Overview
A vow is a voluntary commitment made to God, distinct from commands or obligations imposed by law. Throughout Scripture, vows represent personal dedication to the Lord and require careful consideration before making and faithful completion afterward. Breaking vows brings spiritual consequences, while honoring them demonstrates integrity and reverence for God.
Key Scriptures
"When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth" (Numbers 30:2, ESV).
"When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin" (Deuteronomy 23:21, ESV).
"It is a snare to a man to say rashly, 'It is holy,' and begin to make vows without reflection" (Proverbs 20:25, ESV).
Application
Approach any vow or commitment to God with serious prayer and deliberation, understanding that God takes your promises seriously and expects faithful follow-through.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 167 verses
Afflicting the soul
All things dedicated by, to be brought to the tabernacle
Clean beasts the subjects of, not to be redeemed
Danger of inconsiderately making
Dedicating children to God
Devoting property to God
Devoting the person to God
Edible things offered in, to be eaten the same day they were offered
Estimation of the redemption price of things offered in vows, to be made by the priest, according to age and sex of the person making the offering
Might be redeemed by paying a suitable compensation
Mosaic laws concerning
Of certain Jews with Paul
Of children void without the consent of parents
Of David
Of Elkanah
Of Hannah
Of Israelites
Of Jacob
Of Jephthah
Of Jonah
Of Lemuel's mother
Of mariners who cast out Jonah
Of married women void without consent of husbands
Of Paul
Of things corrupt or blemished an insult to God
Of widows and women divorced from their husbands binding
Of wives, could only be objected to at the time of making
Offering sacrifices
Solemn promises made to God
The hire of a prostitute or price of a dog could not be the subject of
The redemption price of the offering of a field, to be valued by the priest
The redemption price of the offering of real estate, to be valued by the priest
Things offered in, belonged to the priests
Things offered in, to be brought to the tabernacle or temple
To be performed faithfully
To be performed without delay
To be voluntary
Unclassified scriptures relating to