Numbers 30 14

Numbers 30:14 kjv

But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.

Numbers 30:14 nkjv

Now if her husband makes no response whatever to her from day to day, then he confirms all her vows or all the agreements that bind her; he confirms them, because he made no response to her on the day that he heard them.

Numbers 30:14 niv

But if her husband says nothing to her about it from day to day, then he confirms all her vows or the pledges binding on her. He confirms them by saying nothing to her when he hears about them.

Numbers 30:14 esv

But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows or all her pledges that are upon her. He has established them, because he said nothing to her on the day that he heard of them.

Numbers 30:14 nlt

But if he does not object on the day he hears of it, then he is agreeing to all her vows and pledges.

Numbers 30 verses

Numbers 30 14 Meaning

Numbers 30:14 states that if a husband hears his wife's vow and remains silent about it from day to day, his sustained silence constitutes confirmation. By his lack of objection or annulment, the vow, or any self-imposed restriction, becomes legally binding on her. His silence is therefore not neutrality but an active ratification of her commitment because he had the opportunity to object but chose not to.

Numbers 30 14 Context

Numbers chapter 30 primarily deals with the laws concerning vows (נדרים, nedarim) and oaths (ishar, restrictions or bonds upon the soul). The chapter highlights the sanctity of a spoken vow before God, emphasizing that "when a man vows a vow to the LORD... he shall not break his word" (Num 30:2). The specific verses in Numbers 30 (especially 30:3-16) then provide crucial distinctions and regulations for women's vows, addressing circumstances based on their relationship to a male authority figure—father, husband, or if they are widowed/divorced.

Verse 14 is a crucial part of this section. It specifies the husband's power over his wife's vows, detailing the implication of his silence. In ancient Israelite society, household structures were patriarchal, and the husband held authority over his wife, responsible for the household's integrity and welfare. This law reflects the tension between an individual's spiritual commitment (a vow) and the need for harmony and practical viability within the family unit. The husband's power to nullify a vow (verse 13) or confirm it through inaction (verse 14) prevented rash vows that might disrupt family finances, obligations, or even physical well-being. This was a system designed to protect both the individual making the vow and the household economy and structure, ensuring vows did not create conflicts with existing obligations. It also underscores that silence from an authority figure could carry significant legal weight, equivalent to an affirmative decision.

Numbers 30 14 Word analysis

• And if her husband (וְאִם-אִישָׁהּ, ve'im-'ishah):
  • וְאִם (ve'im): "and if," indicating a conditional clause, a continuation from previous stipulations.
  • אִישָׁהּ (ishah): "her husband," literally "her man." In this context, it clearly denotes the married partner who holds authority. This term highlights the established social structure where the husband is the head of the household, a principle seen throughout biblical law. His position as ishah (master, lord, husband) empowers his decision regarding the vow.
• hold his peace (יַחֲרִישׁ, yachariysh):
  • From the root חרש (charash), meaning "to be silent," "to hold one's peace," or even "to deafen." It implies a deliberate lack of vocal or active opposition. This is not passive unawareness but conscious non-intervention after hearing. It contrasts directly with "make it void" in verse 13. This deliberate silence is what renders the vow valid.
• at her (לָהּ, lah):
  • "to her," indicating that the silence is directed concerning her or her actions/words.
• from day to day (מִיּוֹם אֶל-יוֹם, miyom 'el-yom):
  • "from day to day" or "day after day." This phrase is crucial. It signifies a continuous, prolonged silence, not merely a momentary lapse or delay. This sustained inaction implies a well-considered approval. It moves beyond initial hearing to a confirmed state of acceptance through continued non-objection. This is a clear indicator that procrastination or a passive approach results in the vow becoming fixed.
• then he confirmeth her vows, or her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul: (וְהֵקִים אֶת-נְדָרֶיהָ אוֹ אֶת-אִסַּר נַפְשָׁהּ אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה עָלֶיהָ, veheqim 'et-nedareha 'o 'et-'issar nafshah 'asher 'aserah 'aleha):
  • וְהֵקִים (veheqim): "then he establishes," "makes stand," "confirms." From the root קום (qum), "to rise," "to establish," "to fulfill." This verb demonstrates that the husband's silence has an active legal effect, rendering the vow valid and binding. It gives legal force to the spiritual commitment.
  • נְדָרֶיהָ (nedareha): "her vows." Voluntary pledges, often involving specific actions or abstinences (e.g., offerings, service, or a Nazirite vow).
  • אִסַּר נַפְשָׁהּ ('issar nafshah): "bond of her soul" or "binding of her soul." This refers to a self-imposed prohibition or restriction (from the root אסר, asar, "to bind"), often related to abstinence from certain foods, drinks, or activities, for religious or personal reasons. It is a more intense or internal type of vow that affects the person's own body or spirit. The phrasing "hath bound her soul" emphasizes the deeply personal and inner commitment made.
• he confirmeth them (הֵקִים אֹתָם, heqim 'otam):
  • Repetition of "he confirmeth," reiterating the certainty and legal finality of his silent approval. This serves to emphasize the result and prevent any ambiguity.
• because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them (כִּי-הֶחֱרִישׁ לָהּ בְּיוֹם שָׁמְעוֹ, ki hecherish lah b'yom shom'o):
  • כִּי (ki): "because," providing the causal explanation for the confirmation. It attributes the binding nature directly to his silence.
  • הֶחֱרִישׁ לָהּ (hecherish lah): "he held his peace at her." Another form of the same verb, reinforcing the action of non-opposition.
  • בְּיוֹם שָׁמְעוֹ (b'yom shom'o): "in the day he heard." This refers to the initial occasion when the husband became aware of the vow. His continued silence since that day, "from day to day," validates it. This phrase pinpoints the moment of initial responsibility and the subsequent failure to act.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "if her husband hold his peace at her from day to day": This phrase clearly delineates the specific condition for the vow's validation. It emphasizes that silence must be continuous over time. This highlights that an initial hearing and a lack of immediate negative response evolve into formal ratification. It speaks to a cultural and legal understanding where inaction by an authority figure, given adequate time and knowledge, signals agreement.
• "then he confirmeth her vows, or her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul": This part specifies the automatic legal consequence of the husband's prolonged silence. It defines the categories of commitment affected – general vows and deeper, self-binding restrictions. The use of "bond wherewith she hath bound her soul" indicates profound personal commitments that also fall under the husband's authority in this societal structure.
• "he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them": This concluding explanatory clause firmly links the confirmation to the husband's past silence. It removes any doubt about the reason the vows become binding, placing the responsibility squarely on the husband for not having acted when he first learned of the vow. It suggests that timely intervention is required, and prolonged non-intervention seals the matter.

Numbers 30 14 Bonus section

The legal concept reflected in Numbers 30:14, where silence implies consent (or obligation), has parallels in other ancient legal codes and even later Western law (e.g., "Qui tacet consentire videtur," he who is silent is seen to consent). It underscores the principle that responsibility comes with authority, and a failure to exercise that authority can have binding legal or moral implications. This challenges a purely passive view of leadership, requiring vigilance and responsiveness from those in positions of headship within a household or community. It also highlights the intricate balance between individual spiritual devotion and societal/familial order in Israelite law. The laws on vows were not simply about religious duty but integrated into the social fabric, showing God's concern for ordered family life.

Numbers 30 14 Commentary

Numbers 30:14 presents a profound principle within the context of ancient Israelite household law regarding vows. It teaches that a husband's silence, maintained day after day after hearing his wife's vow, is not a neutral act but rather a definitive form of confirmation. This means his failure to object within a reasonable timeframe (implied by "day to day") results in the vow becoming binding upon his wife.

This verse emphasizes the husband's active responsibility. He possesses the authority to either "make it void" (v. 13) or, by default, to "establish it." The law, therefore, puts the onus on the husband to be attentive to his wife's spiritual commitments and to make a timely decision if those commitments conflict with his authority or household welfare. His inaction is legally and spiritually equivalent to explicit approval.

Practically, this verse underscores the significance of decisive action in leadership and accountability. It illustrates that neglecting to address an issue, especially when in a position of authority, can lead to unforeseen and binding consequences. This principle has spiritual resonance too: failing to respond to divine revelation or personal conviction can be interpreted as either implicit rejection or tacit agreement to a path chosen by default. For instance, procrastinating on a decision regarding a spiritual commitment often leads to the de facto acceptance of the status quo or an unintended direction.