Deuteronomy 23:22
Deuteronomy 23:22 in Multiple Translations
But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
But if you take no oath, there will be no sin.
If you don't make such promises then you won't be guilty of sin.
But when thou absteinest from vowing, it shalbe no sinne vnto thee.
'And when thou forbearest to vow, it is not in thee a sin.
But if you refrain from making a vow, it shall be no sin in you.
But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.
If thou wilt not promise, thou shalt be without sin.
But if you [SYN] do not vow to do something, that is not sinful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 23:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
תִדֹּ֥ר
נֶ֨דֶר֙
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
לֹ֥א
תְאַחֵ֖ר
לְ/שַׁלְּמ֑/וֹ
כִּֽי
דָּרֹ֨שׁ
יִדְרְשֶׁ֜/נּוּ
יְהוָ֤ה
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/ךְ
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
בְ/ךָ֖
חֵֽטְא
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִדֹּ֥ר
nâdar
H5087
to vow
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
נֶ֨דֶר֙
neder
H5088
vow
N-ms
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תְאַחֵ֖ר
ʼâchar
H309
to delay
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
לְ/שַׁלְּמ֑/וֹ
shâlam
H7999
to complete
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דָּרֹ֨שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Ptc
יִדְרְשֶׁ֜/נּוּ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
בְ/ךָ֖
Prep | Suff
חֵֽטְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:22
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִדֹּ֥ר
nâdar
H5087
"to vow"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To vow means to make a promise to God, like Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1:11 when she asked for a son. This promise is a commitment to give something to God in return for a blessing. It's a solemn pledge to God.
Definition: 1) to vow, make a vow 1a) (Qal) to vow a vow
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: (make a) vow. See also: Genesis 28:20; Judges 11:30; Psalms 76:12.
נֶ֨דֶר֙
neder
H5088
"vow"
N-ms
A vow is a promise made to God, like the one Jephthah made in Judges 11:30-31. It can also refer to the thing promised, such as an offering. Vows are recorded in the Bible as important commitments.
Definition: vow, votive offering
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: vow(-ed). See also: Genesis 28:20; Deuteronomy 12:11; Psalms 22:26.
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תְאַחֵ֖ר
ʼâchar
H309
"to delay"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
To delay means to put something off until later, often because you are hesitant or unsure. In the Bible, it can also mean to loiter or tarry, as in waiting for something to happen. It is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to delay, hesitate, tarry, defer, remain behind 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to delay, tarry (intensive) 1a2) to cause one to delay, hinder, keep back 1b) (Piel) to delay, wait, stay behind (but not in hope) Also means: ya.char (יָחַר "to delay" H3186)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: continue, defer, delay, hinder, be late (slack), stay (there), tarry (longer). See also: Genesis 24:56; Psalms 40:18; Psalms 70:6.
לְ/שַׁלְּמ֑/וֹ
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דָּרֹ֨שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Ptc
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
יִדְרְשֶׁ֜/נּוּ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
יְהוָ֤ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מֵֽ/עִמָּ֔/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/ךָ֖
""
Prep | Suff
חֵֽטְא
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-ms
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Miscellaneous Laws
20You 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.
21If 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.
22But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.
23Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth. 24When you enter your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, but you must not put any in your basket.Deuteronomy 23:22 Summary
Deuteronomy 23:22 teaches us that it's better not to make a promise to God than to make one and not keep it. This verse is about being careful with our commitments and only making promises we intend to keep, much like the advice in James 1:19 to be slow to speak. By being mindful of our words and actions, we can maintain a clear conscience and a strong relationship with God, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:9. This principle can also apply to our everyday relationships, helping us build trust and integrity with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Deuteronomy 23:22?
The main point of Deuteronomy 23:22 is that if we choose not to make a vow to God, we will not be held accountable for breaking it, as seen in the context of Deuteronomy 23:21 where it warns against being slow to keep a vow made to God.
Is it a sin to make a vow and not keep it?
Yes, according to Deuteronomy 23:21, if you make a vow to the Lord your God, you must keep it, or you will be guilty of sin, which is why Deuteronomy 23:22 advises refraining from making a vow if you're not sure you can keep it, similar to the teaching in Ecclesiastes 5:5.
What is the relationship between Deuteronomy 23:22 and the preceding verse?
Deuteronomy 23:22 serves as a caution to Deuteronomy 23:21, emphasizing the importance of considering carefully before making a vow, as it is better not to make a vow at all than to make one and not fulfill it, a principle also found in Matthew 5:33-37.
How does this verse apply to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our commitments, not just to God, but to others, as stated in Psalm 15:4, and to only make promises we intend to keep, to maintain integrity and trustworthiness in all our relationships.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have made vows or commitments to God, and am I fulfilling them?
- How can I apply the principle of being careful with my words and commitments in my relationships with others?
- What are the consequences of making a vow and not keeping it, and how can I avoid this in my walk with God?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my integrity and trustworthiness to others, reflecting the character of God?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:22
But if thou shalt forbear to vow,.... That a man might do, though there was ability; it was expected indeed that men should vow and bring freewill offerings in proportion to their ability; whether
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:22
When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:22
Deuteronomy 23:22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee.Ver. 22. It shall be no sin in thee,] i.e., No such great sin; as John 9:41, so John 15:22; John 15:24 James 4:17. See Ecclesiastes 5:5. Vovere nusquam est praeceptum, saith Bellarmine: We are nowhere in Scripture commanded to vow. And Fateor quod Deus non praecipit, sed tantum consulit nobis ut aliquid illi voveamus, saith another Popish writer. I confess God nowhere commandeth, but only counselleth us to make vows. But what will they say to Psalms 76:11; - "Vow and perform to the Lord your God, bring presents" &c.? And are not the nine lepers condemned by Christ for their negligence and unthankfulness? Alphons. de Castro., De Monach, lib. ii. cap. 16.