What does the Bible say about vows?

A vow is a solemn promise or commitment made before God. Throughout the Bible, vows are taken seriously and are often associated with devotion, worship, and obligations to God. Some vows are made voluntarily as acts of faith and dedication, while others are required under specific circumstances. However, the Bible also warns against making them rashly and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling them once they are made.

This article will explore the biblical teachings on vows, including their significance, examples from Scripture, the consequences of breaking them, and how Christians should approach vows today.

The Biblical Definition of a Vow

A vow is a sacred promise made to God, often involving a pledge to perform a specific act, make a sacrifice, or live in a particular way. The Hebrew word for vow, “neder,” refers to a binding promise or oath made voluntarily. In the New Testament, the Greek word “euche” is used, meaning a prayer or vow made to God.

Vows in the Bible were often made in times of distress, gratitude, or deep commitment to God. However, Scripture teaches that vows are not to be taken lightly, as they are binding and must be fulfilled.

The Importance of Keeping Vows

The Bible strongly emphasizes the seriousness of making and keeping vows. When a person makes a vow before God, they are expected to fulfill it.

• Numbers 30:2 – “If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—better not to vow than to vow and not pay.”
• Deuteronomy 23:21-23 – “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 it would be sin to you. But if you abstain from vowing, it shall not be sin to you. That which has gone from your lips you shall keep and perform.”

These passages reveal that vows are voluntary but once made, they become binding. Breaking a vow is considered a sin because it demonstrates a lack of integrity before God.

Examples of Vows in the Bible

Several biblical figures made vows, some of which had significant consequences.

Jacob’s Vow

In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob made a vow to God after having a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven.

• Genesis 28:20-22 – “Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.’”

Jacob’s vow was conditional, promising to serve God if God protected and provided for him. This shows how vows can be expressions of faith and commitment.

Jephthah’s Rash Vow

One of the most tragic vows in the Bible is found in Judges 11:30-35. Jephthah, a judge of Israel, made a reckless vow before a battle.

• Judges 11:30-31 – “And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, ‘If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.’”

Jephthah won the battle, but upon returning home, his daughter was the first to greet him. This tragic story serves as a warning against making hasty vows without considering the possible consequences.

Hannah’s Vow

In 1 Samuel 1:10-11, Hannah made a vow to God in her distress over being barren.

• 1 Samuel 1:10-11 – “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, ‘O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.’”

God answered Hannah’s prayer, and she kept her vow by dedicating her son, Samuel, to God’s service. This example shows how vows, when made with sincerity and faithfulness, can be a powerful act of devotion.

Paul’s Vow

In the New Testament, Paul took a vow, likely a Nazirite vow, to demonstrate his dedication to God.

• Acts 18:18 – “So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.”

Paul’s vow highlights the continuation of making vows in the early church as an act of consecration.

The Dangers of Rash or Unwise Vows

The Bible warns against making vows hastily or without careful thought.

• Proverbs 20:25 – “It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, and afterward to reconsider his vows.”
• Matthew 5:33-37 – Jesus taught that believers should be careful with their words and avoid unnecessary oaths: “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool… But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Jesus’ teaching emphasizes honesty and integrity, warning against making elaborate vows that may lead to broken promises.

Should Christians Make Vows Today?

While the Bible does not prohibit making vows, it advises caution. Here are some principles to consider:

1. Only Make a Vow If You Intend to Keep It – If someone makes a commitment to God, they must follow through, as breaking a vow is considered sinful.
2. Avoid Rash Vows – It is better to remain silent than to make a promise one cannot fulfill.
3. Focus on Integrity in Daily Life – Instead of relying on vows, Christians should live with honesty and integrity, keeping their commitments to God and others.
4. Recognize That Salvation is Not Dependent on Vows – Some may feel pressured to make vows as a way to earn favor with God. However, salvation is by grace through faith, not by making promises to God.

Conclusion

The Bible presents vows as serious commitments that should not be taken lightly. While they can be powerful acts of faith, they also carry significant responsibility. Scripture warns against making vows rashly and emphasizes the importance of fulfilling them once made.

Christians today should approach vows with caution, remembering that integrity in daily life is more important than making elaborate promises. Instead of relying on vows, believers should focus on faithfulness, honesty, and devotion to God in all aspects of their lives.