נֶדֶר
a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised
Definition
A נֶדֶר (neder) is a solemn vow or promise made specifically to God. It most often refers to a voluntary pledge to dedicate something to God, such as a person (Numbers 6:2), an animal sacrifice (Leviticus 7:16), or property (Leviticus 27:2), upon the fulfillment of a divine favor. The word can also denote the concrete object or sacrifice that is promised (Numbers 30:3). In some cases, it is a conditional promise made in a time of distress, as seen in Jacob's vow at Bethel (Genesis 28:20) or Hannah's vow regarding Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11).
Biblical Usage
The word is used 57 times, predominantly in legal and narrative contexts. It is central to the legislation in Leviticus and Numbers concerning vows, detailing their making, fulfillment, and potential annulment (e.g., Leviticus 22, Numbers 30). Narratives feature vows as pivotal acts of devotion or petition, such as Jacob's (Genesis 28:20), Jephthah's tragic vow (Judges 11:30), and Hannah's (1 Samuel 1:11). The Psalms and Proverbs also reference vows, typically in the context of praise and thanksgiving for answered prayer (Psalm 22:25, Psalm 61:8).
Etymology
Derived from the root נָדַר (nadar, H5087), meaning 'to vow' or 'to promise.' The noun form נֶדֶר signifies the vow itself or the thing vowed. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to pledging or vowing, indicating a shared cultural and religious concept of binding promises to the divine.
Semantic Range
The concept of נֶדֶר is theologically significant as it represents a personal, voluntary commitment to God that goes beyond standard religious obligation. It highlights the relational aspect of Israel's covenant faith, where individuals could initiate a special act of devotion or petition. Understanding vows enriches reading by revealing the seriousness with which God views human promises (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) and His gracious provision for their regulation and redemption (Leviticus 27). It underscores themes of divine faithfulness, human responsibility, and the proper response of gratitude.
In ancient Israelite culture, a vow was a binding, oral contract with God, taken with utmost seriousness. It was a common practice, especially in times of need, danger, or gratitude. Unlike modern casual promises, a נֶדֶר created a sacred obligation; failure to fulfill it was considered a sin (Deuteronomy 23:21-23). The legal codes in Torah provided structures for vows, including rules for valuation and, notably, the ability for a father or husband to annul a vow made by a woman in his household (Numbers 30), reflecting the social structures of the time.
אִשָּׁה (ishshah, H801) — Often translated 'offering by fire' or 'offering made by fire'; a broader term for sacrifices, which could be included as part of a vow. שְׁבוּעָה (shevu'ah, H7621) — An oath or sworn statement; often a more general promise or declaration, sometimes made between people or invoking God as a witness, not always a dedicated gift to God like a neder.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →