Jump to: Smith's • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a vow is a solemn promise made to God, often accompanied by an oath, to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or abstain from certain activities. Vows are a significant aspect of the religious and moral life in the Scriptures, reflecting a deep commitment to God and His commandments.Old Testament Context The concept of vows is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where they are often associated with personal devotion and worship. The Hebrew word for vow, "neder," appears frequently in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Vows were voluntary but, once made, were considered binding and sacred. In Leviticus 27, the Lord provides detailed instructions regarding the fulfillment of vows, particularly those involving the dedication of persons, animals, or property to the Lord. The chapter outlines the valuation and redemption process for various types of vows, emphasizing the seriousness with which they were to be treated. Numbers 30:2 states, "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in fulfilling one's vows. The account of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 illustrates the personal nature of vows. Hannah, in her deep distress over her barrenness, vows to dedicate her son to the Lord if He grants her a child. Her vow is fulfilled with the birth of Samuel, whom she dedicates to the Lord's service. New Testament Context In the New Testament, vows are less frequently mentioned, but the principle of making and keeping promises remains significant. Jesus addresses the issue of oaths and vows in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity in speech. Matthew 5:33-37 records Jesus' teaching: "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." The Apostle Paul also makes reference to vows in Acts 18:18, where he is described as having taken a vow, likely a Nazirite vow, which involved abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead (Numbers 6:1-21). Theological Significance Vows in the Bible are a reflection of one's devotion and commitment to God. They are acts of worship and expressions of faith, often made in times of distress or gratitude. The making of a vow is a serious matter, as it involves a promise to God, who is faithful and just. The Scriptures consistently teach that God expects His people to be truthful and to honor their commitments, reflecting His own nature. The biblical teaching on vows also highlights the importance of careful consideration before making promises. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 advises, "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." In summary, vows are a profound expression of faith and dedication in the biblical narrative, calling believers to a life of integrity, honesty, and devotion to God. Smith's Bible Dictionary VowsA vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform or to abstain from performing a certain thing. The earliest mention of a vow is that of Jacob. (Genesis 28:18-22; 31:13) Vows in general are also mentioned in the book of Job, (Job 22:27) The law therefore did not introduce, but regulated the practice of, vows. Three sorts are mentioned: 1, Vows of devotion; 2, Vows of abstinence; 3, Vows of destruction.
Easton's Bible Dictionary Voluntary promises which, when once made, were to be kept if the thing vowed was right. They were made under a great variety of circumstances (Genesis 28: 18-22; Leviticus 7:16; Numbers 30:2-13; Deuteronomy 23:18; Judges 11:30, 39; 1 Samuel 1:11; Jonah 1:16; Acts 18:18; 21:23). Greek 1964. epiorkeo -- to swear falsely ... falsely. Word Origin from epiorkos Definition to swear falsely NASB Word Usage make false vows (1). perjure, swear falsely. From ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1964.htm - 6k 3727. horkos -- an oath Strong's Hebrew 5087. nadar -- to vow... root Definition to vow NASB Word Usage made (7), make (3), make vows (1), makes (2), takes (1), vow (6), vowed (8), vowing (1), vows (2), you will vow (1). ... /hebrew/5087.htm - 6k 5088. neder -- a vow Library Of Monastic Vows. Whether it is Expedient to Take Vows? Whether all Vows are Binding? Whether Vows Admit of Dispensation? Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Of the Impediment of Vows and Orders (Four Articles) That the Vows of those in Holy Orders and of Monks, and of Nuns ... Youth Resolving by Vows and Prayer to Serve the Lord. Psalm 116:2. 12 &C. Second Part. Vows Made in Trouble Paid in the ... Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. Thesaurus Vows (38 Occurrences)... 21:23). Multi-Version Concordance Vows (38 Occurrences). Matthew 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time,'You ... /v/vows.htm - 19k Votive (13 Occurrences) Obligation (17 Occurrences) Freewill (27 Occurrences) Pledges (15 Occurrences) Vowed (34 Occurrences) Obligated (9 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Vow (49 Occurrences) Resources What sort of things should be in Christian wedding/marriage vows? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vows (38 Occurrences)Matthew 5:33 Leviticus 22:18 Leviticus 23:38 Numbers 6:21 Numbers 29:39 Numbers 30:2 Numbers 30:3 Numbers 30:4 Numbers 30:5 Numbers 30:6 Numbers 30:7 Numbers 30:11 Numbers 30:12 Numbers 30:14 Deuteronomy 12:6 Deuteronomy 12:11 Deuteronomy 12:26 2 Kings 12:4 Job 22:27 Psalms 22:25 Psalms 50:14 Psalms 56:12 Psalms 61:5 Psalms 61:8 Psalms 65:1 Psalms 66:13 Psalms 76:11 Psalms 116:14 Psalms 116:18 Proverbs 7:14 Proverbs 20:25 Proverbs 31:2 Isaiah 19:21 Jeremiah 11:15 Jeremiah 44:25 Jonah 1:16 Nahum 1:15 Malachi 1:14 Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |
    |