Keeping our word is important, but what happens when we fail? Breaking a vow isn’t just a personal failure—it’s something the Bible addresses with clear teachings. Today, we’ll see how Scripture speaks about promises, repentance, and the importance of honoring commitments.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Breakfast
What Does The Bible Say About Breaking A Vow
Numbers 30:2
“If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or takes an oath to bind himself with a binding obligation, he shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of keeping one’s word and fulfilling vows and obligations made before the Lord. It teaches integrity and the seriousness of making commitments.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
This verse admonishes believers to promptly fulfill their vows to God, as failing to do so is considered foolishness. It highlights the significance of following through on commitments and warns against making empty promises.
Deuteronomy 23:21
“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.”
This verse reminds believers to promptly fulfill their vows to the Lord, emphasizing that failing to do so will lead to guilt and sin. It emphasizes the seriousness of honoring commitments made to God.
Psalm 15:4
“who keeps an oath even when it hurts and does not change their mind.”
This verse praises those who remain faithful to their oaths, even when it comes at a personal cost or inconvenience. It highlights the importance of steadfastness and reliability in keeping one’s word.
Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath 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. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches that believers should not rely on oaths to validate their words or commitments. Instead, they should be people of truth and reliability, whose “yes” means yes and “no” means no.
James 5:12
“But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—an oath at all, either by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise, you will be condemned.”
James echoes Jesus’ teaching and emphasizes that believers should speak truthfully and avoid unnecessary oaths. Failure to do so may lead to condemnation for dishonesty.
Numbers 30:3
“If a woman makes a vow to the Lord and binds herself by a pledge while in her father’s house in her youth.”
This verse clarifies that the principles of fulfilling vows also apply to women who make commitments to the Lord. It underscores that gender is not a factor, and all individuals should honor their pledges.
Psalm 66:13-14
“I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you— vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.”
Here, the psalmist expresses their intention to fulfill the vows made to the Lord during times of distress. It demonstrates the psalmist’s gratitude and commitment to honor their promises.
Proverbs 20:25
“It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows.”
This verse warns against making hasty and thoughtless commitments, recognizing that dedicating oneself to a vow without careful consideration can lead to regret and difficulties in fulfilling it.
Deuteronomy 23:22
“If you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. But you must be careful to do what you have promised, what you have vowed to the Lord your God, and what you have promised with your own mouth.”
In this verse, believers are encouraged not to make vows if they are uncertain about their ability to fulfill them. However, if a vow is made, it is crucial to keep the promise made to the Lord, ensuring that words are not spoken lightly or insincerely.
Mark 7:9-13
“And he continued, “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to ob- serve your own traditions! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who manipulate vows and dedications to bypass their responsibilities of honoring their parents. It reveals the danger of using vows as an excuse to avoid fulfilling more important obligations.
Jonah 2:9
“But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’””
When Jonah finds himself in the belly of a great fish, this verse illustrates his commitment to fulfill his vows to the Lord and offer gratitude for his deliverance. It highlights the importance of honoring promises to God, even in challenging circumstances.
Leviticus 27:2
“Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate a person to the Lord by giving the equivalent value,
This verse instructs the Israelites on the practice of making vows to dedicate themselves or others to the Lord. It lays the foundation for understanding the significance and responsibility associated with such commitments.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
This verse reminds believers of God’s faithfulness and mercy. While it doesn’t directly address breaking vows, it underscores the importance of seeking forgiveness and recognizing God’s abundant grace in times of our own shortcomings.
Psalm 61:8
“Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day.”
Here, the psalmist declares their commitment to continually praise God’s name and fulfill their vows without ceasing. It demonstrates the psalmist’s devotion and dedication to honoring their commitments to the Lord regularly.
Acts 18:18
“Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchreae because of a vow he had taken.”
This verse highlights the apostle Paul’s personal commitment to fulfilling a vow made, even enough to cut his hair. It demonstrates that vows made to the Lord should be taken seriously and fulfilled, even if it requires sacrifice.
Matthew 26:74-75
“Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
This passage recounts the tragic moment when Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, breaks his vow to stand by Jesus’ side and denies knowing Him. It serves as a cautionary example of the consequences and sorrow that breaking a vow can bring.
1 Samuel 1:11
“And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.””
In this verse, Hannah makes a vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if He will bless her with a child. It showcases the sincerity and commitment of her vow, as well as the fulfillment of her promise later in 1 Samuel 1:27.
Psalm 56:12-13
“I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.”
Here, the psalmist expresses gratitude and acknowledges their commitment to fulfill their vows to God. It demonstrates the psalmist’s recognition of God’s deliverance and their desire to honor Him through faithful adherence to their promises.
Judges 11:30-31
“And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.””
This verse recounts Jephthah’s vow to offer as a burnt offering whatever or whoever met him upon his return from battle. While the outcome of this vow was tragic and controversial, it serves as a reminder to carefully consider the content and implications of our vows before making them.
Genesis 28:20-22
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.””
This passage reveals Jacob’s vow to make the Lord his God and offer a tithe of his possessions in gratitude for God’s protection. It highlights the practical aspect of fulfilling vows and offering our resources to God as an act of worship and thanksgiving.
Psalm 76:11
“Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring peoples bring tribute to him. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.”
This verse encourages believers to make vows to the Lord and emphasizes the importance of honoring them. It underscores the authority of God and His supremacy over earthly rulers.
Acts 21:23-24
“So do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow. Take these men, join in their purification rites and pay their expenses so that they can have their heads shaved. Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.”
In this passage, Paul demonstrates his adherence to fulfilling a vow by joining four men in their purification rites. It showcases the cultural significance of vows and the willingness to participate in customs associated with their completion.