Numbers 30:3
New International Version
“When a young woman still living in her father’s household makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge

New Living Translation
“If a young woman makes a vow to the LORD or a pledge under oath while she is still living at her father’s home,

English Standard Version
“If a woman vows a vow to the LORD and binds herself by a pledge, while within her father’s house in her youth,

Berean Standard Bible
And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge,

King James Bible
If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;

New King James Version
“Or if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, and binds herself by some agreement while in her father’s house in her youth,

New American Standard Bible
“And if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, and puts herself under a binding obligation in her father’s house in her youth,

NASB 1995
“Also if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, and binds herself by an obligation in her father’s house in her youth,

NASB 1977
“Also if a woman makes a vow to the LORD, and binds herself by an obligation in her father’s house in her youth,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Also if a woman makes a vow to Yahweh and binds herself by an obligation in her father’s house in her youth,

Amplified Bible
“Also if a woman makes a vow to the LORD and binds herself by a pledge [of abstinence], while living in her father’s house in her youth,

Christian Standard Bible
“When a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or puts herself under an obligation,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or puts herself under an obligation,

American Standard Version
Also when a woman voweth a vow unto Jehovah, and bindeth herself by a bond, being in her father's house, in her youth,

Contemporary English Version
Suppose a young woman who is still living with her parents makes a promise to the LORD.

English Revised Version
Also when a woman voweth a vow unto the LORD, and bindeth herself by a bond, being in her father's house, in her youth;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"A young girl, who still lives in her father's house, might make a vow to the LORD that she will do something or swear an oath that she won't do something.

Good News Translation
When a young woman still living in her father's house makes a vow to give something to the LORD or promises to abstain from something,

International Standard Version
"When a young woman makes a vow to the LORD or pledges herself to an obligation while she still lives in her father's house,

Majority Standard Bible
And if a woman in her father?s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge,

NET Bible
"If a young woman who is still living in her father's house makes a vow to the LORD or places herself under an obligation,

New Heart English Bible
"Also when a woman vows a vow to the LORD, and binds herself by a bond, being in her father's house, in her youth,

Webster's Bible Translation
If a woman also shall vow a vow to the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;

World English Bible
“Also, when a woman vows a vow to Yahweh and binds herself by a pledge, being in her father’s house, in her youth,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when a woman vows a vow to YHWH, and has bound a bond in the house of her father in her youth,

Young's Literal Translation
'And when a woman voweth a vow to Jehovah, and hath bound a bond in the house of her father in her youth,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a woman when she shall vow a vow to Jehovah, and bind a binding in the house of her father, in her youth;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If a woman vow any thing, and bind herself by an oath, being in her father's house, and but yet a girl in age: if her father knew the vow that she hath promised, and the oath wherewith she hath bound her soul, and held his peace, she shall be bound by the vow:

Catholic Public Domain Version
If a woman, who is in her father’s house, vows anything, or binds herself by an oath, and she is still in a state of childhood, if her father knew of the vow which she has promised or of the oath by which she has obligated her soul, and he kept silent, she shall be liable to the vow:

New American Bible
“When a woman makes a vow to the LORD, or binds herself to a pledge, while still in her father’s house in her youth,

New Revised Standard Version
When a woman makes a vow to the LORD, or binds herself by a pledge, while within her father’s house, in her youth,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If a woman also vows a vow to the LORD and binds herself by a bond while she is in her father's house in her youth,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when a woman will vow a vow to LORD JEHOVAH and she shall bind a bond on herself in her youth in the house of her father:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Also when a woman voweth a vow unto the LORD, and bindeth herself by a bond, being in her father's house, in her youth,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And if a woman shall vow a vow to the Lord, or bind herself with an obligation in her youth in her father's house; and her father should hear her vows and her obligations, wherewith she has bound her soul, and her father should hold his peace at her, then all her vows shall stand,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Laws Concerning Vows
2If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. 3And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, 4and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand.…

Cross References
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 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. ...

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.”

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

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. ...

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.

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.”

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.”

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.

1 Corinthians 7:25
Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.

Jonah 2:9
But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”

Psalm 66:13-14
I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— / the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.

Acts 21:23-24
Therefore do what we advise you. There are four men with us who have taken a vow. / Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth to these rumors about you, but that you also live in obedience to the law.

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


Treasury of Scripture

If a woman also vow a vow to the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;

Jump to Previous
Authority Bind Bindeth Binds Bond Bound Herself House Makes Obligates Obligation Pledge Undertaking Vow Voweth Vows Within Young Youth
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Authority Bind Bindeth Binds Bond Bound Herself House Makes Obligates Obligation Pledge Undertaking Vow Voweth Vows Within Young Youth
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














And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth
In ancient Israelite society, a woman's status was closely tied to her family, particularly her father. This phrase indicates that the woman is under her father's authority, reflecting the patriarchal structure of the time. The concept of a woman being in her father's house signifies her dependence and the protection she receives from her family. This context is crucial for understanding the legal and social dynamics at play, as women were often considered under the guardianship of their fathers until marriage. This is similar to the cultural practices seen in Genesis 24, where Rebekah is under her family's authority until her marriage to Isaac.

makes a vow to the LORD
Vows were solemn promises made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act or to abstain from certain activities. In the biblical context, vows were taken very seriously, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, which warns against making vows lightly. The act of making a vow to the LORD indicates a personal and spiritual commitment, reflecting the individual's relationship with God. This practice underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's spiritual life, as vows were considered binding and sacred.

or obligates herself by a pledge
A pledge, similar to a vow, involves a commitment or promise, often with a specific condition or action attached. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, pledges could involve various forms of dedication, such as offerings or acts of service. The distinction between a vow and a pledge may lie in the nature or scope of the commitment. This phrase highlights the seriousness with which personal commitments were regarded, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before making such promises. The concept of pledges can be seen in other parts of Scripture, such as in the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, where she pledges her son Samuel to the LORD's service.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Young Woman
Refers to a female who is still under the authority of her father, indicating her unmarried status and her position within the family structure.

2. Father's House
Represents the household where the young woman resides, under the authority and protection of her father, which was a common cultural setting in ancient Israel.

3. Vow to the LORD
A solemn promise or commitment made to God, which was a serious and binding act in the Israelite community.

4. Obligates Herself by a Pledge
Indicates a personal commitment or promise that the young woman makes, which could involve various forms of dedication or service.
Teaching Points
Understanding Authority and Responsibility
The passage highlights the role of authority within the family structure, emphasizing the father's responsibility in overseeing vows made by his daughter. This reflects the broader biblical principle of authority and accountability within the family and community.

The Seriousness of Vows
Making a vow to the LORD is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. This teaches us about the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our promises to God and others.

Cultural Context and Modern Application
While the cultural context of a father's authority over his daughter may differ today, the principle of seeking wise counsel and accountability in making commitments remains relevant.

Personal Integrity and Honesty
The passage encourages believers to be people of their word, reflecting God's faithfulness in their own lives by fulfilling promises and commitments.(3) If a woman also . . . --Four distinct cases are contemplated in the following verses in regard to vows taken by women:--(1) that of an unmarried woman, living, in her youth, in the house of her father; (2) that of a woman who is unmarried at the time of making a vow, but enters into the state of marriage before the vow is fulfilled; (3) that of a widow, or of a divorced woman; and (4) that of a married woman. The sanctity and obligations of the fifth commandment are distinctly recognised and enforced in these verses. (See Matthew 15:4-5.) Whenever the vow which the young daughter had made should come to the ears of her father, he had the power either to ratify or to disannul it. If he remained silent the vow was ratified; if he disallowed the vow, the obligation to fulfil it no longer remained in force.

Verse 3. - If a woman vow a vow. The fragmentary nature of this section appears from the fact that, after laying down the general principle of the sacredness of vows, it proceeds to qualify it in three special cases only of vows made by women under authority. That vows made by boys were irreversible is exceedingly unlikely; and indeed it is obvious that many cases must have occurred, neither mentioned here nor in Leviticus 27, in which the obligation could not stand absolute. In her father's house in her youth. Case first, of a girl in her father's house, who had no property of her own, and whose personal services were due to her father.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And if
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

a woman
וְאִשָּׁ֕ה (wə·’iš·šāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

in her father’s
אָבִ֖יהָ (’ā·ḇî·hā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1: Father

house
בְּבֵ֥ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

during her youth
בִּנְעֻרֶֽיהָ׃ (bin·‘u·re·hā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5271: Youth, the state, the persons

makes
תִדֹּ֥ר (ṯid·dōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5087: To promise

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

to the LORD
לַיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

or obligates herself
וְאָסְרָ֥ה (wə·’ā·sə·rāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle

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


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OT Law: Numbers 30:3 Also when a woman vows a vow (Nu Num.)
Numbers 30:2
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