Bible Dictionary
Vows
A vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform or abstain from something. Under the Mosaic law, vows were voluntary but binding when rightly made, and included promises of devotion, abstinence, or dedication.
Definition
A vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform or refrain from a particular act. Vows were voluntary, but a rightly made vow was binding. The supplied material distinguishes vows of devotion, abstinence, and destruction.
Biblical Usage
Jacob made the earliest recorded vow. The Mosaic law regulated rather than introduced the practice and required vows to be kept when the promised act was right. Vows appear in accounts involving worship, abstinence, military circumstances, and apostolic practice.
Historical Background
Vows were made under varied circumstances, including personal need, thanksgiving, religious dedication, and crisis. The law provided rules governing vows and their fulfillment.
Scripture References
Genesis 28
Leviticus 7:16
Numbers 30:2-13
Deuteronomy 23:18
Judges 11:30
Judges 11:39
1 Samuel 1:11
Jonah 1:16
Acts 18:18
Acts 21:23
Genesis 28:18-22
Genesis 31:13
Job 22:27
Leviticus 27:28
Leviticus 27:9
Leviticus 10:33
2 Samuel 15:8
Leviticus 27:1-7
Numbers 30:2
Numbers 23:21
Ecclesiastes 5:4
Numbers 30:3-18
Ezra 10:8
Micah 4:13
Acts 21:24
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Voluntary promises which, when once made, were to be kept if the thing vowed was right. They were made under a great variety of circumstances (Gen. 28: 18-22; Lev. 7:16; Num. 30:2-13; Deut. 23:18; Judg. 11:30, 39; 1 Sam. 1:11; Jonah 1:16; Acts 18:18; 21:23).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
A vow is a solemn promise made to God to perform or to abstain from performing a certain thing. The earliest mention of a vow is that of Jacob. (Genesis 28:18-22; 31:13) Vows in general are also mentioned in the book of Job, (Job 22:27) The law therefore did not introduce, but regulated the practice of, vows. Three sorts are mentioned: 1, Vows of devotion; 2, Vows of abstinence; 3, Vows of destruction.