The term "voweth" is an archaic form of the verb "vow," which refers to the act of making a solemn promise or commitment to God. In the biblical context, a vow is a sacred pledge made voluntarily by an individual to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or dedicate something to the Lord. Vows are taken seriously in Scripture, and fulfilling them is considered a matter of integrity and faithfulness to God.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the Old Testament, vows are often associated with acts of worship and devotion. They are seen as expressions of one's commitment to God and are frequently mentioned in the context of offerings and sacrifices. The seriousness of making and fulfilling vows is underscored in several passages.

Key Scriptures

1. Numbers 30:2 : "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This verse highlights the importance of keeping one's vows, emphasizing that a vow made to the Lord is binding and must be honored.

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 it would be sin against you. 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." This passage advises caution in making vows, underscoring that while vows are not mandatory, once made, they must be fulfilled.

3. 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." Here, the wisdom literature of the Bible warns against making rash vows and stresses the importance of fulfilling them promptly.

Types of Vows

Vows in the Bible can be categorized into several types, including:

· Personal Vows: These are individual commitments made to God, often in times of distress or need. An example is Hannah's vow in 1 Samuel 1:11, where she promises to dedicate her son to the Lord if He grants her a child.

· Nazirite Vows: Found in Numbers 6, these vows involve a special commitment to God, including abstaining from wine, avoiding contact with the dead, and not cutting one's hair. Samson is a notable biblical figure who took a Nazirite vow.

· Vows of Dedication: These involve dedicating something to God, such as property or livestock, as seen in Leviticus 27.

Theological Significance

Vows are significant in the biblical narrative as they reflect the covenantal relationship between God and His people. They are acts of worship that demonstrate trust, reliance, and dedication to God. The fulfillment of vows is a testament to one's faithfulness and integrity, aligning with the biblical principle that one's word should be trustworthy and true.

Warnings and Considerations

The Bible warns against making vows lightly or without consideration. Jesus, in the New Testament, addresses the issue of oaths and vows in Matthew 5:33-37, urging His followers to let their "Yes" be "Yes," and their "No," "No," suggesting that one's word should be sufficient without the need for additional vows or oaths.

In summary, the concept of "voweth" in the Bible underscores the importance of making and fulfilling promises to God with sincerity and integrity. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views our commitments and the faithfulness He desires from His people.

About the Prefigured Change of the Israelitic Kingdom and ...
... from the dunghill, that He may set him among the mighty of [His] people, and maketh
them inherit the throne of glory; giving the vow to him that voweth, and He ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 about the prefigured change.htm

Psalm LXXVI.
... There are also vows proper for individuals: one voweth to God conjugal chastity,
that he will know no other woman besides his wife: [3469] so also the woman ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvi.htm

Turn or Burn
... If ye do, your repentance is worse than nothing, and shall but make your destruction
yet more sure; for he that voweth to his Maker, and doth not pay, hath ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/turn or burn.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... What the Lord hath forbidden, he will not accept. "Cursed be the deceiver, which
hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Blood of the Everlasting Covenant
... Whatever the Spirit voweth shall be done, and whatever God the Son promised hath
been fulfilled, and shall be consummated at the day of his appearing. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the blood of the everlasting.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... the privileges and duties of his covenant, were also uttered his words, "Cursed
be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth and sacrificeth to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Voweth (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Voweth (8 Occurrences). Genesis 28:20 And Jacob
voweth a vow, saying, 'Seeing God is with me, and hath ...
/v/voweth.htm - 8k

Naziriteship (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his oblation unto
Jehovah for his separation, besides that which he is able to get: according ...
/n/naziriteship.htm - 7k

Attaineth (3 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This 'is' the law of the Nazarite, who voweth his offering to Jehovah
for his separation, apart from that which his hand attaineth; according to ...
/a/attaineth.htm - 7k

Suffice (22 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his oblation unto
Jehovah for his separation, besides that which he is able to get: according ...
/s/suffice.htm - 13k

Accordance (118 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his offering unto
the LORD for his Naziriteship, beside that for which his means suffice ...
/a/accordance.htm - 37k

Oblation (208 Occurrences)
... Numbers 6:21 This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, 'and of' his oblation unto
Jehovah for his separation, besides that which he is able to get: according ...
/o/oblation.htm - 40k

Vowing (4 Occurrences)

/v/vowing.htm - 7k

Vowest (3 Occurrences)

/v/vowest.htm - 7k

Dealeth (22 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Malachi 1:14 But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and
voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King ...
/d/dealeth.htm - 12k

Pollute (42 Occurrences)
... Numbers 30:2 When a man voweth a vow to Jehovah, or hath sworn an oath to bind a
bond on his soul, he doth not pollute his word; according to all that is going ...
/p/pollute.htm - 19k

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