These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father's house.

NUMBERS 30:16KJV
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Numbers 30:16 (KJV)

What does Numbers 30:16 mean?

Numbers 30:16 sums up the rules that God gave Moses about promises or vows made within families, specifically between a husband and wife, and between a father and his young daughter who still lives at home. The verse marks the end of a section, highlighting that these instructions come directly from the LORD and are meant to guide family relationships in ancient Israel.

In this verse, Moses is passing on God’s commands to the Israelites. The focus is on how vows or binding promises work in the family setting—especially how a man or a father could confirm or annul vows made by his wife or daughter. This verse acts as a summary statement, wrapping up the detailed rules given earlier in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 30:16

  • חֻקִּים (ḥuqqim, "statutes"): This word means established rules or decrees. Its use here shows that these are not just suggestions but binding regulations for the community.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, "LORD"): This is the personal name of God, emphasizing that these instructions carry divine authority, not just human tradition.
  • צִוָּה (tsivvah, "commanded"): This verb stresses that Moses is not the originator of these rules; he is relaying what God has specifically ordered.
  • בַּיִת (bayit, "house"): Refers to the household, not just a physical building. In this context, it highlights the authority structure within the family, especially regarding a daughter who is still under her father’s care.

Why Numbers 30:16 matters

  • Numbers 30:16 clarifies that the rules about vows are not arbitrary but are divinely given and meant to protect both family order and individual responsibility.
  • The verse helps prevent misunderstanding about who had authority over vows in ancient Israel, showing that these rules were designed for specific family relationships and situations.
  • By summarizing the section, Numbers 30:16 connects the detailed instructions back to their source—God’s command through Moses—reminding readers that these family laws were foundational for Israel’s community life.

Where else these words appear

“youth” Hebrew H5271 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Psalms 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“statutes” Hebrew H2706 · used in 124 verses

  • Genesis 47:22 Only the land of the priests bought he not; for the priests had a portion assigned them of Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh gave them: wherefore they sold not their lands.
  • Deuteronomy 26:17 Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice:
  • Psalms 119:12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.