wife’s vows on the day he hears of them. Far from demeaning the wife, this provision underscores the husband’s headship and protective role, much like Christ’s headship over the church (Ephesians 5:23-24). If he remains silent, her vow stands, holding him accountable for the household’s spiritual integrity.

Practical insights:

•Headship is service‐oriented leadership, ensuring that vows do not place the family under undue burden (Ephesians 5:25-28).

•A wife’s spiritual agency is honored; her words matter enough to require deliberate response from her husband (Proverbs 31:26-28).


and between a father and a young daughter still in his home

Verses 3-5 address unmarried daughters. While under her father’s roof, her vows are subject to his immediate confirmation or annulment. The father’s role mirrors God’s fatherly concern—shielding a young woman from impulsive commitments that might harm her future (Psalm 103:13). Once she marries, that responsibility transfers to her husband, preserving continuity of care (Genesis 2:24).

Principles to note:

•Parental authority extends to spiritual promises, not merely household chores (Ephesians 6:1-4).

•The provision highlights a father’s duty to nurture and safeguard his daughter’s well-being, preparing her for adulthood (Proverbs 22:6).


summary

Numbers 30:16 seals the chapter by declaring that every instruction on household vows is a divinely mandated statute. God authorizes Moses to transmit these guidelines, which honor the covenant family structure: husbands lovingly leading wives, fathers protectively guiding daughters. Seen literally, the verse affirms that family headship is not cultural baggage but God’s gracious design to foster accountability, protection, and harmony within the covenant community, a pattern still affirmed throughout Scripture and relevant for believers today.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
אֵ֣לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are the statutes
הַֽחֻקִּ֗ים (ha·ḥuq·qîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2706: Something prescribed or owed, a statute

that
אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

commanded
צִוָּ֤ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

concerning relationships between
בֵּ֥ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

a man
אִ֖ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and his wife,
לְאִשְׁתּ֑וֹ (lə·’iš·tōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

and between
בֵּֽין־ (bên-)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

a father
אָ֣ב (’āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and a young daughter
לְבִתּ֔וֹ (lə·ḇit·tōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

still in his
אָבִֽיהָ׃ (’ā·ḇî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1: Father

home.
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT Law: Numbers 30:16 These are the statutes which Yahweh commanded (Nu Num.)
Numbers 30:15
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