Mitzvah —
214
To fulfill what was uttered and to do what was avowed
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מוֹצָ֥א שְׂפָתֶ֖יךָ תִּשְׁמֹ֣ר וְעָשִׂ֑יתָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֜רְתָּ לַיהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ נְדָבָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ בְּפִֽיךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת כִּי־תֵצֵא
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Deuteronomy 23:24 - "Observe and do what is emitted from your lips just as you have pledged to the Lord, your God, as a donation, which you have spoken with your mouth."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
We are commanded to keep and fulfill vows and oaths spoken by our lips.
This mitzvah obligates a person to uphold vows (nedarim) and oaths (shevuot). Once a vow has been made in Hashem’s Name or a promise to Him declared, it becomes a binding obligation. Failing to fulfill it is not only dishonest but also desecrates Hashem’s sanctity, since His Name is invoked in the commitment.
The Torah emphasizes the seriousness of speech: words create reality, and commitments must be honored. This mitzvah trains us to measure our speech carefully, ensuring our words reflect truth, faith, and integrity.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1): Vows are binding by Torah law, and failing to fulfill them transgresses this positive commandment.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 547): The root is to discipline ourselves in speech, ensuring that our words align with action.
- Talmud (Nedarim 77b): Declares that “the righteous say little and do much,” reflecting the ideal of measured vows and faithful fulfillment.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 23:24): Interprets “that which is gone out of your lips” as both vows and freewill commitments — all must be performed.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Nedarim 1:1) teaches that keeping vows affirms belief in Hashem as the One who hears and records every word. Faith is expressed when we treat our speech as binding before Heaven.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 547) emphasizes that vows instill awe: once Hashem’s Name is invoked, reverence demands strict fulfillment. This keeps us mindful of the Divine at every step.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Nedarim 77b) explains that vows made properly bring holiness, since ordinary words are elevated into sacred commitments. Upholding them preserves sanctity in both speech and action.
Speech – דָּבָר
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 23:24) interprets “that which is gone out of your lips” as all spoken vows and freewill offerings. The mitzvah sanctifies the human gift of speech by requiring our words to match our deeds.
Truth / Justice – צֶדֶק
- Breaking vows is akin to falsehood. Rambam (Hilchot Shevuot 1:2) notes that unfulfilled vows distort truth and undermine justice, especially in communal or court settings.
Vows / Oaths – נדרים / שבועות
- This mitzvah is the cornerstone of the Torah’s system of vows. Sefer HaChinuch explains that nedarim discipline us to be careful in what we say, and faithful in keeping every commitment.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Sefer HaChinuch adds that if people were careless with vows, trust in society would collapse. When individuals fulfill their word, communal bonds and institutions are strengthened.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- Fulfilling vows sanctifies Hashem’s Name, showing that we take His witness seriously. It is an expression of loyalty and obedience to Him.
Bein Adam L’Chavero (between people)
- When vows or promises involve others, keeping them ensures fairness and respect. This protects interpersonal trust and harmony.
