King James Version

What Does Numbers 30:8 Mean?

Numbers 30:8 in the King James Version says “But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that whic... — study this verse from Numbers chapter 30 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

Numbers 30:8 · KJV


Context

6

And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul; she vowed: Heb. her vows were upon her

7

And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

8

But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

9

But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

10

And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it (וְאִם־בְּיוֹם שְׁמֹעַ אִישָׁהּ יָנִיא אוֹתָהּ, ve'im-beyom shemo'a ishah yani otah)—The verb nû' (disallow, forbid) gives the husband authority to nullify vows, but only immediately upon hearing. He shall make her vow...of none effect (וְהֵפֵר אֶת־נִדְרָהּ, vehefer et-nidrah)—Hefer means to break, annul, frustrate. The husband's word can void what his wife spoke to God.

The LORD shall forgive her (וַיהוָה יִסְלַח־לָהּ, vaYHWH yislaḥ-lah)—God's forgiveness covers the broken vow when proper authority nullifies it. This reflects Hebrews 7:22, where Jesus becomes surety of a better covenant. Our Great Husband-Redeemer bears the weight of vows we cannot fulfill, interceding for us before the Father.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This law protected women from two dangers: (1) manipulative husbands who might later use vows against them, and (2) their own rash oaths made in emotion. The husband's immediate veto-authority balanced with God's forgiveness created a safety mechanism unique in ancient legal codes. It assumed male headship while constraining its abuse.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's willingness to forgive annulled vows demonstrate His prioritization of covenant relationship over legal technicality?
  2. In what ways does Christ's intercessory work 'annul' our impossible obligations while maintaining God's holiness and our accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וְ֠אִם1 of 21
H518

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

בְּי֨וֹם2 of 21

her on the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

שְׁמֹ֣עַ3 of 21

that he heard

H8085

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

אִישָׁהּ֮4 of 21

But if her husband

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)

יָנִ֣יא5 of 21

disallowed

H5106

to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize

אוֹתָהּ֒6 of 21
H853

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

וְהֵפֵ֗ר7 of 21

of none effect

H6565

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

אֶת8 of 21
H853

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

נִדְרָהּ֙9 of 21

it then he shall make her vow which she vowed

H5088

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 21
H834

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

עָלֶ֔יהָ11 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְאֵת֙12 of 21
H853

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

מִבְטָ֣א13 of 21

and that which she uttered

H4008

a rash utterance (hasty vow)

שְׂפָתֶ֔יהָ14 of 21

with her lips

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר15 of 21
H834

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

אָֽסְרָ֖ה16 of 21

wherewith she bound

H631

to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle

עַל17 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

נַפְשָׁ֑הּ18 of 21

her soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וַֽיהוָ֖ה19 of 21

and the LORD

H3068

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

יִֽסְלַֽח20 of 21

shall forgive

H5545

to forgive

לָֽהּ׃21 of 21
H0

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 30:8 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 30:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study