Numbers 30:5 - Father's silence affirms vows.

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Hebrew Text

וְשָׁמַע אָבִיהָ אֶת־נִדְרָהּ וֶאֱסָרָהּ אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ וְהֶחֱרִישׁ לָהּ אָבִיהָ וְקָמוּ כָּל־נְדָרֶיהָ וְכָל־אִסָּר אֲשֶׁר־אָסְרָה עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ יָקוּם׃

English Translation

and her father hear her vow, and her bond with which she has bound herself, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she has bound herself shall stand.

Transliteration

Ve'shama aviha et-nidrah ve'esarah asher asrah al-nafshah ve'hecherish lah aviha ve'kamu kol-nedareha ve'chol-issar asher-asrah al-nafshah yakum.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשָׁמַ֨ע אָבִ֜יהָ אֶת־נִדְרָ֗הּ וֶֽאֱסָרָהּ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָֽסְרָ֣ה עַל־נַפְשָׁ֔הּ וְהֶחֱרִ֥ישׁ לָ֖הּ אָבִ֑יהָ וְקָ֙מוּ֙ כׇּל־נְדָרֶ֔יהָ וְכׇל־אִסָּ֛ר אֲשֶׁר־אָסְרָ֥ה עַל־נַפְשָׁ֖הּ יָקֽוּם׃

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 30:5) appears in the Torah portion discussing the laws of vows (nedarim) and their annulment. It specifically addresses the case of a young woman still living in her father's household, whose vows may be upheld or nullified by her father under certain conditions.

Explanation of the Text

The verse states that if a father hears his daughter's vow or self-imposed prohibition (issar) and remains silent, the vow remains binding. Rashi explains that the father's silence is considered implicit approval, causing the vow to take full effect. The phrase "וְהֶחֱרִישׁ לָהּ" ("and her father shall hold his peace at her") indicates that his inaction validates her commitment.

Halachic Implications

Father's Authority: The Talmud (Nedarim 66b) discusses the father's role in annulling vows, derived from this verse. A father may nullify his daughter's vows only on the day he hears them (Bamidbar 30:6). Silence beyond that day confirms the vow.
Types of Vows: Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 11:1) clarifies that this applies to vows affecting the daughter's personal conduct (issurei nefesh), not financial obligations.
Silence as Consent: The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 153) emphasizes that the father's silence is legally significant, reflecting the Torah's careful attention to verbal commitments and familial responsibility.

Spiritual Lessons

The verse underscores the gravity of speech and vows in Jewish thought. The Chofetz Chaim (in Shemirat HaLashon) teaches that words create spiritual realities, and this verse reminds us of the need for mindfulness in making commitments. Additionally, the father's role highlights the Torah's framework of accountability within family structures.

Practical Applications

A father must actively nullify his daughter's vows on the day he hears them; passive silence renders them binding.
The principle extends to broader halachic concepts, such as the importance of timely action in matters of halacha.
This law reinforces the idea that vows—once validated—require strict adherence, as taught in Pirkei Avot (3:13): "The fence for wisdom is silence."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 70b

The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding vows made by a daughter and the father's right to annul them.

📖 Kiddushin 44a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the authority of a father over his daughter's vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 30:5 mean about a father's role in his daughter's vows?
A: Numbers 30:5 teaches that if a father hears his unmarried daughter's vow or oath and remains silent (does not object), the vow becomes binding. This shows the Torah's recognition of a father's role in guiding his daughter's spiritual commitments during her youth (Rashi on Numbers 30:5, Mishneh Torah Hilchot Nedarim 11:1).

Q: Why does the Torah give a father authority over his daughter's vows?
A: The Torah gives a father limited authority over his unmarried daughter's vows to ensure she does not make impulsive commitments that may harm her. This reflects the Torah's wisdom in balancing personal spiritual expression with parental guidance (Talmud Nedarim 70a, Rambam Hilchot Nedarim 11:1).

Q: How does Numbers 30:5 apply to Jewish life today?
A: While today we don't commonly make verbal vows like in biblical times, the principle teaches the importance of thoughtful commitment and the value of seeking guidance before making serious spiritual decisions. The halachic concept remains relevant in areas like marriage agreements and other binding commitments (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah 234).