Numbers 30 9

Numbers 30:9 kjv

But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

Numbers 30:9 nkjv

"Also any vow of a widow or a divorced woman, by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.

Numbers 30:9 niv

"Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or divorced woman will be binding on her.

Numbers 30:9 esv

(But any vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, anything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.)

Numbers 30:9 nlt

If, however, a woman is a widow or is divorced, she must fulfill all her vows and pledges.

Numbers 30 verses

Numbers 30 9 Meaning

Numbers 30:9 states that any vow or binding pledge made by a woman who is either a widow or divorced is fully binding upon her. Unlike women under the direct authority of a father or husband, whose vows could potentially be nullified, a widow or divorced woman has full personal responsibility and autonomy for fulfilling the commitments she makes before God. This highlights the principle that accountability before God correlates with one's degree of personal legal independence.

Numbers 30 9 Context

Numbers chapter 30 comprehensively addresses the laws concerning vows and binding pledges, particularly as they pertain to women. The preceding verses lay the groundwork: verses 3-5 detail how a young, unmarried daughter's vow can be annulled by her father if he expresses disapproval upon hearing it. Similarly, verses 6-8 explain that a wife's vow can be nullified by her husband if he disallows it on the day he hears of it. Verse 9 then acts as a pivotal contrast, stipulating that women who are no longer under such direct male legal authority—namely, widows and divorced women—have full accountability for their vows. This structure emphasizes both the sanctity of vows before God and the practical application of these laws within ancient Israelite societal structures where patriarchal oversight played a significant role in female legal status regarding obligations. The chapter therefore delineates distinct spheres of accountability based on a woman's marital and familial status.

Numbers 30 9 Word analysis

• But if a widow (וְאִשָּׁה אַלְמָנָה, v'ishshah 'almanah): Ishshah means "woman," and almanah means "widow." A widow is a woman whose husband has died. In ancient Israelite society, a widow often held a unique, somewhat precarious yet often more independent legal position than a married woman or a single daughter, particularly concerning her personal property or decision-making not tied to family continuation. This verse establishes her as legally autonomous regarding her vows.
• or divorced woman (אוֹ גְרוּשָׁה, o gerushah): O means "or," and gerushah means "divorced woman." This refers to a woman whose marriage has been terminated, typically by her husband sending her away. Like a widow, she is no longer under a husband's authority and, for the purpose of vows, is considered her own legal agent. Her social standing might have been complex, but legally, concerning vows, she operated independently.
• makes a vow (תִּדֹּר, tiddor): From the root neder, meaning "vow" or "to make a vow." A vow is a solemn promise made to God, often involving dedication, abstention, or offering, made on one's own initiative. Such commitments were considered sacred and binding under divine law.
• and binds herself by a pledge (וְאָסְרָה אִסָּר עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ, v'asra issar al-nafshah): Asar means "to bind" or "to constrain." Issar is a noun derived from asar, meaning "a bond," "a pledge," or "a binding obligation." Al-nafshah means "upon her soul" or "upon herself." This phrase refers to an intensified, self-imposed restriction or prohibition, indicating an act of considerable intentionality and personal commitment, beyond a simple vow, bringing personal consequence.
• all her vows (כָּל־נְדָרֶיהָ, kol-nedareha): Kol means "all" or "every." Nedareha is the plural of neder (vow) with the possessive "her." This emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the obligation: every single vow and pledge made by such a woman is covered by this rule.
• shall stand against her (וְקָמוּ עָלֶיהָ, v'qamu 'aleha): Qum means "to stand," "arise," or "be established." Aleha means "against her" or "upon her." This idiom means that her vows are legally firm, irrevocable, and personally enforceable upon her. There is no authority capable of annulling them; the responsibility and the consequences fall directly on her.

Words-group Analysis:

• "But if a widow or divorced woman...": This precise legal demarcation sets apart these categories of women from those previously mentioned. It highlights their status as heads of their own households or individuals with legal standing independent of immediate male patriarchal control, distinguishing them as solely responsible for their self-imposed commitments.
• "...makes a vow and binds herself by a pledge...": The use of both "vow" (neder) and "pledge" (issar) indicates the dual nature of her commitment, encompassing both specific promises to God and self-imposed prohibitions or restrictions. The addition of "binds herself" underscores the voluntary and intensely personal nature of the commitment, leaving no room for misunderstanding regarding personal accountability.
• "...all her vows shall stand against her.": This definitive declaration solidifies the principle of individual accountability. The consequence is direct: all her self-imposed obligations are fully valid and carry legal and divine weight, making her solely responsible for their fulfillment without recourse to external annulment.

Numbers 30 9 Bonus section

This specific legal provision for widows and divorced women inadvertently highlights a form of agency granted within the divine law. Despite their potential social vulnerabilities, this law recognizes their direct relationship with God regarding solemn promises. Their spiritual commitments were seen as unmediated and solely their own responsibility. This status might have offered a particular dignity, underscoring their capacity for full and unhindered devotion and responsibility within the covenant community, demonstrating God's consistent expectation of fidelity to one's word from all who could freely give it.

Numbers 30 9 Commentary

Numbers 30:9 forms the capstone of the law concerning women's vows, marking a critical distinction in the sphere of personal accountability. While God's law provided a mechanism for a father or husband to nullify certain vows of a daughter or wife, this provision explicitly does not extend to widows or divorced women. The core reason is their altered legal status within Israelite society: they were no longer under the direct protective and authoritative oversight of a father or a husband. Therefore, their personal decisions and solemn commitments to God were considered wholly their own. The verse underscores that the sanctity of vows is paramount; wherever full legal autonomy exists, full accountability for pledges before God applies without any intermediary's capacity for annulment. It reflects a nuanced legal system that balanced divine seriousness about commitments with the societal structures and the protection of individuals based on their standing. The emphasis is on direct, individual responsibility before the divine, which is a foundational aspect of covenant relationship.