Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. New Living Translation When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. English Standard Version When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. Berean Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. King James Bible When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. New King James Version When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— New American Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! NASB 1995 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! NASB 1977 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it, for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! Legacy Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! Amplified Bible When you make a vow or a pledge to God, do not put off paying it; for God takes no pleasure in fools [who thoughtlessly mock Him]. Pay what you vow. Christian Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Holman Christian Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. American Standard Version When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest. Contemporary English Version God doesn't like fools. So don't be slow to keep your promises to God. English Revised Version When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest. GOD'S WORD® Translation When you make a promise to God, don't be slow to keep it because God doesn't like fools. Keep your promise. Good News Translation So when you make a promise to God, keep it as quickly as possible. He has no use for a fool. Do what you promise to do. International Standard Version When you make a promise to God, don't fail to keep it, since he isn't pleased with fools. Keep what you promise— Majority Standard Bible When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. NET Bible When you make a vow to God, do not delay in paying it. For God takes no pleasure in fools: Pay what you vow! New Heart English Bible When you vow a vow to God, do not defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. Webster's Bible Translation When thou vowest a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. World English Bible When you vow a vow to God, don’t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhen you vow a vow to God, do not delay to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which you vow—complete. Young's Literal Translation When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure in fools; that which thou vowest -- complete. Smith's Literal Translation When thou shalt vow a vow to God, thou shalt not delay to repay it; for there is no desire in the foolish: repay what thou shalt vow. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleIf thou hast vowed any thing to God, defer not to pay it: for an unfaithful and foolish promise displeaseth him: but whatsoever thou hast vowed, pay it. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools; fulfill what you have vowed. New Revised Standard Version When you make a vow to God, do not delay fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Fulfill what you vow. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhen you vow a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it; for he has no pleasure in fools; but as for you, pay that which you have vowed. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated When you vow a vow to God, do not delay its accomplishment, because there is no pleasure in fools, but pay what you vow OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou vowest. Brenton Septuagint Translation Whenever thou shalt vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay thou therefore whatsoever thou shalt have vowed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Approaching God with Awe…3As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words. 4When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. 5It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.… Cross References Numbers 30:2 If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. Deuteronomy 23:21-23 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth. Psalm 50:14 Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. Psalm 76:11 Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared. Proverbs 20:25 It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly, only later to reconsider his vows. Matthew 5:33-37 Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ... James 5:12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment. Psalm 66:13-14 I will enter Your house with burnt offerings; I will fulfill my vows to You— / the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. Jonah 2:9 But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. I will fulfill what I have vowed. Salvation is from the LORD!” Acts 5:1-4 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. / With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. / Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land? ... Malachi 1:14 “But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations. 1 Samuel 1:11 And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” 1 Samuel 1:21-28 Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, / but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.” / “Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. ... Genesis 28:20-22 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, / so that I may return safely to my father’s house, then the LORD will be my God. / And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” Leviticus 27:2-8 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them, ‘When someone makes a special vow to the LORD involving the value of persons, / if the valuation concerns a male from twenty to sixty years of age, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the sanctuary shekel. / Or if it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. ... Treasury of Scripture When you vow a vow to God, defer not to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed. vowest Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, Genesis 35:1,3 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother… Numbers 30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. for Psalm 147:10,11 He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man… Malachi 1:10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. pay Psalm 66:13,14 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, … Psalm 116:14,16-18 I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people… Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. Jump to Previous Complete Defer Delay Delight Effect Foolish Fools Fulfill Fulfilling Late Oath Pay Paying Pleasure Quickly Vow Vowed VowestJump to Next Complete Defer Delay Delight Effect Foolish Fools Fulfill Fulfilling Late Oath Pay Paying Pleasure Quickly Vow Vowed VowestEcclesiastes 5 1. vanities in divine service8. in murmuring against oppression 9. and in riches 18. Joy in riches is the gift of God. When you make a vow to God The act of making a vow in the biblical context is a solemn promise or commitment made to God. The Hebrew word for vow, "נֶדֶר" (neder), signifies a binding promise that is not to be taken lightly. In ancient Israel, vows were often made during times of distress or as acts of devotion. The seriousness of a vow is underscored by its direct address to God, indicating a personal and sacred commitment. This phrase reminds believers of the importance of integrity and sincerity in their relationship with God, emphasizing that vows are not mere words but sacred commitments. do not delay in fulfilling it because He takes no pleasure in fools Fulfill your vow No pleasure in fools.--Comp. Isaiah 62:4. Verse 4. - Koheleth passes on to give a warning concerning the making of vows, which formed a great feature in Hebrew religion, and was the occasion of much irreverence and profanity. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it. There is here plainly a reminiscence of Deuteronomy 23:21-23. Vows are not regarded as absolute duties which every one was obliged to undertake. They are of a voluntary nature, but when made are to be strictly performed. They might consist of a promise to dedicate certain things or persons to God (see Genesis 38:20; Judges 11:30), or to abstain from doing certain things, as in the case of the Nazarites. The rabbinical injunction quoted by our Lord in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5:33), "Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths," was probably levelled against profane swearing, or invoking God's Name lightly, but it may include the duty of performing vows made to or in the Name of God. Our Lord does not condemn the practice of corban, while noticing with rebuke a perversion of the custom (Mark 7:11). For he hath no pleasure in fools. The non-fulfillment of a vow would prove a man to be impious, in proverbial language "a fool," and as such God must regard him with displeasure. The clause in the Hebrew is somewhat ambiguous, being literally, There is no pleasure (chephets) in fools; i.e. no one, neither God nor man, would take pleasure in fools who make promises and never perform them. Or it may be, There is no fixed will in fools; i.e. they waver and are undecided in purpose. But this rendering of chephets appears to be very doubtful. Septuagint ὍParallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whenכַּאֲשֶׁר֩ (ka·’ă·šer) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you make תִּדֹּ֨ר (tid·dōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5087: To promise a vow נֶ֜דֶר (ne·ḏer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5088: A promise, a thing promised to God, לֵֽאלֹהִ֗ים (lê·lō·hîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not delay תְּאַחֵר֙ (tə·’a·ḥêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 309: To loiter, to procrastinate in fulfilling it, לְשַׁלְּמ֔וֹ (lə·šal·lə·mōw) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate because כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction He takes no אֵ֥ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle pleasure חֵ֖פֶץ (ḥê·p̄eṣ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2656: Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter in fools. בַּכְּסִילִ֑ים (bak·kə·sî·lîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3684: Stupid fellow, dullard, fool Fulfill שַׁלֵּֽם׃ (šal·lêm) Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate your vow. תִּדֹּ֖ר (tid·dōr) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 5087: To promise Links Ecclesiastes 5:4 NIVEcclesiastes 5:4 NLT Ecclesiastes 5:4 ESV Ecclesiastes 5:4 NASB Ecclesiastes 5:4 KJV Ecclesiastes 5:4 BibleApps.com Ecclesiastes 5:4 Biblia Paralela Ecclesiastes 5:4 Chinese Bible Ecclesiastes 5:4 French Bible Ecclesiastes 5:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you vow a vow to God (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) |