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Deuteronomy 23:24 - Vows demand faithful fulfillment.

Deuteronomy 23:24 - דברים 23:24

Hebrew Text

מוֹצָא שְׂפָתֶיךָ תִּשְׁמֹר וְעָשִׂיתָ כַּאֲשֶׁר נָדַרְתָּ לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נְדָבָה אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ בְּפִיךָ׃

English Translation

That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; according as thou hast vowed of thy freewill to the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.

Transliteration

Motza s'fatecha tishmor v'asita ka'asher nadarta la'Adonai Elohecha n'dava asher dibarta b'ficha.

Hebrew Leining Text

מוֹצָ֥א שְׂפָתֶ֖יךָ תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר וְעָשִׂ֑יתָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֜רְתָּ לַיהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ נְדָבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ בְּפִֽיךָ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
מוֹצָ֥א שְׂפָתֶ֖יךָ תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר וְעָשִׂ֑יתָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֜רְתָּ לַיהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ נְדָבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ בְּפִֽיךָ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Importance of Fulfilling Vows

The verse (Devarim 23:24) emphasizes the sacred obligation to fulfill one's vows to Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to any voluntary pledge (neder) or donation (nedavah) made verbally. The Torah stresses that once words leave one's lips, they become binding, as the mouth is an instrument of sanctity when used for holy commitments.

Halachic Implications of Verbal Commitments

The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1-3) elaborates that vows create a Torah-level obligation, and failure to fulfill them violates a negative commandment. The Talmud (Nedarim 8a) teaches that one who makes a vow is considered as having built a bamah (unauthorized altar), and fulfilling it is like offering a sacrifice—highlighting the severity of both making and keeping vows.

The Power of Speech in Jewish Thought

Midrash Tanchuma (Matot 1) compares speech to an arrow: once released, it cannot be retrieved. Similarly, words of commitment must be treated with utmost seriousness. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that this verse teaches shmirat halashon (guarding one's speech) not just against harmful words, but also in fulfilling positive verbal commitments.

Practical Applications

  • One must be exceedingly careful before making vows or pledges (Shulchan Aruch YD 203)
  • If unable to fulfill a vow, one must seek hatarat nedarim (annulment) from a Beit Din or three laymen (Talmud Chagigah 10a)
  • The verse applies equally to men and women, though women's vows may be annulled by fathers or husbands under certain conditions (Bamidbar 30)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Nedarim 8a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the seriousness of vows and the obligation to fulfill them.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 6a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the importance of verbal commitments and their binding nature.
📖 Shevuot 26b
The verse is used to emphasize the legal and ethical obligation to keep one's word, particularly in matters of vows and oaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 23:24 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 23:24 teaches the importance of keeping one's word, especially when making vows or promises to Hashem. The verse emphasizes that once a person voluntarily makes a vow or commitment with their words, they must fulfill it. This is a fundamental principle in Judaism about integrity and responsibility for one's speech.
Q: Why is keeping vows important in Judaism?
A: Keeping vows is important because speech is sacred in Judaism. The Talmud (Chullin 2a) teaches that words have spiritual weight, and failing to fulfill a vow is considered a serious matter. The Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1) explains that vows create a binding obligation, and one must treat them with the same seriousness as Torah commandments.
Q: What kind of vows does this verse refer to?
A: This verse refers to voluntary vows (nedarim) made to Hashem, such as pledging to give charity, bring a sacrifice, or take on a spiritual commitment. Rashi explains that it includes any promise made 'with your mouth' willingly. However, the Talmud (Nedarim) discusses many details about what constitutes a valid vow and when one may be annulled by a Beit Din or a Torah scholar.
Q: Can a person cancel or change a vow after making it?
A: Under certain conditions, yes. The Torah provides a process called 'hatarat nedarim' (annulment of vows) where a Beit Din or a qualified Torah scholar can release a person from a vow if there was an error, undue pressure, or changed circumstances (see Talmud Nedarim 22a, Rambam Hilchot Nedarim 4:1). However, one cannot simply ignore a vow without proper release.
Q: How does this verse apply to everyday life today?
A: This verse reminds us to be careful with our words and commitments, whether to Hashem or to other people. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that speech is a powerful tool—just as we must fulfill formal vows, we should also keep everyday promises. This builds trust and sanctifies our interactions. Many people learn this verse to reinforce the value of honesty and reliability in both spiritual and mundane matters.