Complete Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About Keeping Vows?
13 Scripture references with full text and commentary
Understanding Keeping Vows in the Bible
Explore what the Bible says about keeping vows. This collection of 14 key Scripture passages reveals God's wisdom and guidance on this important theme.
Top 10 Verses About Keeping Vows
- 1Numbers 30:2
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. break: Heb. profane”
KJV - 2Deuteronomy 23:21
“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.”
KJV - 3Judges 11:30
“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,”
KJV - 4
- 5
- 6
- 7Psalms 76:11
“Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. unto him: Heb. to fear”
KJV - 8Proverbs 20:25
“It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.”
KJV - 9Ecclesiastes 5:4
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.”
KJV - 10Matthew 5:33
“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:”
KJV
Old Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Keeping Vows? (9 Verses)
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. break: Heb. profane”
“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.”
“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,”
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:”
“So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.”
“I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,”
“Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. unto him: Heb. to fear”
“It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make enquiry.”
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.”
New Testament: What Does the Bible Say About Keeping Vows? (4 Verses)
“Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:”
“And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.”
“Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;”
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
How to Study What the Bible Says About Keeping Vows
- 1
Begin by reading through every verse listed on this page, noting which ones speak most directly to your current season of life. Write them down and revisit them throughout the week.
- 2
Use a concordance or the search tools on this site to find additional passages about keeping vows. Look for patterns across both the Old and New Testaments to gain a complete picture of what God reveals on this subject.
- 3
Study the context of each verse. Read the surrounding chapter to understand who was speaking, who the audience was, and what circumstances prompted the passage. Context prevents misapplication.
- 4
Memorise at least one key verse about keeping vows and meditate on it daily. Scripture memory transforms thinking and equips you to apply God's Word in real-time situations.
Practical Application
Studying what the Bible says about keeping vows is only the beginning. Scripture is meant to be lived out in daily obedience and faith. Here are practical steps to apply these truths:
Identify one area of your life where the biblical teaching on keeping vows needs to be applied more consistently. Write a specific, actionable step you can take this week.
Share what you have learned about keeping vows with a fellow believer or in a small group setting. Teaching others solidifies your own understanding and encourages mutual growth.
Pray through the key verses about keeping vows, asking God to reveal how His Word applies to your relationships, decisions, and daily habits.
How Well Do You Know What the Bible Says About Keeping Vows?
You have studied 13 verses about keeping vows. Now test your knowledge with chapter-by-chapter quizzes covering the books where these verses appear.