Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 30:13 mean in simple terms?
A: Numbers 30:13 discusses the laws of vows (nedarim) made by a married woman. If her husband hears her vow on the same day she makes it and decides to nullify (hafir) it, the vow does not take effect. Hashem forgives her because the vow was canceled by her husband's authority, as explained in the Talmud (Nedarim 72a) and Rashi's commentary.
Q: Why is a husband allowed to nullify his wife's vows?
A: According to Jewish law (based on Torah and Talmudic interpretation), a husband has the authority to nullify certain types of vows made by his wife because marriage creates a shared household responsibility. The Mishnah (Nedarim 10:1-2) and Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 12:1-2) explain that this applies only to vows that affect marital life or cause self-affliction (issur nefesh). This ensures harmony in the home.
Q: Does this verse mean a woman's word is less valid than a man's?
A: No, Jewish tradition teaches that men and women have equal spiritual standing before Hashem. This law is specific to certain vows within marriage, not a general statement on a woman's validity. The Talmud (Kiddushin 35b) discusses that women are equally obligated in many mitzvot. The husband's role here is a legal mechanism for maintaining shalom bayit (domestic peace), as explained by Rashi and the Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 153).
Q: How does the concept of vow nullification apply today?
A: In Orthodox Jewish practice today, the laws of vow nullification (hafarat nedarim) are still relevant, particularly before Rosh Hashanah when many annul past vows in the Kol Nidrei prayer. For married women, the husband's role in nullifying certain vows (as per Numbers 30) is discussed in halachic works like the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 234). However, most personal vows today are not binding in the same way as in biblical times.
Q: What does it mean that 'Hashem will forgive her' in this verse?
A: The phrase 'Hashem will forgive her' means that when a husband nullifies his wife's vow, she is not held spiritually accountable for not fulfilling it. According to Rashi and the Sifrei, this forgiveness applies because the vow was canceled through proper Torah procedure. It emphasizes that Hashem is compassionate and does not hold a person responsible for a vow that was rightfully annulled according to halacha (Jewish law).
Context of the Verse
This verse (Numbers 30:6) is part of the Torah's discussion of nedarim (vows) and the laws concerning a husband's ability to annul his wife's vows. The passage outlines the conditions under which a husband may nullify his wife's vows on the day he hears them, rendering them invalid. The verse concludes with the assurance that if the vow is properly annulled, Hashem will forgive her for not fulfilling it.
Explanation of Key Terms
Husband's Role in Annulling Vows
According to the Talmud (Nedarim 72a), a husband may annul his wife's vows only on the day he hears them (b'yom sham'o). If he delays, the vow remains binding. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 12:2) clarifies that this power is a unique halachic mechanism to preserve marital harmony, preventing vows from causing strife.
Divine Forgiveness
The phrase "וַיהוָה יִסְלַח־לָהּ" (vaHashem yislach-lah) teaches that once a vow is properly annulled, the woman is not held accountable for failing to fulfill it. The Sforno explains that this underscores Hashem's compassion, recognizing that the annulment was done in accordance with Torah law, and thus no sin remains.
Halachic Implications