13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
13 Any vow and any binding oath to afflict herself, her husband may establish,
13 Any vow and pledge that she makes that may be to her detriment can be either affirmed or annulled by her husband.
13 Every vow and every binding oath to afflict her soul, her husband may confirm it, or her husband may make it void.
13 So her husband may either confirm or nullify any vows or pledges she makes to deny herself.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 30:13
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.