Vow — Meaning in the Bible
A solemn promise made to God. The Bible warns people to keep their vows and not to make them rashly.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Jacob vowed at Bethel; Hannah vowed that if God gave her a son she would give him to the LORD. Ecclesiastes says it is better not to vow than to vow and not pay. Genesis 28:20–221 Samuel 1:11Ecclesiastes 5:4–5
Jephthah's rash vow cost him his only daughter, a warning that runs through the story. Judges 11:30–31Judges 11:34–35
Key passages
- Genesis 28:20–22 — Jacob's vow.
- 1 Samuel 1:9–28 — Hannah's vow.
- Judges 11:29–40 — Jephthah's vow.
- Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 — Pay what you vow.