Numbers 30:2 - When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Generated Verse: Numbers 30:2

What does "Numbers 30:2" mean?


Numbers 30:2 outlines the sanctity of vows and oaths made to God (Yahweh). Let's break down the meaning:

"When a man vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond...": This sets the stage. It covers both a simple vow and a more formal oath. An oath is a solemn declaration, often invoking God as a witness to the truthfulness and binding nature of the promise. The phrase "bind his soul with a bond" emphasizes the seriousness and personal commitment involved. It's not just a casual promise; it's a spiritual contract.

"...he shall not break his word.": This is the core command. Once a vow or oath is made to God, it must be kept. The spoken word carries significant weight.

"He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.": This reinforces the previous point. The man is obligated to fulfill every aspect of the vow or oath as he stated it. There's no room for changing one's mind or finding loopholes. The obligation stems from the very words that were spoken and the intention behind them.

In essence, the verse emphasizes the following:

The Importance of Honoring Commitments to God: A vow or oath made to Yahweh is considered sacred and binding.
The Seriousness of Oaths: An oath is a particularly solemn promise, carrying significant spiritual weight.
Personal Responsibility: The individual is held accountable for their words and actions.
Truthfulness and Integrity: The verse encourages honesty and keeping one's word, especially in matters relating to God.

Context within Numbers 30:

It's important to remember that this chapter mainly discusses vows made by women and the role of their fathers or husbands in either confirming or annulling those vows. This verse, however, specifically deals with vows made by men. The chapter is likely concerned with maintaining social and familial order, and ensuring responsible and consistent communication with God.

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