Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or divorced woman will be binding on her. New Living Translation If, however, a woman is a widow or is divorced, she must fulfill all her vows and pledges. English Standard Version (But any vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, anything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.) Berean Standard Bible Every vow a widow or divorced woman pledges to fulfill is binding on her. King James Bible But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. New King James Version “Also any vow of a widow or a divorced woman, by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her. New American Standard Bible “But as for the vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, every binding obligation under which she has put herself, shall remain valid against her. NASB 1995 “But the vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, everything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her. NASB 1977 “But the vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, everything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her. Legacy Standard Bible “But the vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, everything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her. Amplified Bible “But the vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, everything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her. Christian Standard Bible “Every vow a widow or divorced woman puts herself under is binding on her. Holman Christian Standard Bible Every vow a widow or divorced woman puts herself under is binding on her.” American Standard Version But the vow of a widow, or of her that is divorced, even everything wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand against her. Contemporary English Version Widows and divorced women must keep every promise they make to the LORD. English Revised Version But the vow of a widow, or of her that is divorced, even every thing wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand against her. GOD'S WORD® Translation "But a widow or a divorced woman must keep her vow or her promise. Good News Translation A widow or a divorced woman must keep every vow she makes and every promise to abstain from something. International Standard Version "Everything that a widow or a divorced woman pledges herself to fulfill are to be binding on her. NET Bible "But every vow of a widow or of a divorced woman which she has pledged for herself will remain intact. New Heart English Bible "But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, everything with which she has bound her soul, shall stand against her. Webster's Bible Translation But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, with which they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEvery vow a widow or divorced woman pledges to fulfill is binding on her. World English Bible “But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, everything with which she has bound her soul shall stand against her. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs for the vow of a widow or cast-out woman, all that she has bound on her soul is established on her. Young's Literal Translation 'As to the vow of a widow or cast-out woman, all that she hath bound on her soul is established on her. Smith's Literal Translation And the vow of a widow, and of her driven away, all which she bound upon her soul shall stand upon her. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe widow, and she that is divorced, shall fulfil whatsoever they vow. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible (The vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, however, any pledge to which such a woman binds herself, is valid.) New Revised Standard Version (But every vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, by which she has bound herself, shall be binding upon her.) Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut as to the vow of a widow or a deserted woman, everything by which she has bound herself shall stand against her. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the entire vow of a widow or of an abandoned woman that she binds on herself will be confirmed for her. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But the vow of a widow, or of her that is divorced, even every thing wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand against her. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the vow of a widow and of her that is put away, whatsoever she shall bind upon her soul, shall stand to her. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Laws Concerning Vows…8But if her husband prohibits her when he hears of it, he nullifies the vow that binds her or the rash promise she has made, and the LORD will absolve her. 9Every vow a widow or divorced woman pledges to fulfill is binding on her. 10If a woman in her husband’s house has made a vow or put herself under an obligation with an oath,… Cross References 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. 1 Timothy 5:3-5 Honor the widows who are truly widows. / But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. / The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers. 1 Timothy 5:9-10 A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, faithful to her husband, / and well known for good deeds such as bringing up children, entertaining strangers, washing the feet of the saints, imparting relief to the afflicted, and devoting herself to every good work. 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. / But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:32-34 I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. 1 Timothy 5:14 So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their households, denying the adversary occasion for slander. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:25-28 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. / Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is. / Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife. ... 1 Corinthians 7:40 In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. 1 Timothy 5:16 If any believing woman has dependent widows, she must assist them and not allow the church to be burdened, so that it can help the widows who are truly in need. Exodus 22:22-24 You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. / If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. / My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children will be fatherless. Deuteronomy 24:17 Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” Jeremiah 49:11 Abandon your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Let your widows trust in Me.” Treasury of Scripture But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, with which they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God. Luke 2:37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Romans 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. Jump to Previous Binding Bound Divorced Established Herself Husband Longer Married Oath Obligation Soul Souls Stand Undertaking Wherewith WidowJump to Next Binding Bound Divorced Established Herself Husband Longer Married Oath Obligation Soul Souls Stand Undertaking Wherewith WidowNumbers 30 1. Vows are not to be broken3. The exceptions of a maid's vows 6. Of a wife's 9. Of a widow's or her that is divorced Every vow a widow or divorced woman pledges to fulfill In the context of ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act or to abstain from certain activities. The cultural and historical backdrop of this passage is significant, as women in ancient Israelite society were generally under the authority of their fathers or husbands. However, widows and divorced women were exceptions, as they were not under the direct authority of a male figure. This phrase highlights their autonomy in making vows, reflecting a degree of independence in their spiritual commitments. The emphasis on personal responsibility underscores the seriousness with which vows were regarded in the biblical context. is binding on her. Persons / Places / Events 1. WidowA woman whose husband has died. In the context of ancient Israel, widows often had a vulnerable social status, lacking the protection and provision typically provided by a husband. 2. Divorced Woman A woman who has been legally separated from her husband. In the cultural context of the Old Testament, divorced women also faced social and economic challenges. 3. Vows A solemn promise or commitment made to God. In the Israelite tradition, vows were taken seriously and were considered binding. 4. Israelite Community The broader context of this passage is the community of Israel, which was governed by laws given through Moses to maintain order and holiness. 5. Moses The leader of the Israelites who received the Law from God and communicated it to the people. He is the central figure in the account of the Pentateuch, including the book of Numbers. Teaching Points The Importance of IntegrityVows are a matter of integrity before God. Whether one is a widow, divorced, or in any other state, the commitment made to God is binding and should be honored. God's Care for the Vulnerable The inclusion of widows and divorced women in this law reflects God's concern for all individuals, regardless of their social status. It underscores the value and dignity of every person in God's eyes. Personal Responsibility Each individual is responsible for their commitments to God. This passage teaches personal accountability, reminding us that our words and promises matter. The Weight of Our Words In a culture where words can be easily dismissed, this passage challenges us to consider the weight of our promises and the importance of following through on our commitments. Trust in God's Provision For widows and divorced women, making vows could be an act of faith, trusting in God's provision and care. This encourages us to rely on God in all circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 30:9?2. How does Numbers 30:9 emphasize the importance of personal accountability in vows? 3. What role does Numbers 30:9 assign to widows and divorced women regarding vows? 4. How can we apply the principle of vow-keeping in our daily commitments? 5. Compare Numbers 30:9 with Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 on fulfilling promises to God. 6. How does understanding Numbers 30:9 influence our view of personal responsibility today? 7. What is the significance of Numbers 30:9 regarding women's vows in biblical times? 8. How does Numbers 30:9 reflect the cultural context of ancient Israelite society? 9. Why are widows and divorced women treated differently in Numbers 30:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 30? 11. Do you fulfill your vows to God faithfully? 12. Numbers 30 portrays women's vows as contingent on male approval. Where is the historical or archeological evidence that such laws were regularly enforced in ancient Israel? 13. In Numbers 30:5, how does a father annulling his daughter's vow reflect consistent divine justice if it removes her personal accountability before God? 14. In Numbers 30:6-8, why can a husband nullify his wife's vow while no reciprocal right is given, and does this contradict Galatians 3:28's teaching on equality? What Does Numbers 30:9 Mean Every vow• Numbers 30 is regulating “vows to the LORD,” promises made voluntarily and solemnly (Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21–23). • Scripture consistently treats a vow as a sacred commitment: “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay in paying it” (Ecclesiastes 5:4). • The verse begins by reminding us that no vow is casual; every spoken promise is noticed in heaven (Psalm 15:4; Matthew 5:37). A widow • In Israel a widow had no husband to represent her in legal or spiritual matters, so she bore full responsibility for her own words (1 Timothy 5:5). • God’s law protects widows (Exodus 22:22; Psalm 68:5) yet here also dignifies them as capable, accountable adults. • The verse affirms that widowhood does not suspend moral obligation; the covenant‐keeping God expects integrity regardless of life’s losses. Or divorced woman • A divorced woman likewise stands without a husband’s legal covering (Deuteronomy 24:1–4). • By including her, the text stresses personal accountability even when relational structures have shifted (Malachi 2:16; John 4:17–18 shows Jesus engaging divorced status honestly). • Both widow and divorced woman are treated equally before the Lord in the arena of vows, underscoring His impartiality (Acts 10:34). Pledges to fulfill • “Pledges to fulfill” highlights deliberate intention—these women are not pressured but choose to bind themselves (Joshua 24:21–23). • The act of pledging reflects devotion; Hannah’s vow for Samuel illustrates godly follow‐through (1 Samuel 1:11, 27–28). • Scripture warns against rash promises (Proverbs 20:25); thoughtful commitment is the goal. Is binding on her • Earlier in the chapter, a father or husband could annul a daughter’s or wife’s vow on the day he heard it (Numbers 30:5, 8). • With no such male head, the woman’s vow “is binding on her”—final and enforceable (Joshua 9:19 shows national binding). • The principle reinforces that God respects individual agency while expecting fidelity (James 5:12; Galatians 6:5). summary Numbers 30:9 teaches that when a widow or divorced woman voluntarily makes a vow to the Lord, her word stands firm. Without a husband’s authority to confirm or cancel, she alone carries the responsibility to keep her promise. The verse elevates personal integrity, upholds equal accountability before God, and reminds every believer that vows are sacred commitments not to be taken lightly. Verse 9. - Every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced. This is not one of the cases treated of in this section (see verse 16), but is only mentioned in order to point out that it falls under the general principle laid down in verse 2.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Everyכֹּ֛ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every vow וְנֵ֥דֶר (wə·nê·ḏer) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised a widow אַלְמָנָ֖ה (’al·mā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 490: A widow, a desolate place or divorced woman וּגְרוּשָׁ֑ה (ū·ḡə·rū·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 1644: To drive out from a, possession, to expatriate, divorce pledges to fulfill אָסְרָ֥ה (’ā·sə·rāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 631: To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle is binding יָק֥וּם (yā·qūm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand on her. עָלֶֽיהָ׃ (‘ā·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Numbers 30:9 NIVNumbers 30:9 NLT Numbers 30:9 ESV Numbers 30:9 NASB Numbers 30:9 KJV Numbers 30:9 BibleApps.com Numbers 30:9 Biblia Paralela Numbers 30:9 Chinese Bible Numbers 30:9 French Bible Numbers 30:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 30:9 But the vow of a widow (Nu Num.) |
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