Ecclesiastes 5:4
Ecclesiastes 5:4 in Multiple Translations
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
When you take an oath before God, put it quickly into effect, because he has no pleasure in the foolish; keep the oath you have taken.
When you make a vow to God, with a curse on you if you don't keep it, don't be slow in keeping it, for he is not happy with foolish behavior. So do what you promised!
It is better that thou shouldest not vowe, then that thou shouldest vow and not pay it.
When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest — complete.
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.
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.
And it is much better not to vow, than after a vow not to perform the things promised.
When you solemnly promise God that you will do something, do not be foolish by delaying in doing it, because God is not pleased with foolish people. Do all the things that you promise God that you will do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 5:4
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.
Ecclesiastes 5:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֖וֹב
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לֹֽא
תִדֹּ֑ר
מִ/שֶׁ/תִּדּ֖וֹר
וְ/לֹ֥א
תְשַׁלֵּֽם
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִדֹּ֑ר
nâdar
H5087
to vow
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
מִ/שֶׁ/תִּדּ֖וֹר
nâdar
H5087
to vow
Prep | Rel | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
תְשַׁלֵּֽם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 5:4
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹֽא
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.
תִדֹּ֑ר
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.
מִ/שֶׁ/תִּדּ֖וֹר
nâdar
H5087
"to vow"
Prep | Rel | 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.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
תְשַׁלֵּֽם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms
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.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 5:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 5:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:4
Context — Approaching God with Awe
2Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.
3As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.
4When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.
5It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. 6Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messenger that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 30:2 | 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. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 23:21–23 | 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. |
| 3 | Psalms 76:11 | Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared. |
| 4 | Matthew 5:33 | Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ |
| 5 | Psalms 66:13–14 | 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. |
| 6 | Psalms 50:14 | Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. |
| 7 | Psalms 119:106 | I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. |
| 8 | Malachi 1:10 | “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would no longer kindle useless fires on My altar! I take no pleasure in you,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will accept no offering from your hands. |
| 9 | Hebrews 10:6 | In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight. |
| 10 | Psalms 147:10–11 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. |
Ecclesiastes 5:4 Summary
When we make a promise to God, it's essential to follow through on it, as He takes our commitments seriously, and delaying or neglecting to fulfill them can have negative consequences. This verse reminds us to be mindful of our words and actions, especially when it comes to making vows, as seen in Psalm 15:4, and to prioritize obedience and faithfulness, trusting in God's guidance and strength to help us fulfill our promises, just as Psalm 37:3-7 encourages us to trust in Him and do good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to make a vow to God?
Making a vow to God means promising to do something in obedience to Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:21-23, and it's essential to take such promises seriously, as Ecclesiastes 5:4 warns against delaying in fulfilling them.
Why does God take no pleasure in fools who delay in fulfilling their vows?
God takes no pleasure in fools because they are not trustworthy and do not take their commitments seriously, as Proverbs 12:22 notes, and delaying in fulfilling vows shows a lack of respect for God's sovereignty and authority.
What are the consequences of not fulfilling a vow made to God?
The consequences of not fulfilling a vow made to God can be severe, as Ecclesiastes 5:6 warns that God may become angry and destroy the work of our hands, highlighting the importance of being mindful of our words and actions before Him, as stated in Psalm 15:4.
How can we ensure that we fulfill our vows to God?
To ensure that we fulfill our vows to God, we must be careful and intentional when making promises, as Ecclesiastes 5:5 advises, and prioritize obedience and faithfulness, as demonstrated in Psalm 37:3-7, trusting in God's guidance and strength to help us follow through on our commitments.
Reflection Questions
- What vows or promises have I made to God that I have yet to fulfill, and what steps can I take to make them a priority?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my respect and reverence for God's authority and sovereignty in my daily life, beyond just fulfilling vows?
- How can I cultivate a greater sense of awareness and mindfulness when speaking and making promises, especially in relation to God, and what role can prayer play in this process?
- What are some potential consequences of delaying or neglecting to fulfill vows made to God, and how can I learn from the examples in Scripture, such as in Numbers 30:2 and Deuteronomy 23:21-23?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 5:4
When thou vowest a vow unto God,.... Or "if thou vowest" (r), as the Vulgate Latin version; for vows are free and indifferent things, which persons may make or not; there is no precept for them in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 5:4
When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. When thou vowest a vow (Deuteronomy 23:21-23).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
A vow; which is a solemn promise, whereby a man binds himself to do something which is in his power to do. Defer not to pay it; perform it whilst the sense of thine obligation is fresh and strong upon thee, lest either thou seem to repent of thy promises, or lest delays end in denials and resolutions of non-performance. See ,14 66:11. In fools; in hypocritical and perfidious persons, who, when they are in distress, make liberal vows, and when the danger is past, neglect and break them; whom he calls fools, partly because it is the highest folly to despise and provoke, to think to mock and deceive, the all-seeing and almighty God; and partly in opposition to the contrary opinion of such persons, who think they deal wisely and cunningly in serving themselves of God, by getting the advantage or deliverance which they desire by making such vows, and yet avoiding the inconvenience and charge of payment when once the work is done, whereas nothing is more impious or ridiculous than such an imagination.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
Ecclesiastes 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.Ver. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it.] It is in thy power to vow or not to vow. Vovere nusquam est praeceptum, saith Bellarmine. We have no command to vow. That of David, "Vow and perform to the Lord your God," is not purum praeceptum, saith Mr Cartwright, a pure precept, but like that other, "Be angry, and sin not"; where anger is not commanded, but limited. So neither are we simply commanded to vow, but having voluntarily vowed, we may not defer to pay it; delays are taken for denials, excuses for refusals. For he hath no pleasure in fools.] He "needs" them as little as King Achish did; he "abhors" them as deceitful workers, as mockers of God. Jephthah in vovendo fuit stultus, inpraestando impius: Jephthah was a fool invowing, and wicked in performing. But he that vows a thing lawful and possible, and yet defers to perform it, or seeks an evasion, is two fools for failing; since - De Monac., lib. ii. cap. 15. Jerome
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
(4) There is here a clear recognition of the passage in Deuteronomy. (See ref.; comp. Sir 18:23.) No pleasure in fools.—Comp. Isaiah 62:4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
Verse 4. When thou vowest a vow] When in distress and difficulty, men are apt to promise much to God if he will relieve them; but generally forget the vow when the distress or trouble is gone by.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 5:4
4. When thou vowest a vow unto God] The words are almost a reproduction of Deu 23:22-24. They point to a time when vows, such as are here referred to, entered largely into men’s personal religion. Memorable instances of such vows are found in the lives of Jacob (Genesis 28:20), Jephthah (Judges 11:30), Saul (1 Samuel 14:24). In later Judaism they came into a fresh prominence, as seen especially in the Corban of Mar 7:11, the revival of the Nazarite vow (Acts 18:18; Acts 20:23; Joseph. Wars ii. 15, p. 1), and the oath or anathema of Act 23:21; and one of the treatises of the Mishna (Nedarim) was devoted to an exhaustive casuistic treatment of the whole subject. In Matthew 5:23 we find the recognised rule of the Pharisees, “Thou shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths,” as the conclusion of the whole matter. This the Debater also affirmed, but he, in his deeper wisdom, went further, and bade men to consider well what kind of vows they made. for he hath no pleasure in fools] The construction of the sentence in the Hebrew is ambiguous, and may give either (1) that suggested by the interpolated words in the A. V., or (2) “there is no pleasure in fools,” i.e. they please neither God nor man, or (3) “there is no fixed purpose in fools,” i.e. they are unstable in their vows as in everything else. Of these interpretations (2) has most to commend it.
In Proverbs 20:25, “It is a snare … after vows to make inquiry,” we have a striking parallel.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 5:4
4. When thou vowest — Vows are promises voluntarily made, not specifically required.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 5:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Quiet Time by Herb Atwood | In this video, the speaker introduces the concept of spending seven minutes with God in prayer and reading the Bible. He emphasizes the importance of quality time with God and enco |
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Broken Vows by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not making foolish vows before God. He emphasizes that it is better to not make vows at all than to make ones that we cann |
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Training Our Children to Live in God's Presence by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the story of Hannah from the book of 1 Samuel, highlighting her fervent prayer for a child, her vow to dedicate him to the Lord, and the importance of keepi |
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Roman Catholicism by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches a sermon warning against idolatry, specifically addressing the errors and dangers of Roman Catholicism. He highlights the soul-damning nature of idolatry, th |
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Honour Your Vows to the Lord by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of honoring our vows to the Lord, warning that failing to keep our promises can lead to curses instead of blessings. He shares the story of Ma |
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"When Thou Vowest a Vow, Defer Not to Pay It" by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches about the seriousness of making vows to God, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them once spoken, as seen in the stories of Jephthah and Hannah. He share |
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Ungodly Practice of Dating by Tim Conway | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the strength of the Lord to conquer the challenges and obstacles in life. He specifically mentions children as |