3 If a woman also vow a vow unto the Lord, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father's house in her youth;
3 "When a young woman still living in her father's household makes a vow to the Lord or obligates herself by a pledge
3 "If a woman vows a vow to the Lord and binds herself by a pledge, while within her father's house in her youth,
3 "When a woman makes a vow to God and binds herself by a pledge as a young girl still living in her father's house,
3 "Or if a woman makes a vow to the Lord, and binds herself by some agreement while in her father's house in her youth,
3 "If a young woman makes a vow to the Lord or a pledge under oath while she is still living at her father's home,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 30:3
Commentary on Numbers 30:3-16
(Read Numbers 30:3-16)
Two cases of vows are determined. The case of a daughter in her father's house. When her vow comes to his knowledge, it is in his power either to confirm it or do it away. The law is plain in the case of a wife. If her husband allows her vow, though only by silence, it stands. If he disallows it, her obligation to her husband takes place of it; for to him she ought to be in subjection, as unto the Lord. The Divine law consults the good order of families. It is fit that every man should bear rule in his own house, and have his wife and children in subjection; rather than that this great rule should be broken, or any encouragement be given to inferior relations to break those bonds asunder, God releases the obligation even of a solemn vow. So much does religion secure the welfare of all societies; and in it the families of the earth have a blessing.