King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 23:21 Mean?

Deuteronomy 23:21 in the King James Version says “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely requir...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.”

Deuteronomy 23:21 · KJV

Context

19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

21

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

22

But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.

23

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Read Deuteronomy 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

This verse addresses voluntary vows made to God, emphasizing the obligation to fulfill them promptly. The Hebrew neder (נֶדֶר, 'vow') denotes a voluntary promise to give offerings, perform actions, or abstain from things beyond what law required. The command not to 'slack' (te'acher, תְּאַחֵר, 'delay') demanded prompt fulfillment, preventing indefinite postponement that effectively nullified the vow. The warning that God 'will surely require it' (darosh yidroshenu) used emphatic Hebrew construction stressing certainty of divine accounting.

The passage establishes that vows, though voluntary, become binding obligations once made. God takes spoken commitments seriously, holding people accountable for promises uttered even in emotional moments or under perceived duress. This reflects God's own character: His promises are absolutely reliable (Numbers 23:19, Titus 1:2), and He expects His image-bearers to demonstrate similar integrity. Breaking vows constitutes 'sin' (chet, חֵטְא), not mere social embarrassment or personal disappointment, because it violates God's honor and questions His authority.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 reinforces this teaching: 'Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.' The wisdom tradition counseled caution in making vows since fulfillment was mandatory. Jephthah's tragic vow (Judges 11:30-40) and Israel's rash oath regarding Benjamin (Judges 21:1-23) demonstrate the serious consequences of hasty vows. For Christians, this principle warns against casual promises to God, emphasizes integrity in all commitments (Matthew 5:33-37), and points toward Christ who perfectly fulfilled all vows and obligations, enabling believers to approach God through His merit rather than our fallible promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vows were common in ancient Near Eastern religious practice, typically conditional promises: 'If you grant X, I will offer Y.' Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan includes votive offerings and inscriptions documenting fulfilled vows. Temples throughout the region received offerings from individuals who vowed gifts if deities granted requests—healing, military victory, successful journeys, or children. Breaking vows was believed to provoke divine wrath, though enforcement mechanisms varied.

Biblical examples demonstrate vow-making's prevalence in Israel: Jacob vowed to give a tenth if God brought him safely home (Genesis 28:20-22); Hannah vowed to dedicate her son if God granted her a child (1 Samuel 1:11); Absalom falsely claimed to have made a vow requiring him to go to Hebron, where he launched his rebellion (2 Samuel 15:7-8). The practice was so common that the law regulated various aspects (Leviticus 27, Numbers 30), demonstrating both acceptance of vow-making and concern about potential abuses.

The historical context included pagan practices where vows to false gods involved immoral acts or excessive sacrifices. Israel's regulations ensured vows honored Yahweh appropriately without adopting pagan excesses. The law against delaying payment addressed the tendency to make hasty promises during crises, then forget them when circumstances improved. Archaeological evidence from temple archives shows that tracking vow fulfillment was standard practice, with priests maintaining records. God's 'surely require it' meant divine accounting was more thorough than any human record-keeping, ensuring ultimate accountability for all commitments made to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this command about fulfilling vows shape our understanding of making promises to God in prayer or commitment?
  2. What does God's requirement to fulfill vows teach about His character and His expectations for human integrity?
  3. How should Christians balance making faith commitments with the warning against rash vows?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּֽי1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

תִדֹּ֥ר2 of 17

“When thou shalt vow”

H5087

to promise (pos., to do or give something to god)

נֶ֙דֶר֙3 of 17

“a vow”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

יְהוָ֤ה4 of 17

“it for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 17

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לֹ֥א6 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תְאַחֵ֖ר7 of 17

“thou shalt not slack”

H309

to loiter (i.e., be behind); by implication to procrastinate

לְשַׁלְּמ֑וֹ8 of 17

“to pay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

כִּֽי9 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ10 of 17

“require”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ11 of 17

“require”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְהוָ֤ה12 of 17

“it for the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙13 of 17

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ14 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהָיָ֥ה15 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְךָ֖16 of 17
H0
חֵֽטְא׃17 of 17

“it of thee and it would be sin”

H2399

a crime or its penalty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 23:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 23:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5Psalms 66:13-14Psalms 116:18Numbers 30:1-16Psalms 76:11Psalms 56:12

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