9 But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.
9 "Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or divorced woman will be binding on her.
9 (But any vow of a widow or of a divorced woman, anything by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.)
9 "Any vow or pledge taken by a widow or divorced woman is binding on her.
9 "Also any vow of a widow or a divorced woman, by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.
9 If, however, a woman is a widow or is divorced, she must fulfill all her vows and pledges.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 30:9
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.