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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/21_Ecc_05_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ecclesiastes 5:4 - Approaching God with Awe" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. 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He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for <i>he hath</i> no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For <i>He has</i> no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for <i>He takes</i> no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for <i>He takes</i> no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for <i>He takes</i> no delight in fools. Pay what you vow!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow <i>or</i> a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for <i>God takes</i> no pleasure in fools [who thoughtlessly mock Him]. Pay what you vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, don&#8217t delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God doesn't like fools. So don't be slow to keep your promises to God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When you make a promise to God, don't be slow to keep it because God doesn't like fools. Keep your promise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So when you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible. He has no use for a fool. Do what you promise to do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When you make a promise to God, don't fail to keep it, since he isn't pleased with fools. Keep what you promise— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ecclesiastes/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it. For God takes no pleasure in fools: Pay what you vow! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, do not defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When thou vowest a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ecclesiastes/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, do not delay to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which you vow—complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest -- complete.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow to God, thou shalt not delay to repay it; for there is no desire in the foolish: repay what thou shalt vow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it: for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:3>If you have vowed anything to God, you should not delay to repay it. And whatever you have vowed, render it. But an unfaithful and foolish promise displeases him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools; fulfill what you have vowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ecclesiastes/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools; but as for you, pay that which you have vowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to God, do not delay its accomplishment, because there is no pleasure in fools, but pay what you vow<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ecclesiastes/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou vowest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Whenever thou shalt vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for <i>he has</i> no pleasure in fools: pay thou therefore whatsoever thou shalt have vowed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8-2fxj-VcEg?start=846" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Approaching God with Awe</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">When</a> <a href="/hebrew/5087.htm" title="5087: tid·dōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To vow. A primitive root; to promise.">you make</a> <a href="/hebrew/5088.htm" title="5088: ne·ḏer (N-ms) -- A vow. Or neder; from nadar; a promise; also a thing promised.">a vow</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: lê·lō·hîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">to God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/309.htm" title="309: tə·’a·ḥêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To remain behind, tarry. A primitive root; to loiter; by implication to procrastinate.">delay</a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: lə·šal·lə·mōw (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">in fulfilling it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">He takes no</a> <a href="/hebrew/2656.htm" title="2656: ḥê·p̄eṣ (N-ms) -- Delight, pleasure. From chaphets; pleasure; hence desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence a matter.">pleasure</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: bak·kə·sî·lîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">in fools.</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7999.htm" title="7999: šal·lêm (V-Piel-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to be safe; figuratively, to be completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate.">Fulfill</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5087.htm" title="5087: tid·dōr (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To vow. A primitive root; to promise.">your vow.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Psalm 50:14</a></span><br />Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/76-11.htm">Psalm 76:11</a></span><br />Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Proverbs 20:25</a></span><br />It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-13.htm">Psalm 66:13-14</a></span><br />I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— / the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Jonah 2:9</a></span><br />But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-1.htm">Acts 5:1-4</a></span><br />Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Malachi 1:14</a></span><br />“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a></span><br />And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-21.htm">1 Samuel 1:21-28</a></span><br />Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, / but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” / “Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Genesis 28:20-22</a></span><br />Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/27-2.htm">Leviticus 27:2-8</a></span><br />“Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons, / if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. / Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When you vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed.</p><p class="hdg">vowest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-20.htm">Genesis 28:20</a></b></br> And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-1.htm">Genesis 35:1,3</a></b></br> And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></b></br> 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.</p><p class="hdg">for</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/147-10.htm">Psalm 147:10,11</a></b></br> He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Malachi 1:10</a></b></br> Who <i>is there</i> even among you that would shut the doors <i>for nought</i>? neither do ye kindle <i>fire</i> on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/10-6.htm">Hebrews 10:6</a></b></br> In burnt offerings and <i>sacrifices</i> for sin thou hast had no pleasure.</p><p class="hdg">pay</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-13.htm">Psalm 66:13,14</a></b></br> I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/116-14.htm">Psalm 116:14,16-18</a></b></br> I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jonah/2-9.htm">Jonah 2:9</a></b></br> But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay <i>that</i> that I have vowed. Salvation <i>is</i> of the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/139-22.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Defer</a> <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-16.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/psalms/145-19.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/psalms/148-8.htm">Fulfilling</a> <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Late</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-10.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Paying</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-12.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/psalms/132-2.htm">Vow</a> <a href="/psalms/132-2.htm">Vowed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-17.htm">Vowest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">Defer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-3.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-6.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-3.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-8.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-4.htm">Fools</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/luke/21-22.htm">Fulfilling</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Late</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/jeremiah/22-13.htm">Paying</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm">Vow</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-21.htm">Vowed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/12-17.htm">Vowest</a><div class="vheading2">Ecclesiastes 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-1.htm">vanities in divine service</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">in murmuring against oppression</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-9.htm">and in riches</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-18.htm">Joy in riches is the gift of God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ecclesiastes/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ecclesiastes/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When you make a vow to God</b><br>In ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in the context of worship or in seeking divine intervention. These vows were not to be taken lightly, as they were considered binding and sacred. The practice of making vows is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a>, where it is stated that a man must not break his word. Vows were a way to express devotion and commitment to God, reflecting the seriousness of one's faith and relationship with Him.<p><b>do not delay in fulfilling it</b><br>Timeliness in fulfilling vows was crucial, as delaying could imply a lack of sincerity or respect towards God. In <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a>, the Israelites were instructed to fulfill their vows promptly, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability. Delaying a vow could lead to spiritual consequences, as it might suggest that the vow was made rashly or without genuine intent.<p><b>because He takes no pleasure in fools</b><br>The term "fools" in biblical literature often refers to those who act without wisdom or reverence for God. In Proverbs, fools are frequently contrasted with the wise, highlighting the importance of living according to God's principles. By failing to fulfill a vow, one demonstrates foolishness, as it shows a disregard for the seriousness of the commitment made to God. This phrase underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in one's spiritual life.<p><b>Fulfill your vow</b><br>The call to fulfill one's vow is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in one's relationship with God. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word in <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>, where He teaches about the seriousness of oaths. This reflects the continuity of the principle that one's promises to God and others should be honored. Fulfilling vows is an act of worship and obedience, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure to whom vows are made. The verse emphasizes His expectation for faithfulness and integrity in fulfilling promises made to Him.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_preacher.htm">The Preacher (Qoheleth)</a></b><br>Traditionally understood to be Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, who shares wisdom on the importance of keeping vows to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/fools.htm">Fools</a></b><br>Those who make vows but do not fulfill them, demonstrating a lack of reverence and seriousness in their relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_vows.htm">The Seriousness of Vows</a></b><br>Making a vow to God is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. It reflects our integrity and reverence for God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/timeliness_in_fulfillment.htm">Timeliness in Fulfillment</a></b><br>Delaying the fulfillment of a vow can indicate a lack of seriousness or respect for God. Promptness in keeping promises is a sign of faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_perspective_on_fools.htm">God's Perspective on Fools</a></b><br>God takes no pleasure in those who make vows without the intention or effort to fulfill them. This calls for self-examination of our intentions and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech_and_actions.htm">Integrity in Speech and Actions</a></b><br>Our words and commitments should reflect our integrity. As believers, we are called to be people of our word, both in our vows to God and in our interactions with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_faithfulness.htm">Practical Faithfulness</a></b><br>Fulfilling vows is a practical expression of our faith and trust in God. It demonstrates our commitment to living out our beliefs in tangible ways.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ecclesiastes_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_you_keep_your_vows_to_god.htm">Do you fulfill your vows to God faithfully?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_ecclesiastes_and_matthew_align_on_vows.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 exhorts swift fulfillment of vows, yet Matthew 5:34–37 warns against making vows—how is this not a contradiction? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_wisdom_literature_in_the_bible.htm">What is Wisdom Literature in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_a_true_friend_love_you_always.htm">Do you swear to tell the truth under oath?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) There is here a clear recognition of the passage in Deuteronomy. (See ref.; comp. <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/18-23.htm" title="Before thou prayest, prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.">Ecclesiasticus 18:23</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">No pleasure in fools.</span>--Comp. <a href="/isaiah/62-4.htm" title="You shall no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall your land any more be termed Desolate: but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah: for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married.">Isaiah 62:4</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ecclesiastes/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - Koheleth passes on to give a warning concerning the making of vows, which formed a great feature in Hebrew religion, and was the occasion of much irreverence and profanity. <span class="cmt_word">When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it</span>. There is here plainly a reminiscence of <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a>. Vows are not regarded as absolute duties which every one was obliged to undertake. They are of a voluntary nature, but when made are to be strictly performed. They might consist of a promise to dedicate certain things or persons to God (see <a href="/genesis/38-20.htm">Genesis 38:20</a>; <a href="/judges/11-30.htm">Judges 11:30</a>), or to abstain from doing certain things, as in the case of the Nazarites. The rabbinical injunction quoted by our Lord in the sermon on the mount (<a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33</a>), "Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths," was probably levelled against profane swearing, or invoking God's Name lightly, but it may include the duty of performing vows made to or in the Name of God. Our Lord does not condemn the practice of <span class="accented">corban</span>, while noticing with rebuke a perversion of the custom (<a href="/mark/7-11.htm">Mark 7:11</a>). For he hath no pleasure in fools. The non-fulfillment of a vow would prove a man to be impious, in proverbial language "a fool," and as such God must regard him with displeasure. The clause in the Hebrew is somewhat ambiguous, being literally, <span class="accented">There is no pleasure</span> (<span class="accented">chephets</span>) <span class="accented">in fools</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. no one, neither God nor man, would take pleasure in fools who make promises and never perform them. Or it may be, There <span class="accented">is no fixed will in fools</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. they waver and are undecided in purpose. But this rendering of <span class="accented">chephets</span> appears to be very doubtful. Septuagint <span class="greek">Ὅτι οὐκ ἔστι θέλημα ἐν ἄφροσι</span> which reproduces the vagueness of the Hebrew; Vulgate, <span class="accented">Displicet enim ei</span> (<span class="accented">Deo</span>) <span class="accented">infidelis et stulta promissio</span>. The meaning is well represented in the Authorized Version, and we must complete the sense by supplying in thought "on the part of God." <span class="cmt_word">Pay that which thou but vowed</span>. Ben-Sirs re-echoes the injunction (Ecclus. 18:22, 23), "Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow (<span class="greek">εὐχὴν</span>) in due time, and defer not until death to be justified [i.e. to fulfill the vow]. Before making a vow (<span class="greek">εὔξασθαι</span>) prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord." The verse is cited in the Talmud; and Dukes gives a parallel, "Before thou vowest anything, consider the object of thy vow" ('Rabb. Blumenl.,' p. 70). So in <a href="/proverbs/20-25.htm">Proverbs 20:25</a> we have, according to some translations, "It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, and after vows to make inquiry." Septuagint," Pay thou therefore whatsoever thou shalt have vowed (<span class="greek">ὅσα ἐάν εὔξη</span>), <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁר֩</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you make</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּדֹּ֨ר</span> <span class="translit">(tid·dōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> </span><span class="str2">To promise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a vow</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֜דֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ne·ḏer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5088.htm">Strong's 5088: </a> </span><span class="str2">A promise, a thing promised</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to God,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(lê·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">delay</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּאַחֵר֙</span> <span class="translit">(tə·’a·ḥêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_309.htm">Strong's 309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loiter, to procrastinate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in fulfilling it,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשַׁלְּמ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šal·lə·mōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֛י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He takes no</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֥ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleasure</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵ֖פֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥê·p̄eṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2656.htm">Strong's 2656: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in fools.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּכְּסִילִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(bak·kə·sî·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Fulfill</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁלֵּֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šal·lêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7999.htm">Strong's 7999: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your vow.</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּדֹּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(tid·dōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5087.htm">Strong's 5087: </a> </span><span class="str2">To promise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you vow a vow to God (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ecclesiastes 5:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ecclesiastes 5:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>