What does the Bible say about making vows to God?
Quick answer
A vow is a solemn promise made to God. Scripture takes vows seriously — "when you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it" (Ecclesiastes 5:4) — and warns against rash promises. Better not to vow than to vow and not fulfill.
Vows in the Bible range from the Nazirite vow to personal promises in distress. God expects them kept.
Jesus warns against using oaths to manipulate or impress (Matthew 5:33–37). "Let your yes be yes and your no be no."
The principle: be slow to promise, faithful to keep. Integrity before God matters more than impressive commitments we can’t sustain.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.