CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/numbers/23-19.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/04_Num_23_19.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Numbers 23:19 - Balaam's Second Oracle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/numbers/23-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/numbers/23-19.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/numbers/">Numbers</a> > <a href="/numbers/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 19</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm" title="Numbers 23:18">◄</a> Numbers 23:19 <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm" title="Numbers 23:20">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/numbers/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/numbers/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/numbers/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/numbers/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />God <i>is</i> not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do <i>it</i>? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/numbers/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“God <i>is</i> not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/numbers/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“God is not a man, that He would lie, Nor a son of man, that He would change His mind; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/numbers/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/numbers/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not establish it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/numbers/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good <i>and</i> fulfill it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/numbers/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/numbers/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/numbers/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/numbers/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God is no mere human! He doesn't tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/numbers/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/numbers/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn't change his mind. When he says something, he does it. When he makes a promise, he keeps it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/numbers/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God is not like people, who lie; He is not a human who changes his mind. Whatever he promises, he does; He speaks, and it is done. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/numbers/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God is not a human male— he doesn't lie, nor is he a human being— he never vacillates. Once he speaks up, he's going to act, isn't he? Once he makes a promise, he'll fulfill it, won't he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/numbers/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/numbers/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a human being, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it happen? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/numbers/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie, nor the son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/numbers/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoke, and shall he not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/numbers/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and he won’t do it? Or has he spoken, and he won’t make it good? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/numbers/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />God [is] not a man—and lies, "" And a son of man—and relents! Has He said—and He does not do [it]? And spoken—and He does not confirm it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/numbers/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> God is not a man -- and lieth, And a son of man -- and repenteth! Hath He said -- and doth He not do it? And spoken -- and doth He not confirm it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/numbers/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />God is not man, and will he lie? and the son of man, and will he grieve? Did he say, and will he not do? and speak, and will he not establish?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/numbers/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man, that he should lie, nor as the son of man, that he should be changed. Hath he said then, and will he not do? hath he spoken, and will he not fulfil? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/numbers/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />God is not like a man, so that he would lie, nor is he like a son of man, so that he would be changed. Therefore, having spoken, will he not act? Has he ever spoken, and not fulfilled?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/numbers/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />God is not a human being who speaks falsely, nor a mortal, who feels regret. Is God one to speak and not act, to decree and not bring it to pass? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/numbers/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />God is not a human being, that he should lie, or a mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/numbers/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />God is not a man that he should lie; neither the son of man that he should be given counsel; he speaks and he shall do it, and his word abides for ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/numbers/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />God is not a man that He would lie, neither a son of man to be advised; He says and he does and his word stands for eternities.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/numbers/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />God is not a man, that He should lie; Neither the son of man, that He should repent: When He hath said, will He not do it? Or when He hath spoken, will He not make it good?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/numbers/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />God is not as man to waver, nor as the son of man to be threatened; shall he say and not perform? shall he speak and not keep <i>to his word</i>?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/numbers/23-19.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yauBFvKLNNo?start=7391" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/numbers/23.htm">Balaam's Second Oracle</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">18</span>Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. <span class="reftext">19</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3576.htm" title="3576: wî·ḵaz·zêḇ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To lie, be a liar. A primitive root; to lie, literally or figuratively.">that He should lie,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇen- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">or a son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5162.htm" title="5162: wə·yiṯ·ne·ḥām (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConjImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sigh, i.e. Breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. to pity, console or rue; or to avenge.">that He should change His mind.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">Does He</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">act?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·ber (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">Does He promise</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yə·qî·men·nāh (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">fulfill?</a> </span><span class="reftext">20</span>I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a></span><br />Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-2.htm">Titus 1:2</a></span><br />in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Hebrews 6:18</a></span><br />Thus by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be strongly encouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a></span><br />“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17</a></span><br />Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a></span><br />so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-4.htm">Romans 3:4</a></span><br />Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-34.htm">Psalm 89:34</a></span><br />I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-13.htm">2 Timothy 2:13</a></span><br />if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/24-14.htm">Ezekiel 24:14</a></span><br />I, the LORD, have spoken; the time is coming, and I will act. I will not refrain or show pity, nor will I relent. I will judge you according to your ways and deeds,’ declares the Lord GOD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/33-11.htm">Psalm 33:11</a></span><br />The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/46-10.htm">Isaiah 46:10-11</a></span><br />I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ / I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-35.htm">Matthew 24:35</a></span><br />Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-17.htm">John 17:17</a></span><br />Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a></span><br />The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?</p><p class="hdg">God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a></b></br> And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he <i>is</i> not a man, that he should repent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/89-35.htm">Psalm 89:35</a></b></br> Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/habakkuk/2-3.htm">Habakkuk 2:3</a></b></br> For the vision <i>is</i> yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.</p><p class="hdg">or hath he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/17-17.htm">1 Chronicles 17:17</a></b></br> And <i>yet</i> this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast <i>also</i> spoken of thy servant's house for a great while to come, and hast regarded me according to the estate of a man of high degree, O LORD God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/7-20.htm">Micah 7:20</a></b></br> Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, <i>and</i> the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/5-13.htm">Act</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Change</a> <a href="/leviticus/27-33.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-9.htm">Confirm</a> <a href="/numbers/8-22.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/numbers/10-6.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/numbers/16-28.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/14-34.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/exodus/32-12.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/exodus/32-14.htm">Repenteth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-16.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/23-18.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/31-16.htm">Act</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Change</a> <a href="/numbers/32-38.htm">Changed</a> <a href="/numbers/30-13.htm">Confirm</a> <a href="/numbers/30-8.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/numbers/23-24.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/numbers/24-13.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/numbers/26-10.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/numbers/30-6.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-36.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">Repenteth</a> <a href="/numbers/23-26.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/numbers/24-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Numbers 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/numbers/23-1.htm">Balak's sacrifices</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/numbers/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/numbers/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>God is not a man, that He should lie</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the divine nature of God, contrasting it with human fallibility. In biblical context, humans are often depicted as prone to deceit and sin (<a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a>). God's nature is inherently truthful and faithful (<a href="/titus/1-2.htm">Titus 1:2</a>). This distinction is crucial in understanding the reliability of God's promises, as seen in the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15).<p><b>or a son of man, that He should change His mind</b><br>The term "son of man" is used to denote humanity, emphasizing human limitations and changeability. In contrast, God's immutability is highlighted here (<a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a>). This phrase reassures believers of God's steadfastness, as seen in His unchanging nature throughout the Old Testament, such as His consistent deliverance of Israel (<a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7-8</a>).<p><b>Does He speak and not act?</b><br>This rhetorical question underscores God's faithfulness in action. When God speaks, His words are powerful and effective (<a href="/isaiah/55-11.htm">Isaiah 55:11</a>). Historical examples include the fulfillment of prophecies, such as the deliverance from Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-41.htm">Exodus 12:41</a>) and the coming of the Messiah (<a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, <a href="/matthew/1-22.htm">Matthew 1:22-23</a>).<p><b>Does He promise and not fulfill?</b><br>This phrase assures the fulfillment of God's promises, a central theme in Scripture. The Abrahamic covenant (<a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>) and its fulfillment in the nation of Israel and ultimately in Jesus Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16</a>) serve as key examples. God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of biblical theology, providing hope and assurance to believers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, emphasizing His divine nature and attributes of truthfulness and faithfulness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/balaam.htm">Balaam</a></b><br>A prophet who is speaking these words under divine inspiration, despite being hired by Balak to curse Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak</a></b><br>The king of Moab who sought to curse Israel through Balaam, fearing their strength and numbers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, whom Balak fears and seeks to curse, but whom God has blessed.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/moab.htm">Moab</a></b><br>The region ruled by Balak, representing opposition to God's people in this account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_immutability.htm">God's Immutability</a></b><br>God’s nature is unchanging. Unlike humans, He does not lie or change His mind. This provides believers with a foundation of trust and security in His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_faithfulness.htm">Divine Faithfulness</a></b><br>God’s promises are sure and steadfast. When He speaks, He acts. This encourages believers to rely on His word and trust in His faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_human_nature.htm">Contrast with Human Nature</a></b><br>Humans are prone to change and deceit, but God is wholly other. Recognizing this contrast helps believers to place their ultimate trust in God rather than in fallible human beings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_trials.htm">Encouragement in Trials</a></b><br>In times of uncertainty or difficulty, believers can find comfort in the assurance that God’s promises will be fulfilled, providing hope and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/call_to_reflect_god's_character.htm">Call to Reflect God’s Character</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate God’s truthfulness and faithfulness in their own lives, striving to be people of integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_numbers_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_god_change_his_mind.htm">Can God change His mind?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_god_lie.htm">Can God lie?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_god_change_his_mind.htm">Numbers 23:19: How do we reconcile “God is not a man...that he should repent” with passages elsewhere depicting God changing His mind (e.g., Genesis 6:6)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_we_be_sure_of_god's_promises.htm">How can we be sure of God's promises?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/numbers/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(19) <span class= "bld">Neither the son of man, that he should repent.--</span>The adoption of these words, with slight variation, by Samuel (<a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm" title="And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.">1Samuel 15:29</a>) affords evidence of his familiarity with this portion of the Pentateuch.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/numbers/23-19.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵל֙</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man,</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that He should lie,</span><br /><span class="heb">וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(wî·ḵaz·zêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3576.htm">Strong's 3576: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie, be a liar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or a son</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of man,</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that He should change His mind.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yiṯ·ne·ḥām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5162.htm">Strong's 5162: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Does He</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֤וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">act?</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Does He promise</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדִבֶּ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏib·ber)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fulfill?</span><br /><span class="heb">יְקִימֶֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·qî·men·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">OT Law: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man that he (Nu Num.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/numbers/23-18.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Numbers 23:18"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:18" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/numbers/23-20.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Numbers 23:20"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Numbers 23:20" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>