Numbers 30:8

But if her husband prohibits her when he hears of it, he nullifies the vow that binds her or the rash promise she has made, and the LORD will absolve her.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — The law addresses a husband who learns of his wife’s vow or rash promise. The instruction applies specifically on the day he hears of it, before any delay.

The words — The Hebrew verb יָנִיא (yani') means "he will forbid," and וְהֵפֵר (vehefer) translates literally as "and he will break" or nullify. These terms describe the husband's immediate legal action upon hearing the vow.

The thread — The principle of marital authority over vows connects to the broader biblical pattern of household order seen in Genesis 3:16 and Ephesians 5:22. Paul later reiterates this submission framework in 1 Corinthians 14:34.

Why it lands — The text requires the husband to act decisively on the day he hears the vow, either by permitting it or nullifying it. The reader must recognize that the husband's timely response determines whether the vow stands or is absolved by the LORD.

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 husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the Lord shall forgive her.

Cross-references

Genesis 3:16 To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
1 Corinthians 14:34 Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife.