The term "vowest" is an archaic form of the verb "vow," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including older versions like the King James Version. In the context of the Bible, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or abstain from certain behaviors. Vows are significant in biblical narratives and are treated with great seriousness, as they are made directly to God.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the Old Testament, vows are frequently mentioned and are considered binding. The Hebrew word for vow, "neder," signifies a promise made to God, often in exchange for divine favor or intervention. The seriousness of vows is underscored in passages such as Numbers 30:2 : "When 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."

One of the most notable examples of a vow in the Old Testament is the vow of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:11 , Hannah makes a vow to the Lord, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if You will indeed look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but give her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head." This vow reflects the deep personal commitment and faith of Hannah, and God honors her vow by granting her a son, Samuel, who becomes a significant prophet in Israel.

In the New Testament, the concept of vows continues, though with a shift in emphasis. Jesus addresses the issue of vows in the Sermon on the Mount, urging His followers to be people of integrity whose simple "yes" or "no" should suffice, as seen in 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... Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For anything more comes from the evil one."

Theological Significance

Vows in the Bible underscore the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's relationship with God. They are not to be made lightly, as they represent a binding commitment before the Almighty. The making and keeping of vows reflect a heart devoted to God and a life lived in obedience to His will.

The Bible also warns against rash vows, as seen in the account of Jephthah in Judges 11. Jephthah makes a hasty vow to sacrifice whatever comes out of his house to meet him if he returns victorious from battle. Tragically, his daughter is the first to greet him, highlighting the potential consequences of making vows without careful consideration.

Practical Application

For believers today, the principle of making and keeping vows remains relevant. While the cultural context may differ, the underlying call to integrity and faithfulness in commitments is timeless. Christians are encouraged to be thoughtful and prayerful when making promises, ensuring that their words align with God's will and their ability to fulfill them.

In summary, "vowest" represents a deep and solemn commitment to God, reflecting a heart of devotion and integrity. The biblical teaching on vows serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which we should approach our promises to God and others.

Lessons for Worship and for Work
... let thy words be few.3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and
a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.4. When thou vowest a vow unto ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/lessons for worship and for.htm

Of Prayer.
... the exact force of the words it may be thus represented: "I will pay my prayers
unto the Lord." And this which we find in Ecclesiastes: "If thou vowest a vow ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xii of prayer.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... Such are these""Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God."[333] "When thou vowest a vow
unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... "When," saith he, "thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath
no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed." God will not admit our ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Vowest (3 Occurrences)
...Vowest (3 Occurrences). ... Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not
to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. ...
/v/vowest.htm - 7k

Delay (47 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 23:21 When thou vowest a vow to Jehovah thy God, thou shalt not delay
to perform it; for Jehovah thy God will certainly require it of thee, and it ...
/d/delay.htm - 21k

Paying (17 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for
He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou vowest. (See NAS RSV). ...
/p/paying.htm - 11k

Vowed (34 Occurrences)
... thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings
of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy ...
/v/vowed.htm - 17k

Voweth (8 Occurrences)

/v/voweth.htm - 8k

Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences)
... gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings
of thy kine or of thy sheep, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy ...
/v/voluntary-offerings.htm - 7k

Vowedst (1 Occurrence)

/v/vowedst.htm - 6k

Kine (24 Occurrences)
... gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings
of thy kine or of thy sheep, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy ...
/k/kine.htm - 16k

Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences)
... thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings
of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy ...
/f/free-will-offerings.htm - 8k

Firstlings (7 Occurrences)
... thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings
of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy ...
/f/firstlings.htm - 8k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus