A vow is a solemn promise or assertion that binds a person to an act, service, or condition. It is a promise or oath that is solemn rather than casual. Vows can be made in various contexts, such as marriage, religion, or personal commitment. In the context of religion, a vow is a sacred voluntary promise to dedicate oneself or members of ones family or community to a special obligation that goes beyond usual social or religious requirements. Vows can be made to a deity, and the deity is both the witness and recipient of the promise. In the Bible, a vow is a conscious, deliberate promise to do something, sometimes conditioned by an "if". A vow may or may not be made "to" the Lord, but it is made "before" or in the presence of the Lord, and God is a witness to the vow. Vows are meant to be serious and sacred, and even vows made with the best intentions can be broken.