Pisqa’ 265¹

1

“But if you restrain yourself from uttering a vow” (Dt.23:23).

R. Meir says:

“It is far better not to utter a vow at all, than to vow and not fulfill it” (Ecc.5:4).
Better than either is to avoid even the hint of a vow.

R. Judah says:

“It is far better not to utter a vow at all” (Ecc.5:4)—

Better than either is to utter a vow and pay it!²

2

“As you utter with your lips” (Dt.23:24)—

this is a prescriptive commandment

[to make the avowal out loud].

“Pay attention to your words” (Dt.23:24)—

this is a proscriptive commandment

[not to take the avowal lightly].

“So that you do” (Dt.23:24)—

this is a warning to the court,

to enforce upon you [fulfillment of the vow].

“Exactly what you have vowed” (Dt.23:24)—

this refers to the [value of the] avowed object.

“To HASHEM your God” (Dt.23:24)—

this applies to [vows based upon]

the value of persons (Lv.27:1-8);

dedications made to the priesthood (Lv:27:28);

and consecrations to the Abode (Lv.27:9).³

“Voluntarily” (Dt.23:24)—

this is the Voluntary-offering

[that is paired with the Vow-offering].⁴

“Which you have uttered” (Dt.23:24)—

this refers to consecrations for

maintaining the Abode.⁵

“With your mouth” (Dt.23:24)—

this refers to [pledging] alms[for the destitute].

1. H:261;JN2:199-200.
2. //T. Hul. 2:17.
3. Cf. Pisqa’ 264.2
4. Discussed at Pisqa’ 264.1.
5. So Pisqa’ 264.2