Numbers 30 11

Numbers 30:11 kjv

And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

Numbers 30:11 nkjv

and her husband heard it, and made no response to her and did not overrule her, then all her vows shall stand, and every agreement by which she bound herself shall stand.

Numbers 30:11 niv

and her husband hears about it but says nothing to her and does not forbid her, then all her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand.

Numbers 30:11 esv

and her husband heard of it and said nothing to her and did not oppose her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge by which she bound herself shall stand.

Numbers 30:11 nlt

If her husband hears of it and does not object to it, her vow or pledge will stand.

Numbers 30 verses

Numbers 30 11 Meaning

Numbers 30:11 details a specific legal and theological principle concerning vows made by a married woman. It states that if a husband, upon hearing his wife's vow or sworn obligation, immediately annuls it, then the vow becomes non-binding. Consequently, the wife is absolved of any guilt or responsibility before the Lord for not fulfilling an obligation that her husband has invalidated, because it was made null and void by the divinely sanctioned authority of her husband.

Numbers 30 11 Context

Numbers chapter 30 specifically outlines the legal provisions regarding vows (neder) and binding obligations ('issar) made by individuals in ancient Israel. The chapter establishes a hierarchy of authority regarding the validity of such oaths:

1. A man's vow: Always binding upon him and unchangeable (Num 30:2).
2. An unmarried daughter's vow: Can be confirmed or annulled by her father "on the day he hears" of it (Num 30:3-5). If he remains silent, it stands.
3. A married woman's vow: The primary focus of Num 30:6-16. Her husband holds the authority to either confirm or nullify her vows and obligations. Verse 11 reiterates this point specifically, dealing with the direct nullification by the husband upon hearing the vow. This law underscores the patriarchal societal structure where the husband served as the head of the household and had significant legal authority over his wife, protecting the unity and economic well-being of the family, and ensuring consistency within the household regarding spiritual obligations. It also prevents rash vows from creating unintended burdens on the household. The phrase "on the day he hears them" is critical, indicating that silence or delayed objection constitutes approval, making the vow binding.

Numbers 30 11 Word analysis

• But if: (Hebrew: və'im - וְאִם) Introduces a conditional clause, specifically a reversal or exception to previous clauses about binding vows. It signifies a pivotal scenario in the law concerning a married woman's vow.
• her husband: (Hebrew: ba'alah - בַּעְלָהּ) Refers to the man who holds the position of "master" or "lord" over his wife in the familial context. This term emphasizes the hierarchical authority structure inherent in the marriage covenant of that time. The husband's headship is not merely social but divinely ordained for household governance and legal responsibility.
• makes them null and void: (Hebrew: yephēr - יָפֵר, from root pārar - פָּרַר) The verb means "to break," "to annul," "to frustrate," "to make invalid," or "to destroy." This is a powerful legal term signifying complete cancellation or abrogation. It indicates a decisive action that strips the vow of all legal and spiritual force.
• on the day he hears them: This temporal clause is crucial. It sets a strict time limit for the husband's intervention. His authority to nullify the vow is immediate upon learning of it. Delay or silence is interpreted as implicit consent or confirmation (qum - קוּם, to establish/stand) of the vow (Num 30:14). This prevents uncertainty and establishes clear responsibility.
• then whatever issued from her lips: This refers to the verbal act of making a vow or a binding obligation. It highlights that the words themselves carry spiritual and legal weight until annulled. It emphasizes the solemnity of spoken commitments.
• concerning her vows: (Hebrew: nederah - נֶדֶר) A vow, usually a free-will promise made to God, often involving abstinence or a dedication, distinct from a legal contract.
• or her sworn obligation: (Hebrew: 'issarah - אִסָּר) A broader term than neder, referring to a binding oath or a self-imposed prohibition or restraint. It signifies a pledge of self-denial or commitment by an oath. The inclusion of both terms indicates comprehensiveness.
• will not stand; (Hebrew: lō' yāqum - לֹא יָקֻם) Literally, "it will not arise" or "it will not be established." This is the legal outcome of the nullification: the vow loses its validity and binding power. It is rendered unenforceable and non-existent in terms of obligation.
• her husband has made them null and void: This phrase is a repetition and emphatic restatement of the husband's decisive action, reinforcing his final authority in the matter. The repetition ensures clarity on who is responsible for the nullification.
• and the Lord will forgive her: This is the theological lynchpin of the verse. The forgiveness granted by God is not for the breaking of a valid vow, but for the non-fulfillment of an obligation that never legally or spiritually stood because it was annulled by an authority ordained by God. This ensures that the woman is not held accountable by God for failing to perform something her husband, within his divine sphere of authority, prevented her from fulfilling. God's justice is perfect, aligning with the established laws of household governance. It highlights God's grace and consistency with His own ordinances.

Numbers 30 11 Bonus section

• The parar (void/annul) root appears frequently in legal and covenant contexts, denoting the breaking or invalidation of agreements, promises, or laws. Its use here reinforces the absolute nature of the husband's legal action.
• The emphasis on "the day he hears" underscores the importance of swift communication and decisiveness in legal matters in ancient Israel, as tacit approval (silence beyond a day) was deemed confirmation.
• This passage highlights the communal aspect of vows; they are not purely individual, as they can impact the household and therefore require the head of the household's consent to be fully valid.
• The "forgiveness" here is a forensic declaration of non-liability rather than a propitiatory forgiveness for moral transgression. The act itself—not performing the voided vow—is not considered a sin in God's eyes.
• This law, far from being restrictive, provided protection for the woman, ensuring she was not trapped by a rash vow that could cause undue hardship for her household or place her in conflict with her husband. It provided a safety valve within the framework of her marital obligations.

Numbers 30 11 Commentary

Numbers 30:11 serves as a crucial legal clarification within the broader context of biblical laws regarding vows. It highlights the divine order of headship within the family unit, specifically the husband's authority over his wife concerning vows. This authority is not arbitrary but operates within clear parameters: the nullification must occur "on the day he hears" the vow. This prompt action prevents the vow from becoming binding and avoids potential conflict or sin against God. The most significant theological insight here is "the Lord will forgive her." This forgiveness is not an act of pardoning sin, but rather an assurance that the woman is absolved of any obligation before God because the vow itself has been divinely deemed invalid due to her husband's legitimate annulment. God does not hold her accountable for an obligation that His own law has permitted to be cancelled. This demonstrates God's perfect justice and mercy, aligning human and divine spheres of responsibility in a coherent legal framework, protecting the woman from unwitting transgression due to a familial authority structure God Himself established. It underscores that God upholds the order He institutes.