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Numbers 30:9 - Husband nullifies wife's vow?

Numbers 30:9 - במדבר 30:9

Hebrew Text

וְאִם בְּיוֹם שְׁמֹעַ אִישָׁהּ יָנִיא אוֹתָהּ וְהֵפֵר אֶת־נִדְרָהּ אֲשֶׁר עָלֶיהָ וְאֵת מִבְטָא שְׂפָתֶיהָ אֲשֶׁר אָסְרָה עַל־נַפְשָׁהּ וַיהוָה יִסְלַח־לָהּ׃

English Translation

But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, with which she bound her soul, of no effect: and the Lord shall forgive her.

Transliteration

Ve'im b'yom shmo'a isha yani ota vehefer et-nidra asher aleha ve'et mivta sfateha asher asra al-nafsha va'Hashem yislach-lah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְ֠אִ֠ם בְּי֨וֹם שְׁמֹ֣עַ אִישָׁהּ֮ יָנִ֣יא אוֹתָהּ֒ וְהֵפֵ֗ר אֶת־נִדְרָהּ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ וְאֵת֙ מִבְטָ֣א שְׂפָתֶ֔יהָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָסְרָ֖ה עַל־נַפְשָׁ֑הּ וַיהֹוָ֖ה יִֽסְלַֽח־לָֽהּ׃
וְ֠אִ֠ם בְּי֨וֹם שְׁמֹ֣עַ אִישָׁהּ֮ יָנִ֣יא אוֹתָהּ֒ וְהֵפֵ֗ר אֶת־נִדְרָהּ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ וְאֵת֙ מִבְטָ֣א שְׂפָתֶ֔יהָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָסְרָ֖ה עַל־נַפְשָׁ֑הּ וַיהֹוָ֖ה יִֽסְלַֽח־לָֽהּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context and Overview

The verse (Bamidbar 30:6) discusses the laws of nedarim (vows) made by a married woman and the authority of her husband to annul them under certain conditions. This falls under the broader Torah framework of hatarat nedarim (the annulment of vows), which is elaborated in the Talmud (Nedarim 66b-77a) and codified by the Rambam in Hilchot Nedarim.

Key Terms and Their Meanings

  • "יָנִיא אוֹתָהּ" (disallowed her): Rashi explains that this refers to the husband's explicit nullification of his wife's vow on the same day he hears it. The annulment must be verbal and timely (within the day of hearing).
  • "וְהֵפֵר אֶת־נִדְרָהּ" (make her vow of no effect): The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 12:1) clarifies that the husband does not merely "permit" the vow but actively nullifies it, rendering it as if it never took effect.
  • "וַיהוָה יִסְלַח־לָהּ" (the Lord shall forgive her): The Talmud (Nedarim 77a) teaches that this forgiveness is necessary because the woman initially took a vow she could not fulfill due to her husband's intervention, and Hashem absolves her of any transgression related to the unfulfilled vow.

Conditions for Annulment

According to the Mishnah (Nedarim 10:2) and Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 12:4-5), the husband's ability to annul his wife's vow depends on several factors:

  • The vow must be one that affects marital relations or personal suffering (e.g., fasting, abstaining from pleasures).
  • The annulment must occur on the same day the husband hears the vow—delaying invalidates his right to nullify it.
  • If the husband remains silent upon hearing the vow, it becomes binding, as silence implies consent (Rashi, Bamidbar 30:7).

Theological Implications

The Sforno notes that the phrase "וַיהוָה יִסְלַח־לָהּ" emphasizes divine compassion. Even though the woman’s vow was sincere, Hashem recognizes the husband’s authority in the marital relationship and forgives her for not fulfilling it. This reflects the balance between personal spiritual commitments (nedarim) and familial harmony.

Practical Halachic Application

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 234:30-31) rules that if a husband nullifies his wife’s vow properly, she is exempt from its obligations. However, if she disregards his nullification and fulfills the vow, she transgresses (Rambam, Hilchot Nedarim 12:15). This underscores the importance of mutual respect and halachic procedure in marital vows.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding vows and the husband's authority to annul his wife's vows.
📖 Kiddushin 2b
Referenced in a discussion about the legal status of women and the role of husbands in annulling vows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 30:9 mean in simple terms?
A: Numbers 30:9 discusses the laws of vows (nedarim) made by a married woman. If her husband hears her vow and nullifies it on the same day, the vow does not take effect, and Hashem forgives her for not fulfilling it. This teaches that certain vows require spousal approval to remain binding.
Q: Why is a husband allowed to nullify his wife's vow?
A: According to Jewish tradition (based on Talmud Nedarim 70b), a husband has the authority to nullify certain vows made by his wife because they may affect the marital relationship or household responsibilities. However, this only applies to vows that involve self-denial or affect their shared life, not mitzvot or ethical obligations.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'Hashem shall forgive her' in this verse?
A: Rashi explains that 'Hashem shall forgive her' means that when a husband nullifies his wife's vow properly, she is not held accountable for not fulfilling it, and she does not require atonement. This shows that the Torah recognizes the husband's role in this halachic process.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: Today, Orthodox Jewish couples still follow these laws regarding vows. If a married woman makes certain types of vows (like fasting or abstaining from pleasures), her husband may annul them within 24 hours if he disagrees. This highlights the importance of communication and mutual respect in marriage according to Torah values.
Q: What kinds of vows can a husband nullify?
A: Based on the Talmud (Nedarim 79a) and Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 12:1), a husband can only nullify vows that involve self-affliction (like fasting) or affect marital relations. Vows related to mitzvot, tzedakah, or general ethical behavior cannot be nullified. The details are complex, so a rabbi should be consulted for practical guidance.