Deuteronomy 23:21 - When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.
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What does "Deuteronomy 23:21" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:21 deals with the seriousness of making vows to God. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God..." This establishes the scenario: you've made a solemn promise to God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God). Vows in this context often included promises to offer sacrifices, dedicate something to God, or perform a specific action if God granted a request.
"...you shall not be slack to pay it..." This is the core command: once you've made a vow, you must not delay or neglect fulfilling it. Procrastination or laziness in fulfilling your promise is unacceptable.
"...for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you..." God will hold you accountable for your vow. It's not something you can simply forget or dismiss. He expects you to keep your word.
"...and it would be sin in you." Failing to fulfill your vow is not just a minor oversight; it's a sin. Breaking a vow is a form of dishonesty and disrespect toward God. It implies a lack of integrity and a disregard for the seriousness of your commitment.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in dealing with God. If you make a vow to God, you are obligated to fulfill it promptly and completely. Failure to do so is considered a sin, showing a lack of respect and faithfulness.
Context and Implications:
Be Careful What You Vow: The verse, along with surrounding passages, implicitly warns against making vows lightly or impulsively. It's better not to vow at all than to make a vow you can't or won't keep.
Honoring God: Fulfilling vows is a way of honoring God and demonstrating your commitment to Him.
Character: Keeping your promises reflects on your character and integrity, both in your relationship with God and with other people.
Old Testament Context: It is important to interpret this verse within its Old Testament context, especially considering the sacrificial system. While the specific types of vows mentioned may not apply directly today, the principle of keeping promises to God remains relevant.
Relevance Today:
While we may not make the same kinds of vows as in ancient Israel, the underlying principle still applies:
Be careful about the promises you make to God.
Take your commitments seriously.
Strive to be faithful and true to your word.
Consider carefully what you are promising and ensure you are truly willing and able to fulfill it.
Deuteronomy 23:21 - When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.
What does "Deuteronomy 23:21" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:21 deals with the seriousness of making vows to God. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God..." This establishes the scenario: you've made a solemn promise to God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God). Vows in this context often included promises to offer sacrifices, dedicate something to God, or perform a specific action if God granted a request.
"...you shall not be slack to pay it..." This is the core command: once you've made a vow, you must not delay or neglect fulfilling it. Procrastination or laziness in fulfilling your promise is unacceptable.
"...for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you..." God will hold you accountable for your vow. It's not something you can simply forget or dismiss. He expects you to keep your word.
"...and it would be sin in you." Failing to fulfill your vow is not just a minor oversight; it's a sin. Breaking a vow is a form of dishonesty and disrespect toward God. It implies a lack of integrity and a disregard for the seriousness of your commitment.
In Essence:
The verse emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in dealing with God. If you make a vow to God, you are obligated to fulfill it promptly and completely. Failure to do so is considered a sin, showing a lack of respect and faithfulness.
Context and Implications:
Be Careful What You Vow: The verse, along with surrounding passages, implicitly warns against making vows lightly or impulsively. It's better not to vow at all than to make a vow you can't or won't keep.
Honoring God: Fulfilling vows is a way of honoring God and demonstrating your commitment to Him.
Character: Keeping your promises reflects on your character and integrity, both in your relationship with God and with other people.
Old Testament Context: It is important to interpret this verse within its Old Testament context, especially considering the sacrificial system. While the specific types of vows mentioned may not apply directly today, the principle of keeping promises to God remains relevant.
Relevance Today:
While we may not make the same kinds of vows as in ancient Israel, the underlying principle still applies:
Be careful about the promises you make to God.
Take your commitments seriously.
Strive to be faithful and true to your word.
Consider carefully what you are promising and ensure you are truly willing and able to fulfill it.