Numbers 30:3 - Oaths demand unwavering commitment.

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Hebrew Text

אִישׁ כִּי־יִדֹּר נֶדֶר לַיהוָה אוֹ־הִשָּׁבַע שְׁבֻעָה לֶאְסֹר אִסָּר עַל־נַפְשׁוֹ לֹא יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ כְּכָל־הַיֹּצֵא מִפִּיו יַעֲשֶׂה׃

English Translation

If a man vow a vow to the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

Transliteration

Ish ki-yidor neder la-Adonai o-hishava shvu'a le'esor issar al-nafsho lo yachel devaro kechol ha-yotze mi-piv ya'aseh.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִישׁ֩ כִּֽי־יִדֹּ֨ר נֶ֜דֶר לַֽיהֹוָ֗ה אֽוֹ־הִשָּׁ֤בַע שְׁבֻעָה֙ לֶאְסֹ֤ר אִסָּר֙ עַל־נַפְשׁ֔וֹ לֹ֥א יַחֵ֖ל דְּבָר֑וֹ כְּכׇל־הַיֹּצֵ֥א מִפִּ֖יו יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Sanctity of Vows and Oaths

The verse (Bamidbar 30:3) establishes the fundamental principle that one must fulfill their vows and oaths to Hashem. Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא יַחֵל דְּבָרוֹ" ("he shall not break his word") teaches that one who fails to keep their vow desecrates (חִלּוּל) their word, treating it as unholy. This underscores the severity of making commitments to Hashem.

Types of Vows and Oaths

The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1-2) distinguishes between two types of commitments mentioned in the verse:

נֶדֶר (Neder) - A vow that creates a prohibition on an object (e.g., declaring food forbidden to oneself).
שְׁבוּעָה (Shevuah) - An oath that binds the person to perform or refrain from an action (e.g., swearing to fast).

The Gravity of Verbal Commitments

The Talmud (Nedarim 8a) derives from "כְּכָל־הַיֹּצֵא מִפִּיו יַעֲשֶׂה" ("he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth") that even unspoken intentions can create binding obligations if they are clear in one's heart. This teaches the immense power of speech in Jewish thought.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 203) rules that one who violates a vow transgresses a Torah prohibition. However, the Sages instituted mechanisms for הַתָּרַת נְדָרִים (annulment of vows) under specific circumstances, emphasizing that vows should not be taken lightly (Pirkei Avot 3:13).

Moral Lesson from the Verse

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 22:1) connects this verse to the concept of אֱמֶת (truth), teaching that a person's word must be as reliable as if it were given before Hashem Himself. This reflects the broader Jewish value of integrity in speech and action.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 2a

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws of vows and oaths, particularly regarding the seriousness of making and keeping vows to the Lord.

📖 Shevuot 26b

This verse is referenced in discussions about the binding nature of oaths and the consequences of breaking one's word.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 6a

The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the importance of fulfilling one's vows and the divine expectation for honesty in speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 30:3 teach about keeping promises?
A: Numbers 30:3 teaches the importance of fulfilling vows and oaths made to Hashem. The Torah states clearly that one must not break their word and must do everything they pledged. This is a fundamental principle in Judaism about honesty and integrity in speech, as emphasized by Rashi and the Talmud (Nedarim).

Q: Why is it important not to break a vow according to Jewish tradition?
A: Breaking a vow is considered a serious matter in Jewish law (Halacha) because it undermines trust and disrespects the sanctity of one's word before Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim) explains that vows create a binding obligation, and failing to fulfill them can have spiritual consequences. The Talmud (Shevuot) also discusses the gravity of oath-taking.

Q: Can a person annul a vow according to Jewish law?
A: Yes, under certain circumstances, Jewish law provides a way to annul vows through a process called 'hatarat nedarim,' which involves a Beit Din (Jewish court) or, in some cases, a Torah scholar. This is discussed in the Talmud (Nedarim) and codified by the Rambam. However, this does not apply to all vows, and one should be cautious before making them.

Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Numbers 30:3 today?
A: The verse teaches us to be careful with our words and avoid making promises lightly. In everyday life, this means speaking truthfully, keeping commitments, and avoiding exaggeration or false statements. The Midrash (Tanchuma) highlights that proper speech is a reflection of one's character and connection to Hashem.

Q: Does this verse apply to all types of promises or just religious vows?
A: While Numbers 30:3 specifically discusses vows and oaths to Hashem, Jewish tradition extends the principle to all forms of promises and commitments. The Talmud (Bava Metzia) and later halachic authorities teach that honesty in business and personal dealings is also derived from this Torah value. Breaking any promise undermines trust and integrity.