Numbers 30:2 Meaning and Explanation
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A man's vow or oath to God is binding and must be fulfilled.
The Context of Numbers 30:2
Basic principle: vows to God are unconditionally binding on the person who makes them.
What Does Numbers 30:2 Mean?
When a man makes a vow to the Lord or swears an oath, he enters into a solemn commitment that binds his soul. The language emphasizes the gravity of the pledge: a word spoken to God creates an obligation that rests upon the person who spoke it.
The command is unambiguous: he shall not break his word. Whatever he promises must be fulfilled exactly as stated. This establishes the baseline rule—a man's vow stands independently and cannot be dissolved by anyone else.
Numbers 30:2 in the Original Language
neder (נִדֶר), 'vow' — a solemn promise, binding self to an act or abstinence for God's honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Numbers 30:2
What does Numbers 30:2 mean?
A man's vow or oath to God is binding and must be fulfilled.
What is the context of Numbers 30:2?
Basic principle: vows to God are unconditionally binding on the person who makes them.