Numbers 30 5

Numbers 30:5 kjv

But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.

Numbers 30:5 nkjv

But if her father overrules her on the day that he hears, then none of her vows nor her agreements by which she has bound herself shall stand; and the LORD will release her, because her father overruled her.

Numbers 30:5 niv

But if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand; the LORD will release her because her father has forbidden her.

Numbers 30:5 esv

But if her father opposes her on the day that he hears of it, no vow of hers, no pledge by which she has bound herself shall stand. And the LORD will forgive her, because her father opposed her.

Numbers 30:5 nlt

But if her father refuses to let her fulfill the vow or pledge on the day he hears of it, then all her vows and pledges will become invalid. The LORD will forgive her because her father would not let her fulfill them.

Numbers 30 verses

Numbers 30 5 Meaning

Numbers 30:5 describes the consequence when a father disapproves of a vow made by his unmarried daughter on the day he becomes aware of it. In such a scenario, the vow, regardless of its form, is rendered null and void, having no binding power. Furthermore, the LORD Himself absolves the daughter from any accountability for not fulfilling that annulled vow, precisely because her father had rightfully disallowed it. This verse illustrates the interplay of personal commitment, familial authority, and divine mercy within the Mosaic Law regarding vows.

Numbers 30 5 Context

Numbers 30 presents a specific set of laws regarding vows made to the LORD, particularly focusing on those made by women. This chapter immediately follows the distribution of the land among the tribes, placing emphasis on how personal obligations align with communal and divine order. The immediate context of Numbers 30:5 is the first case presented: that of a single, unmarried daughter living in her father's house. The chapter goes on to describe the conditions for vows made by wives and widows. The underlying principle is that vows are binding and sacred, yet God, through His divinely appointed social structures, provides mechanisms for their annulment by an authoritative figure (father or husband) who must act decisively and "on the day that he hears." This specific provision for disallowing a vow, coupled with divine forgiveness, highlights a system where personal devotion must align with family order, and God's mercy tempers strict legal requirements. Culturally, in ancient Israel, the father held significant patriarchal authority over his household, including his unmarried daughters. His oversight was crucial for the integrity and good order of the family and community.

Numbers 30 5 Word analysis

• But if (וְאִם - ve'im): This conjunctive phrase introduces a conditional clause, presenting an alternative scenario to the previous verses, where vows automatically stand if not acted upon. It signals a potential legal or personal boundary condition.
• her father (אָבִיהָ - aviha): Refers specifically to the patriarchal head of the household. In ancient Israelite society, the father held comprehensive legal and social authority over his unmarried daughters. His word was decisive in matters pertaining to her conduct and commitments. This highlights the familial authority structure divinely recognized.
• disallows (יָנִיא - yanî): From the root נוּא (nu), meaning "to refuse, to prohibit, to annul, to make void, to negate." This term denotes an active and explicit act of repudiation or nullification. It is not mere silence or inaction, but a clear, expressed rejection of the vow. Its significance lies in the definitive nature of this action.
• her (לָהּ - lah): While literally "to her," in context, it implies disallowing her vow or preventing her from being bound by it. The father's action directly affects her self-binding commitment.
• on the day that he hears (בְּיוֹם שָׁמְעוֹ - b'yom sham'o): This phrase imposes a strict time constraint. The father's annulment must occur immediately upon becoming aware of the vow. Delay is interpreted as tacit approval (as seen in later verses in the chapter for the husband), thus forfeiting the right to annul. This ensures swiftness and clarity regarding the status of the vow.
• none of her vows or her pledges (כָּל נְדָרֶיהָ וֶאֱסָרֶיהָ - kol nedareha ve'esareha):
  • Vows (nedarim): Solemn promises made to God, often involving specific actions or abstinences (e.g., bringing an offering, abstaining from wine).
  • Pledges (issarim): Oaths or binding obligations by which a person imposes a restriction upon themselves (e.g., swearing off certain foods).This dual expression indicates comprehensive coverage; all types of her self-binding commitments are covered by the annulment.
• by which she has bound herself (אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה עַל נַפְשָׁהּ - asher asrah al nafshah): This emphasizes that the daughter initiated the vow herself. The Hebrew "bound herself upon her soul" implies a profound and personal commitment. The phrase confirms that these are her voluntary declarations, not external impositions.
• shall stand (לֹא יָקוּמוּ - lo yakumu): Literally "shall not arise" or "shall not be established." This means the vows lose their legal, moral, and spiritual validity. They become null, as if they were never made or ceased to exist.
• and the LORD will forgive her (וַיהוָה יִסְלַח לָהּ - vayhwh yislah lah): This is a pivotal divine pronouncement. Since the vow is legally voided by valid human authority (acting according to divine law), God Himself will not hold the daughter accountable for its non-fulfillment. It's not about forgiveness for breaking a vow, but for being released from a non-binding one. This demonstrates God's mercy operating within His ordained structures of order.
• because her father disallowed her (כִּי הֵנִיא אָבִיהָ אֹתָהּ - ki heni aviha otah): This clause provides the explicit reason for the divine absolution. It reiterates the father's active annulment as the foundational act that negates the vow's binding force and triggers God's forgiveness. It underlines the validity and effectiveness of the father's authority in the sight of God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But if her father disallows her on the day that he hears": This opening phrase sets the precise conditions and critical timing for the father's intervention. It highlights his supreme authority within his household and the necessity for immediate action to avoid tacit approval.
• "none of her vows or her pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand": This asserts the legal consequence of the father's annulment. It encompasses the totality of the daughter's self-binding commitments, confirming that they lose all their inherent power and legal force once properly disallowed.
• "and the LORD will forgive her, because her father disallowed her": This final clause articulates the divine backing for this process. It reveals God's gracious acknowledgment of the annulment performed under His established order. The forgiveness here is not for a broken vow, but for an obligation that never became valid or ceased to be binding, precisely because God Himself upholds the authority of the father.

Numbers 30 5 Bonus section

This verse implies a balancing act in Israelite society between individual piety (making vows to God) and familial order (patriarchal authority). It stands as a polemic against unfettered individual spiritual zeal that might undermine household structures God ordained. The system ensures that individuals are protected from rash commitments while also respecting the social fabric. It's important to note that this annulment by the father means the vow never became truly binding in God's eyes if disallowed. It's not a case of a broken vow being forgiven in the typical sense of a sin, but of an obligation ceasing to exist by legal divine mechanism. This contrasts with laws for vows that are already binding, which if broken, require forgiveness for a trespass. This nuanced application of God's law highlights His wisdom in establishing societal roles and providing mechanisms for mercy and release.

Numbers 30 5 Commentary

Numbers 30:5 underscores God's intricate system of law and grace, particularly within the Israelite household structure. It establishes that while vows were deeply serious, God did not intend for them to lead to transgression when they conflicted with established authority. The father, as the divinely appointed head of the household, had the authority to annul an unmarried daughter's vow. This annulment had to be timely, "on the day that he hears," emphasizing decisive leadership and clear communication. If properly annulled, the vow was completely voided, and critically, the LORD Himself absolved the daughter, not holding her accountable for its non-fulfillment. This demonstrates that God works through His ordained authorities, and His forgiveness applies where His laws allow for a release from an obligation. It teaches that obedience to legitimate authority can negate even what appears to be a binding sacred obligation, safeguarding individuals within their divinely recognized roles.

For example, a daughter might vow to offer a costly sacrifice she could not afford, or commit to a religious practice that infringed upon her family duties. Her father's prompt disapproval, recognized by God's law, would release her, preventing potential transgression and upholding the family's welfare.