Numbers 30 6

Numbers 30:6 kjv

And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;

Numbers 30:6 nkjv

"If indeed she takes a husband, while bound by her vows or by a rash utterance from her lips by which she bound herself,

Numbers 30:6 niv

"If she marries after she makes a vow or after her lips utter a rash promise by which she obligates herself

Numbers 30:6 esv

"If she marries a husband, while under her vows or any thoughtless utterance of her lips by which she has bound herself,

Numbers 30:6 nlt

"Now suppose a young woman makes a vow or binds herself with an impulsive pledge and later marries.

Numbers 30 verses

Numbers 30 6 Meaning

Numbers 30:6 describes a specific scenario regarding a woman who enters into marriage while already under the obligation of a vow or an unthinking, binding utterance she had made. This verse sets the stage for the husband's authority to either confirm or nullify such pre-existing commitments, highlighting the sacredness of vows made before God and the legal framework for their management within Israelite society.

Numbers 30 6 Context

Numbers Chapter 30 precisely defines the laws concerning vows and oaths made to God, particularly focusing on those made by women. The general principle established in Num 30:2 is that a vow made to the LORD is binding and must not be broken. The chapter then applies this principle to specific domestic relationships: a single daughter living under her father's authority (v. 3-5), a married woman (v. 6-8, 10-12), and a widow or divorced woman (v. 9). Verse 6 specifically addresses the complex situation where a woman has made a vow before her marriage, and how that vow is treated once she becomes a wife. Historically, within the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, a woman's legal and social standing was generally under the authority of her father before marriage and her husband thereafter. This framework ensured order, protected individuals (including the women themselves from unintended lifelong burdens), and maintained the sanctity of solemn commitments made before God.

Numbers 30 6 Word analysis

• Or if she married (וְאִם-הָיְתָה לְאִישׁ - v'im haytah l'ish):
  • וְאִם (v'im): "And if" or "But if." A conditional conjunction linking this scenario to the previous one (daughter in father's house). It introduces a distinct legal situation.
  • הָיְתָה (haytah): "She became," or "she was." Perfect tense, indicating a completed state of becoming married.
  • לְאִישׁ (l'ish): "To a man" or "to a husband." The phrase signifies entrance into the married state, denoting a transfer of primary legal headship from father to husband. "Ish" (אִישׁ) specifically refers to a man or husband.
• while under a vow (וּנְדָרֶיהָ עָלֶיהָ - un'dareyha aleha):
  • וּנְדָרֶיהָ (un'dareyha): "And her vows." The plural form of נֶדֶר (neder), a specific type of solemn promise to God, often involving dedication or abstinence. It carries immense religious weight (cf. Deut 23:21). The suffix "-ha" (ֶיהָ) means "her."
  • עָלֶיהָ (aleha): "Upon her." Lit. "over her" or "upon her." This preposition emphasizes the binding nature of the vow, as though it rests directly upon her person or is a burden she carries.
• or a rash utterance of her lips (אוֹ מִבְטָא שְׂפָתֶיהָ - o mibṭa' s'fateyha):
  • אוֹ (o): "Or." Introduces an alternative or a complementary category of binding speech.
  • מִבְטָא (mibṭa'): "Rash utterance," "thoughtless expression," "unconsidered pronouncement." This term refers to a less formal, possibly more impulsive or unintentional binding statement made through speech, distinct from a carefully made neder. Yet, it is still binding.
  • שְׂפָתֶיהָ (s'fateyha): "Her lips'." The phrase highlights that the utterance originated from her own spoken words, giving them personal force. "Sefah" (שָׂפָה) means lip or language.
• by which she had bound herself (אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה עַל-נַפְשָׁהּ - asher asrah al-nafshah):
  • אֲשֶׁר (asher): "Which" or "that." A relative pronoun.
  • אָסְרָה (asrah): "She bound." From the root אָסַר (asar), meaning "to bind," "to imprison," "to tie up." It implies putting oneself under an obligation or restriction. It highlights self-imposed limitation.
  • עַל-נַפְשָׁהּ (al-nafshah): "Upon her soul/person." The term נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh) refers to the whole person, self, or living being. To bind something "upon her soul" signifies that the commitment profoundly affects her being, her identity, and her actions before God.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "Or if she married while under a vow": This phrase introduces the specific legal condition of a vow existing prior to or at the time of entering marriage. It's a critical legal precedent that influences the husband's subsequent role. The transition of authority from father to husband is central to the dynamics described in the chapter.
• "a rash utterance of her lips by which she had bound herself": This distinct category emphasizes personal accountability for spoken words, even those not formally classified as a neder. It underscores that God takes seriously all forms of binding speech, whether fully deliberated or impulsive, as long as they serve to constrain the speaker's actions or behavior. The use of "bound herself upon her soul" elevates the spiritual weight and personal integrity associated with verbal commitments.

Numbers 30 6 Bonus section

The detailed regulations in Numbers 30 reflect God's meticulous care for human integrity and the sacredness of His Name. By requiring a woman's father or husband to affirm or annul certain vows, the system both reinforced existing social structures and offered a form of protection. Without this provision, a young woman could find herself in an untenable position, burdened by a vow made in youthful fervor that later conflicted with her marital duties or welfare. This system ensures that no one is inadvertently trapped in a vow that God Himself did not intend for them to bear in their current relational context, preventing a greater sin against Him by breaking the marriage covenant or a vow of submission. This Old Testament framework foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on truthfulness in all communication (Jas 5:12, Matt 5:37) and thoughtful consideration before making promises. While New Covenant believers are exhorted against unnecessary oaths, the underlying principle of honoring one's word and commitments before God remains profoundly important, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of God Himself.

Numbers 30 6 Commentary

Numbers 30:6 is crucial for understanding the biblical treatment of vows within the Israelite household. It establishes the scenario where a woman brings a prior solemn commitment—be it a formal vow (neder) or a less formal but still binding rash utterance—into her married life. This highlights two key principles: firstly, the absolute sanctity and binding nature of promises made to God, regardless of the form or the individual making them. Secondly, it lays the groundwork for the divinely instituted social order, where marital headship plays a specific role in confirming or annulling such commitments for the sake of household harmony and prevention of sin. The husband's subsequent ability to nullify such vows (described in vv. 7-8) is not merely arbitrary power, but a divinely ordained mechanism designed to protect the integrity of the family unit, prevent internal conflict arising from conflicting spiritual obligations, and ensure justice. It suggests that a commitment made individually might, for the good of the communal relationship, require review by the designated head, ultimately allowing for a clear conscience and preventing a sin against the LORD should the vow contradict the marital relationship or responsibilities. This teaching encourages thoughtful and careful speech, recognizing the enduring consequences of words spoken before God.