Numbers 30:5

But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Moses delivers this regulation to the heads of the tribes while establishing laws for women under paternal authority. The instruction addresses the immediate legal consequence when a father actively intervenes in his daughter's commitments.

The words — The verb הֵנִיא (he.Ni') literally means "he forbade," establishing the father's active veto. This action directly affects נְדָרֶיהָ (ne.da.Rei./ha), meaning "her vows," rendering them legally void.

The thread — The theme of parental authority and the duty to honor them reappears in Matthew 15:4, Mark 7:10, and Ephesians 6:1. These passages consistently ground familial obedience in divine command rather than cultural tradition.

Why it lands — The text states that a father's timely prohibition invalidates a woman's self-binding pledges, and the LORD absolves her of the obligation. A reader must recognize that religious commitments made under another's authority are subject to that authority's immediate, lawful review.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

King James Version

But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the Lord shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.

Cross-references

Matthew 15:4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’
Mark 7:10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’
Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.