Deuteronomy 23:21
New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
“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.

English Standard Version
“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.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
“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.

New American Standard Bible
“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.

NASB 1995
“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.

NASB 1977
“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.

Legacy Standard Bible
“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.

Amplified Bible
“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.

Christian Standard Bible
“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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
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.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
"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.

International Standard Version
"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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
'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.

Smith's Literal Translation
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.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
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.

New Revised Standard Version
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.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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 otherwise it shall be sin in thee.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



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.…

Cross References
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
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.

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.

Matthew 5:33-37
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. ...

Psalm 50:14
Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

James 5:12
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.

Leviticus 27:2-3
“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.

Judges 11:30-31
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.”

Proverbs 20:25
It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows.

Acts 5:1-4
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? ...

Psalm 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.

Jonah 2:9
But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!”

1 Samuel 1:11
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.”

Malachi 1:14
“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.

Matthew 23:16-22
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.’ ...

Genesis 28:20-22
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.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Deuteronomy 23:18
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 are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Genesis 28:20
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,

Genesis 35:1-3
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…

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Account Complete Defer Delay Demand Doubt Effect Oath Pay Require Responsible Sin Slack Slow Surely Vow
Deuteronomy 23
1. Who may or may not enter into the congregation
9. Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host
15. Of the fugitive servant
17. Of filthiness
18. Of abominable sacrifices
19. Of usury
20. Of vows
24. Of trespass














If you make a vow
The concept of making a vow in ancient Israel was a solemn and sacred act. The Hebrew word for vow, "נֶדֶר" (neder), signifies a promise or commitment made to God. Vows were voluntary but once made, they were binding. This reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites approached their relationship with God, understanding that their words held weight and were a reflection of their faith and integrity.

to the LORD your God
This phrase emphasizes the personal relationship between the individual and God. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenant name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and sovereignty. "Your God" personalizes this relationship, reminding the Israelites that their vows were not just religious formalities but commitments to the One who had delivered them and established a covenant with them.

do not be slow to keep it
The instruction here is clear: promptness in fulfilling vows is crucial. The Hebrew root "אַחַר" (achar) implies delay or procrastination. In the cultural and historical context, delaying a vow could indicate a lack of respect or seriousness towards God. This urgency underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's spiritual commitments.

because He will surely require it of you
This phrase serves as a solemn reminder of God's justice and omniscience. The Hebrew verb "דָּרַשׁ" (darash) means to seek or require. It conveys the certainty that God will hold individuals accountable for their promises. This reflects the biblical principle that God is a righteous judge who values truth and integrity.

and you will be guilty of sin
The consequence of failing to fulfill a vow is clearly stated: it is sin. The Hebrew word for sin, "חֵטְא" (chet), denotes a moral failing or offense against God. This highlights the gravity of unfulfilled vows, equating them with sin and emphasizing the need for repentance and atonement. In the broader scriptural context, this serves as a call to holiness and faithfulness in all aspects of life.

(21) When thou shalt vow . . . thou shalt not be slack . . .--The three yearly feasts are mentioned by Rashi and the Rabbis as occasions for the payment of vows. (See 1Samuel 1:21.) This precept is cited in Ecclesiastes 5:4, but with sufficient verbal variation to prevent its being called a quotation.

Verses 21-23. - 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. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform... according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God of free-will (נְדָבָה, spontaneously). (For the law concerning vows in general, see Leviticus 27, and Numbers 30.)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you make
תִדֹּ֥ר (ṯid·dōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5087: To promise

a vow
נֶ֙דֶר֙ (ne·ḏer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised

to the LORD
לַיהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God,
אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ (’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

do not
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be slow to keep it,
תְאַחֵ֖ר (ṯə·’a·ḥêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 309: To loiter, to procrastinate

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

He
יְהוָ֤ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

will surely require it
דָּרֹ֨שׁ (dā·rōš)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

of you,
מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ (mê·‘im·māḵ)
Preposition-m | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

and you will be
וְהָיָ֥ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

guilty of sin.
חֵֽטְא׃ (ḥêṭ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2399: A crime, its penalty


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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:21 When you shall vow a vow (Deut. De Du)
Deuteronomy 23:20
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