To fulfill what was uttered and to do what was avowed

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.