Deuteronomy 23 23

Deuteronomy 23:23 kjv

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:23 nkjv

That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform, for you voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:23 niv

Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:23 esv

You shall be careful to do what has passed your lips, for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God what you have promised with your mouth.

Deuteronomy 23:23 nlt

But once you have voluntarily made a vow, be careful to fulfill your promise to the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 23 verses

Deuteronomy 23 23 Meaning

Deuteronomy 23:23 emphasizes the sanctity and binding nature of any word spoken as a promise or dedication to the LORD. Once an individual voluntarily makes a vow or commitment, especially concerning a freewill offering, it must be kept and performed without delay. The verse highlights the seriousness with which spoken words, particularly those directed towards God, are regarded in the divine economy, requiring integrity and faithfulness from the one who makes the promise.

Deuteronomy 23 23 Context

Deuteronomy 23:23 is nestled within a section of various civil and religious statutes, ranging from acceptable community membership and hygiene to laws concerning financial integrity and compassionate treatment of neighbors (Deut 23:1-25:19). Specifically, verses 21-23 address the issue of vows. In ancient Israel, vows were solemn commitments made to God, often voluntary and distinct from the regularly mandated offerings or tithes. These promises could be made during times of distress, as expressions of gratitude, or as dedications. The cultural context held such spoken agreements with high regard; breaking a promise, especially one made to the divine, was considered a serious offense that reflected on one's character and respect for God. This emphasis on fulfilling vows served to distinguish Israel's walk with Yahweh from the often capricious and manipulative interactions with pagan deities; Israel's God demanded truthfulness and integrity in worship and personal conduct, aligning human words with actions.

Deuteronomy 23 23 Word analysis

• That which is gone out of thy lips (motza sefateyka, מוֹצָא שְׂפָתֶיךָ): This phrase literally means "the outgoing of your lips." It powerfully emphasizes the verbal nature of the commitment. The spoken word was not ephemeral but carried substantial weight and binding power in the ancient Near East, particularly when made to God. It highlights a deliberate, conscious articulation, indicating an intention and promise.
• thou shalt keep (tishmor, תִּשְׁמֹר): From the root shamar, meaning "to guard," "to watch over," "to observe," "to fulfill." This command underscores the responsibility to faithfully retain the memory and purpose of the vow, ensuring it remains valid and unaffected by neglect or forgetfulness.
• and perform (va'asita, וְעָשִׂיתָ): From the root 'asah, meaning "to do," "to make," "to accomplish," "to carry out." This term adds the dimension of action, indicating that the vow is not merely to be remembered but actively brought to completion. It implies the necessary effort and means to fulfill the stated promise.
• even a freewill offering (nidvat, נִדְבַת): Derived from nadav, meaning "to volunteer," "to be willing." This specifically clarifies the nature of the vow being discussed. It highlights that while the making of the vow is completely voluntary and uncoerced by any law, the fulfillment of it, once made, becomes absolutely binding. It is a gift given out of one's own initiative and generosity, yet the commitment associated with it is firm.
• according as thou hast vowed (nadarta, נָדַרְתָּ): From the verb nadar, meaning "to vow" or "to dedicate by vow." This is the core act of pledging to God, a solemn declaration to do something or give something. The wording "according as thou hast vowed" signifies that the performance must correspond precisely to the terms of the original promise.
• unto the LORD thy God (Yahweh Eloheka, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ): This is the recipient of the vow, the personal covenant God of Israel. Directing the vow to "the LORD thy God" imbues it with profound religious significance, making its fulfillment an act of piety and reverence, and its breach a transgression against God Himself. This divine connection elevates the vow far beyond a mere human agreement.
• which thou hast promised with thy mouth (dibarta be-ficha, דִּבַּרְתָּ בְּפִיךָ): This phrase serves as emphatic repetition of "that which is gone out of thy lips," reinforcing the importance of the spoken word. It leaves no room for ambiguity or claims of unintentional utterance. It emphasizes the conscious, articulate intention behind the vow, validating its binding nature.

Deuteronomy 23 23 Bonus section

The concept of keeping one's word before God is intimately linked to God's own character, as He is described throughout Scripture as utterly faithful to His promises (Num 23:19). When humanity fulfills its vows, it mirrors, however imperfectly, the divine consistency. Conversely, breaking a vow is akin to treating God lightly, presuming upon His patience, and can be seen as an act of treachery or contempt for sacred obligation. The New Covenant does not abolish the principle of truthfulness in speech but internalizes and elevates it. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:33-37 discourage casual oath-taking, not to diminish the seriousness of a promise but to imply that a believer's everyday "yes" should be so reliably true that a formal oath becomes unnecessary. The Spirit's indwelling enables believers to live lives marked by integrity, making all their spoken commitments trustworthy, whether explicitly a "vow" or a simple promise.

Deuteronomy 23 23 Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:23 articulates a fundamental principle of integrity: what one speaks, especially as a promise to the Most High God, must be faithfully executed. The voluntary nature of a vow is juxtaposed with the absolute necessity of its fulfillment. While the decision to vow is optional, once "gone out of thy lips" and "promised with thy mouth," it transitions from an option to a divine obligation. This commandment underscores God's value of sincerity and truthfulness in His people's interactions with Him. It implies that loose speech and unfulfilled promises not only demonstrate a lack of personal integrity but also disrespect towards the holy God to whom the promise was made. The "freewill offering" aspect clarifies that generosity is welcomed, but consistency in follow-through is paramount. For believers today, this verse teaches that our word must be trustworthy, not just to God but also to others, reflecting God's own unchangeable faithfulness.

Examples: A person vowing a specific amount to God's work during a time of need, and then being obligated to pay it; a promise to dedicate a specific portion of time or talent to God in service, which must then be diligently carried out.