Deuteronomy 23:21-23
21 If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22 But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23 Whatever your lips utter, you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.
The Bible contains many references to vows—solemn promises made to God. Scripture teaches that vows should be made carefully and fulfilled faithfully. Here are some key references:
Old Testament References to Vows
Laws Concerning Vows
| Scripture | Summary |
| Numbers 30:2 | A person who makes a vow to the Lord must not break it. |
| Deuteronomy 23:21–23 | Do not delay fulfilling vows made to God. |
| Leviticus 27:1–34 | Regulations regarding vows and dedications to God. |
| Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 | Better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill it. |
Famous Vows in the Old Testament
Jacob’s Vow
Genesis 28:20–22
Jacob vowed that if God protected and provided for him, the Lord would be his God, and he would give a tenth of his possessions.
Jephthah’s Vow
Judges 11:30–31
Jephthah vowed that if God granted victory, he would offer as a sacrifice whatever first came out of his house to meet him.
Hannah’s Vow
1 Samuel 1:11
Hannah vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all his life. This vow was fulfilled through the dedication of Samuel.
Nazarite Vow
Numbers 6:1–21
A special vow of dedication involving:
- Abstaining from wine and strong drink
- Not cutting the hair
- Avoiding contact with dead bodies
Notable Nazarites include:
- Samson (Judges 13:5)
- Samuel (traditionally associated)
- John the Baptist (often viewed as having Nazarite-like dedication)
Psalms About Vows
David’s Commitment to Fulfill Vows
- Psalm 22:25 — “I will pay my vows before those who fear Him.”
- Psalm 50:14 — Offer thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High.
- Psalm 61:8 — David promises to fulfill his vows daily.
- Psalm 66:13–14 — Entering God’s house to fulfill vows made during trouble.
- Psalm 116:14,18 — Paying vows publicly before God’s people.
New Testament References to Vows
Jesus on Oaths and Vows
Matthew 5:33–37
Jesus taught His followers to be truthful without relying on oaths:
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.'”
Matthew 23:16–22
Jesus rebuked religious leaders for manipulating the meaning of oaths.
Paul’s Vows
Acts 18:18-19
Paul the Apostle cut his hair because of a vow he had taken.
Acts 21:23–26
Paul participated in purification rites involving men under a vow.
James on Oaths
James 5:12
James echoes Jesus’ teaching:
“Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”
Key Biblical Principles About Vows
- Vows are voluntary (Deuteronomy 23:22).
- Once made, they should be kept (Numbers 30:2).
- God takes vows seriously (Ecclesiastes 5:4–6).
- Do not make rash vows (Proverbs 20:25).
- Truthfulness is more important than oath-taking (Matthew 5:37).
- Commitments to God should be sincere and faithful (Psalm 76:11).
Additional References
- Genesis 31:13
- Leviticus 22:18–23
- Judges 11:35–39
- 1 Samuel 1:21–28
- 2 Samuel 15:7–8
- Job 22:27
- Psalm 76:11
- Proverbs 7:14
- Jonah 1:16
- Jonah 2:9
- Nahum 1:15
These passages together show that vows in the Bible were considered sacred commitments made before God and were never to be treated lightly.