Numbers 30:11 - and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and didn’t disallow her; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand.
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What does "Numbers 30:11" mean?
Numbers 30 deals with the validity of vows made by women. Verse 11 specifically addresses the scenario where a married woman makes a vow or binds herself with an oath. Let's break it down:
"and her husband heard it": This means the husband was aware of the vow his wife made.
"and held his peace at her, and didn’t disallow her": This is the key. "Held his peace" and "didn't disallow her" mean the same thing. The husband did not object to or cancel her vow when he heard it. Importantly, the passage implies he has the power to object.
"then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand.": Because the husband didn't object when he heard it, her vows are now considered valid and binding. "Stand" means they are legally and religiously in effect.
In essence, this verse establishes that a married woman's vow is valid if her husband is aware of it and does not object to it. His silence signifies his consent.
Underlying Principles and Context:
Patriarchal Society: It's crucial to understand this verse within the context of ancient Israelite society, which was patriarchal. The husband had authority over his wife. This passage reflects that authority by giving him the power to nullify her vows.
Protection of Family: Some interpretations suggest the husband's right to disallow vows was to protect the family's financial stability or religious obligations. A rash vow by the wife could negatively impact the household.
Importance of Vows: Vows were considered serious commitments made before God. This chapter emphasizes the need for careful consideration before making a vow.
Key Takeaway:
Verse 11 outlines a specific condition for a married woman's vow to be binding: the husband's knowledge and lack of objection. This highlights the husband's authority within the marriage context and the seriousness attached to vows in the ancient Israelite society. It does not mean the woman can just do whatever she wants as long as the husband is silent; the husband has the power to disallow the vow and thus, it implies his consent is necessary.
Numbers 30:11 - and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and didn’t disallow her; then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand.
What does "Numbers 30:11" mean?
Numbers 30 deals with the validity of vows made by women. Verse 11 specifically addresses the scenario where a married woman makes a vow or binds herself with an oath. Let's break it down:
"and her husband heard it": This means the husband was aware of the vow his wife made.
"and held his peace at her, and didn’t disallow her": This is the key. "Held his peace" and "didn't disallow her" mean the same thing. The husband did not object to or cancel her vow when he heard it. Importantly, the passage implies he has the power to object.
"then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand.": Because the husband didn't object when he heard it, her vows are now considered valid and binding. "Stand" means they are legally and religiously in effect.
In essence, this verse establishes that a married woman's vow is valid if her husband is aware of it and does not object to it. His silence signifies his consent.
Underlying Principles and Context:
Patriarchal Society: It's crucial to understand this verse within the context of ancient Israelite society, which was patriarchal. The husband had authority over his wife. This passage reflects that authority by giving him the power to nullify her vows.
Protection of Family: Some interpretations suggest the husband's right to disallow vows was to protect the family's financial stability or religious obligations. A rash vow by the wife could negatively impact the household.
Importance of Vows: Vows were considered serious commitments made before God. This chapter emphasizes the need for careful consideration before making a vow.
Key Takeaway:
Verse 11 outlines a specific condition for a married woman's vow to be binding: the husband's knowledge and lack of objection. This highlights the husband's authority within the marriage context and the seriousness attached to vows in the ancient Israelite society. It does not mean the woman can just do whatever she wants as long as the husband is silent; the husband has the power to disallow the vow and thus, it implies his consent is necessary.