King James Version

What Does Numbers 30:16 Mean?

Numbers 30:16 in the King James Version says “These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter,...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Numbers 30:16 · KJV

Context

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
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—This closing formula (אֵלֶּה הַחֻקִּים eleh hachukkim, 'these are the statutes') summarizes Numbers 30's comprehensive vow regulations governing relationships between (בֵּין bein, repeated three times) husband-wife and father-daughter. The phrase being yet in her youth (בִּנְעֻרֶיהָ בֵּית אָבִיהָ vine'ureiha veit aviha, 'in her youth in her father's house') clarifies that these provisions apply to dependent daughters, not adult women.

The chapter's comprehensive treatment establishes that vows aren't private matters between individuals and God but involve community accountability through family authority structures. While specific patriarchal forms are culturally situated, the underlying principles remain: (1) vows to God are binding and serious, (2) spiritual community involves mutual accountability, (3) authority includes responsibility to protect from rash commitments. James warns: 'Let not many of you be teachers, knowing that we shall receive stricter judgment' (James 3:1)—authority brings accountability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Numbers 30 provided unprecedented protections for women in ancient Near East—nowhere else did legal codes allow annulment of vows made by subordinate family members. Most cultures held individuals absolutely responsible for oaths regardless of age, gender, or circumstances. Israel's law balanced personal agency with community protection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Numbers 30's vow regulations balance individual spiritual agency with community accountability through authority structures?
  2. What principles from this culturally-situated patriarchal structure apply to contemporary church accountability and discipleship relationships?
  3. How can you cultivate spiritual community that honors both personal responsibility before God and mutual accountability within the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
אֵ֣לֶּה1 of 16
H428

these or those

הַֽחֻקִּ֗ים2 of 16

“These are the statutes”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֤ה4 of 16

“commanded”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

יְהוָה֙5 of 16

“which the LORD”

H3068

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

אֶת6 of 16
H853

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

מֹשֶׁ֔ה7 of 16

“Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

בֵּ֥ין8 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אִ֖ישׁ9 of 16

“between a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לְאִשְׁתּ֑וֹ10 of 16

“and his wife”

H802

a woman

בֵּֽין11 of 16
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

אָבִֽיהָ׃12 of 16

“between the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְבִתּ֔וֹ13 of 16

“and his daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

בִּנְעֻרֶ֖יהָ14 of 16

“being yet in her youth”

H5271

(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)

בֵּ֥ית15 of 16

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִֽיהָ׃16 of 16

“between the father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

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 30:16 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 30:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 15:32-33Leviticus 11:46-47Leviticus 14:54-57Leviticus 13:59Numbers 5:29-30

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 30 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 30 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes