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Deuteronomy 23:22 - Vow fulfillment: Divine obligation, human duty

Deuteronomy 23:22 - דברים 23:22

Hebrew Text

כִּי־תִדֹּר נֶדֶר לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ לֹא תְאַחֵר לְשַׁלְּמוֹ כִּי־דָּרֹשׁ יִדְרְשֶׁנּוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ מֵעִמָּךְ וְהָיָה בְךָ חֵטְא׃

English Translation

When thou shalt vow a vow to 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.

Transliteration

Ki-tidor neder la-Adonai Elohekha lo te'akher leshalmo ki-darosh yidreshenu Adonai Elohekha me'imakh vehaya bekha chet.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּֽי־תִדֹּ֥ר נֶ֙דֶר֙ לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לֹ֥א תְאַחֵ֖ר לְשַׁלְּמ֑וֹ כִּֽי־דָרֹ֨שׁ יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ וְהָיָ֥ה בְךָ֖ חֵֽטְא׃
כִּֽי־תִדֹּ֥ר נֶ֙דֶר֙ לַיהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֔יךָ לֹ֥א תְאַחֵ֖ר לְשַׁלְּמ֑וֹ כִּֽי־דָרֹ֨שׁ יִדְרְשֶׁ֜נּוּ יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ מֵֽעִמָּ֔ךְ וְהָיָ֥ה בְךָ֖ חֵֽטְא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Prohibition of Delaying Vow Fulfillment

The verse (Devarim 23:22) establishes a strict prohibition against delaying the fulfillment of a vow made to Hashem. Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא תְאַחֵר לְשַׁלְּמוֹ" ("thou shalt not be slack to pay it") refers to transgressing the positive commandment to fulfill one's vow promptly. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:15) codifies this as a Torah prohibition, emphasizing that one must not allow three festivals to pass without fulfilling the vow.

Divine Accountability for Vows

The phrase "כִּי־דָּרֹשׁ יִדְרְשֶׁנּוּ" ("for the Lord thy God will surely require it") is interpreted by the Sifrei as indicating that Hashem will exact punishment for unfulfilled vows. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 6a) states that one who delays a vow is considered as if they violated a prohibition, and the verse concludes with "וְהָיָה בְךָ חֵטְא" ("and it would be sin in thee") to underscore the severity of this transgression.

The Spiritual Consequences

The Kli Yakar highlights that delaying a vow is particularly grievous because it reflects a lack of reverence for Hashem's name, which was invoked when making the vow. The Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 1) compares one who makes a vow and delays its fulfillment to one who steals from the Divine, as the pledged item or act rightfully belongs to Hashem from the moment of the vow.

Practical Halachic Considerations

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 203:1) rules that one must fulfill a vow at the first reasonable opportunity.
  • The Mishnah Berurah (Biur Halacha 433) notes that even if one has legitimate reasons for delay, they should seek a hafarat nedarim (annulment of vows) from a qualified Beit Din.
  • The Chofetz Chaim warns that neglecting vows can lead to middah k'neged middah (measure for measure) consequences in one's own life.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 8a
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding vows and the importance of fulfilling them promptly.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 6a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the seriousness of vows and the consequences of delaying their fulfillment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean to make a vow to Hashem?
A: Making a vow (neder) to Hashem means voluntarily promising to do something special for His sake, like giving charity, dedicating time to Torah study, or bringing a sacrifice. The Torah emphasizes that once you make such a vow, you must fulfill it promptly.
Q: Why is it a sin to delay fulfilling a vow?
A: Delaying a vow is considered a sin because it shows a lack of seriousness about one's commitment to Hashem. As Rashi explains, the verse warns that Hashem will 'surely require it'—meaning He holds us accountable for keeping our word. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 6a) teaches that delaying a vow can lead to financial loss or other consequences.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse today?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our word, especially in spiritual matters. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1) emphasizes that one should avoid making unnecessary vows, but if you do make one, fulfill it immediately. This applies to any promise—whether to Hashem or to others—as integrity is a foundational Jewish value.
Q: Does this verse apply to all kinds of promises?
A: While the verse specifically discusses vows to Hashem, the principle extends to all commitments. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 44a) teaches that verbal agreements should be treated with the same seriousness as financial contracts. However, a neder (vow) to Hashem carries additional spiritual weight and requires extra caution.
Q: What if I realize I can't fulfill my vow?
A: If you genuinely cannot fulfill a vow, Halacha provides a solution: hatarat nedarim (annulment of vows). Before a Jewish court (beit din) or three knowledgeable individuals, you can explain why you cannot keep your vow, and they may annul it under certain conditions (see Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 228). However, this should not be used as an excuse for carelessness in making vows.