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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>Deuteronomy 23:21 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/23-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/05_Deu_23_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Deuteronomy 23:21 - Miscellaneous Laws" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/deuteronomy/23-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/deuteronomy/23-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/">Deuteronomy</a> > <a href="/deuteronomy/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm" title="Deuteronomy 23:20">◄</a> Deuteronomy 23:21 <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm" title="Deuteronomy 23:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, be prompt in fulfilling whatever you promised him. For the LORD your God demands that you promptly fulfill all your vows, or you will be guilty of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay fulfilling it, for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and it would be sin to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly require it of you, and it will be a sin for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the LORD your God will surely require it of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the LORD your God will surely require it of you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“When you make a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it will be a sin in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for He will most certainly require it of you, and a delay would cause you to sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because he will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow unto Jehovah thy God, thou shalt not be slack to pay it: for Jehovah thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />People of Israel, if you make a sacred promise to give a gift to the LORD, then do it as soon as you can. If the LORD has to come looking for the gift you promised, you will be guilty of breaking that promise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not be slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, don't avoid keeping it. The LORD your God expects you to keep it. You would be guilty of a sin if you didn't.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"When you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not put off doing what you promised; the LORD will hold you to your vow, and it is a sin not to keep it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"When you make a vow to the LORD your God, don't delay paying it, because the LORD your God will certainly demand payment from you, and then you will be guilty of sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to the LORD your God you must not delay in fulfilling it, for otherwise he will surely hold you accountable as a sinner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When you shall vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not be slack to pay it: for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow to the LORD thy God, thou shalt not defer to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it, for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When you vow a vow to your God YHWH, you do not delay to complete it; for your God YHWH certainly requires it from you, lest it has been sin in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'When thou vowest a vow to Jehovah thy God, thou dost not delay to complete it; for Jehovah thy God doth certainly require it from thee, and it hath been in thee -- sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow to Jehovah thy God thou shalt not delay to complete it, for Jehovah thy God requiring, will require it from thee; and it was sin in thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When thou hast made a vow to the Lord thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it: because the Lord thy God will require it. And if thou delay, it shall be imputed to thee for a sin. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When you have made a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not be late in paying it. For the Lord your God demands it. And if you delay, it shall be imputed to you as a sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When you make a vow to the LORD, your God, you shall not delay in fulfilling it; for the LORD, your God, will surely require it of you and you will be held guilty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not postpone fulfilling it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you, and you would incur guilt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When you shall vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not be slack to pay it; for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be a sin in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if you vow a vow to LORD JEHOVAH your God, you shall not defer to pay it, or it would be a sin upon you, because LORD JEHOVAH certainly requires it from you.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not be slack to pay it; for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it will be sin in thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if thou wilt vow a vow to the Lord thy God, thou shalt not delay to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee, and <i>otherwise</i> it shall be sin in thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/23-21.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/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=6399" 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/deuteronomy/23.htm">Miscellaneous Laws</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5087.htm" title="5087: ṯid·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/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">to the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">your God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/309.htm" title="309: ṯə·’a·ḥêr (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To remain behind, tarry. A primitive root; to loiter; by implication to procrastinate.">be slow to keep it,</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">He</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God"></a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: dā·rōš (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship.">will surely require it</a> <a href="/hebrew/1875.htm" title="1875: yiḏ·rə·šen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 3mse) -- A primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow; by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: mê·‘im·māḵ (Prep-m:: 2ms) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">of you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and you will be</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2399.htm" title="2399: ḥêṭ (N-ms) -- A sin. From chata'; a crime or its penalty.">guilty of sin.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.…<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="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</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. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/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="/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="/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="/leviticus/27-2.htm">Leviticus 27:2-3</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/11-30.htm">Judges 11:30-31</a></span><br />Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, / then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”<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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-22</a></span><br />Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...<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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When you shall vow a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not slack to pay it: for the LORD your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Deuteronomy 23:18</a></b></br> Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these <i>are</i> abomination unto the LORD thy God.</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><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Account</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-23.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-15.htm">Defer</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/15-3.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-4.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-18.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-2.htm">Require</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-18.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-26.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-7.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Vow</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/24-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-15.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Defer</a> <a href="/judges/5-28.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-13.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-66.htm">Doubt</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-21.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-15.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/joshua/22-23.htm">Require</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/joshua/10-6.htm">Slack</a> <a href="/joshua/18-3.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-13.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm">Vow</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-1.htm">Who may or may not enter into the congregation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-9.htm">Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-15.htm">Of the fugitive servant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-17.htm">Of filthiness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-18.htm">Of abominable sacrifices</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-19.htm">Of usury</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm">Of vows</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-24.htm">Of trespass</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'; 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These vows were voluntary but once made, they were binding. The practice of making vows is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the story of Hannah (<a href="/1_samuel/1-11.htm">1 Samuel 1:11</a>) who vowed to dedicate her son to the Lord. Vows were a way to express devotion and commitment to God, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people.<p><b>do not be slow to keep it</b><br>Timeliness in fulfilling vows was crucial. Delaying a vow could indicate a lack of respect or seriousness about one's commitment to God. <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a> echoes this sentiment, warning against delaying to pay what is vowed. The emphasis on promptness underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's relationship with God.<p><b>because He will surely require it of you</b><br>This phrase highlights God's expectation for His people to honor their commitments. It reflects God's nature as just and faithful, expecting the same from His followers. The requirement of vows is not merely a legalistic demand but a reflection of the covenantal faithfulness that God desires. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical theme of accountability before God.<p><b>and you will be guilty of sin</b><br>Failing to fulfill a vow was considered a serious offense, equated with sin. This underscores the gravity of making promises to God and the moral obligation to uphold them. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the seriousness of oaths in <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>, emphasizing truthfulness and integrity in speech. The concept of sin here is tied to the breach of trust and faithfulness, which are central to the biblical understanding of righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The original audience of Deuteronomy, receiving God's laws and instructions through Moses.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites and the mediator of God's law, delivering these instructions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who requires faithfulness and integrity from His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/v/vows.htm">Vows</a></b><br>Promises made to God, often in the context of worship or seeking divine favor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sin.htm">Sin</a></b><br>The moral failing or transgression against God's law, which occurs when vows are not fulfilled.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_vows.htm">The Seriousness of Vows</a></b><br>Vows are not to be taken lightly. They are solemn promises made before God, and failing to fulfill them is considered a sin. This teaches us the importance of integrity and accountability in our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_expectation_of_faithfulness.htm">God's Expectation of Faithfulness</a></b><br>God requires His people to be faithful and trustworthy. When we make promises, especially to God, we must be diligent in keeping them, reflecting His faithfulness in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_delay.htm">The Consequences of Delay</a></b><br>Delaying the fulfillment of a vow is equated with sin. This highlights the need for promptness and sincerity in our spiritual and personal obligations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_speech_and_actions.htm">Integrity in Speech and Actions</a></b><br>Our words should reflect our intentions. As believers, we are called to be people of our word, ensuring that our actions align with our promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>By fulfilling our vows, we mirror God's own faithfulness and truthfulness, serving as a testimony to others of His character.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_say_to_keep_secrets.htm">Do you fulfill your vows to God faithfully?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_torahism.htm">What does the Bible say about breaking vows?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_breaking_vows.htm">What does the Bible say about breaking vows?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/deuteronomy/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">When thou shalt vow . . . thou shalt not be slack . . .</span>--The three yearly feasts are mentioned by Rashi and the Rabbis as occasions for the payment of vows. (See <a href="/1_samuel/1-21.htm" title="And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.">1Samuel 1:21</a>.) This precept is cited in <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm" title="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.">Ecclesiastes 5:4</a>, but with sufficient verbal variation to prevent its being called a quotation.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 21-23.</span> - A vow to the Lord, once made, was to be religiously kept; the Lord would require it, and to refuse or neglect to pay it would be held a sin. No one, however, was under any obligation to vow - that was to be a purely voluntary act. <span class="cmt_word">That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform</span>.<span class="cmt_word">.. according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God</span> <span class="cmt_word">of free-will</span> (<span class="hebrew">נְדָבָה</span>, spontaneously). (For the law concerning vows in general, see <a href="/leviticus/27.htm">Leviticus 27</a>, and <a href="/numbers/30.htm">Numbers 30</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/23-21.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">If</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</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">you make</span><br /><span class="heb">תִדֹּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(ṯid·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">נֶ֙דֶר֙</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 the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיהוָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<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">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be slow to keep it,</span><br /><span class="heb">תְאַחֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·’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">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</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</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will surely require it</span><br /><span class="heb">דָּרֹ֨שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(dā·rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1875.htm">Strong's 1875: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of you,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘im·māḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> </span><span class="str2">With, equally with</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and you will be</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">guilty of sin.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֵֽטְא׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥêṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2399.htm">Strong's 2399: </a> </span><span class="str2">A crime, its penalty</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:21 When you shall vow a vow (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 23:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 23:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 23:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 23:22" /></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>