vow

Everyday

1. A vow is a serious promise, often a solemn or religious one. tree →
2. To vow is to promise firmly that you will do something. tree →
3. (church) Wedding vows are the promises a couple make when they marry; monks and nuns take vows to God. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a hero vows to rescue a friend; in religious education monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. At weddings the couple exchange vows. Phrases: «take a vow», «make a vow», «break a vow», «wedding vows», «vow to do something».

Examples

• The knight made a vow to protect the king. tree →
• She vowed never to tell the secret. tree →
• At the wedding they said their vows. tree →
• The monks took vows of silence. tree →
• I vowed to practise the piano every day. tree →
• Breaking a vow is a serious thing. tree →
• The friends vowed to stay in touch. tree →
• Indeed, I have made a vow never again to leave Bagdad." tree →

Note

Noun and regular verb, past «vowed». Pronunciation rhymes with «now». Stronger and more solemn than an ordinary «promise». Do not confuse with «vowel» (a, e, i, o, u).

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah a vow is a solemn promise to God, and it must be kept once spoken.

Interpretation. The Torah says it is no sin not to vow, but a spoken vow must be fulfilled. Jews begin Yom Kippur with Kol Nidre, which asks that vows made rashly be released, and the sages warn against making vows at all.

Examples

• But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. (Torah DEU.23.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• And if a woman vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, (Torah NUM.30.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• I am the God of Beth-el, where thou didst anoint a pillar, where thou didst vow a vow unto Me. (Torah GEN.31.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thy vows are upon me, O God; I will render thank-offerings unto Thee. (Writings PSA.56.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• How he swore unto the LORD, and vowed unto the Mighty One of Jacob: (Writings PSA.132.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Sacrifices of peace-offerings were due from me; this day have I paid my vows. (Writings PRO.7.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun and regular verb, past «vowed». Pronunciation rhymes with «now». Stronger and more solemn than an ordinary «promise». Do not confuse with «vowel» (a, e, i, o, u).