Old Testament
Numbers 30:3
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse addresses the situation of a young woman living in her father's house who makes a vow to God.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
If a young woman, while living in her father's house during her youth, makes a vow to the LORD and binds her soul with a bond,
If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father’s house in her youth;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse addresses the situation of a young woman living in her father's house who makes a vow to God. In ancient Israel, vows were serious commitments, and this passage highlights the importance of such promises. The young woman, while still under her father's authority, is seen as binding herself to a commitment that could affect her family. The father has the right to affirm or nullify her vow, emphasizing the family's role in spiritual decisions. This reflects the cultural context where family and community were integral to individual choices. The verse underscores the significance of accountability in making promises to God, especially for those who are still under parental guidance. It also illustrates the balance between personal faith and familial responsibilities, reminding us that our commitments can have broader implications beyond ourselves.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 30:3 to your life
When making commitments, especially spiritual ones, consider the impact on your family and community. Discuss your intentions with those who have authority over you, as their guidance can provide wisdom and support. This practice fosters accountability and strengthens relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 30:3 mean?
Numbers 30:3 discusses a young woman living in her father's house who makes a vow to God. It emphasizes that such vows are serious commitments and that the father has the authority to affirm or cancel her vow, reflecting the importance of family in spiritual decisions.
What is the significance of vows in Numbers 30:3?
The significance of vows in Numbers 30:3 lies in their seriousness and the accountability they entail. The verse highlights that a young woman's vow affects her family, and her father's role is crucial in determining the vow's validity.
How does Numbers 30:3 relate to family authority?
Numbers 30:3 illustrates the concept of family authority by showing that a young woman's vows can be affirmed or nullified by her father. This reflects the cultural context where family decisions were integral to personal commitments.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 30:3 about making commitments?
From Numbers 30:3, we learn the importance of considering the impact of our commitments on our family and community. It encourages open discussions with those in authority to ensure accountability and support in our spiritual decisions.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
Unlock the full Numbers summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Numbers — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 36 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Numbers summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.