King James Version

What Does Numbers 30:15 Mean?

Numbers 30:15 in the King James Version says “But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.”

Numbers 30:15 · KJV

Context

13

Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

14

But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.

15

But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

16

These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

Read Numbers 30 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity—The phrase any ways make them void after (הָפֵר יָפֵר אֹתָם אַחֲרֵי שָׁמְעוֹ hafer yafer otam acharei shom'o, 'utterly annul them after his hearing') describes attempting annulment after the same-day window closed. The result: he shall bear her iniquity (וְנָשָׂא אֶת־עֲוֹנָהּ venasa et-avonah, 'he will carry her guilt')—the husband becomes responsible for the broken vow, not the wife.

This startling provision demonstrates that improper exercise of authority transfers guilt to the authority figure. When leaders wrongly intervene (too late, without authorization, or from wrong motives), they bear responsibility for resulting consequences. Peter warns elders against wrongful oversight: exercise authority 'not as being lords... but examples' (1 Peter 5:3). Authority is stewardship requiring proper exercise—abuse or misuse incurs divine accountability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This provision protected women from capricious husbandly authority exercised after silent ratification. Once a husband's silence confirmed a vow, attempting later annulment made him guilty of causing vow-breaking. This transferred guilt principle ensured thoughtful, timely authority exercise rather than impulsive control.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the guilt-transfer principle (from vow-maker to authority-figure for improper annulment) teach the serious responsibility of exercising spiritual authority?
  2. What does this verse warn about leaders who wrongly intervene after the proper time for oversight has passed?
  3. How can you ensure that any exercise of spiritual authority happens properly (right timing, right motivation, right authorization) to avoid bearing others' guilt?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאִם1 of 9
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יָפֵ֛ר2 of 9

“But if he shall any ways”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

יָפֵ֛ר3 of 9

“But if he shall any ways”

H6565

to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate

אֹתָ֖ם4 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַֽחֲרֵ֣י5 of 9

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

שָׁמְע֑וֹ6 of 9

“that he hath heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְנָשָׂ֖א7 of 9

“them then he shall bear”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת8 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲוֹנָֽהּ׃9 of 9

“her iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Numbers 30:15 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 Numbers 30:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 30:8Numbers 30:5Leviticus 5:1Numbers 30:12Galatians 3:28

Test Your Knowledge

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