Numbers 23:19

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H410} is not a man {H376}, that he should lie {H3576}; neither the son {H1121} of man {H120}, that he should repent {H5162}: hath he said {H559}, and shall he not do {H6213} it? or hath he spoken {H1696}, and shall he not make it good {H6965}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"God is not a human who lies or a mortal who changes his mind. When he says something, he will do it; when he makes a promise, he will fulfill it

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 23:19, a profound oracle delivered by Balaam, stands as a foundational declaration of God's immutable character, contrasting His divine perfection with human fallibility. It asserts God's absolute truthfulness and unwavering faithfulness, proclaiming that He neither lies nor changes His mind like humans do. This verse underscores the certainty of God's promises and purposes, affirming that whatever He declares will undoubtedly come to pass, providing an unshakeable basis for trust and hope in His sovereign word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is embedded within the narrative of Balaam's oracles in Numbers 22-24. Balak, the king of Moab, deeply fearful of the numerous Israelites encamped on his border, repeatedly attempts to hire the renowned diviner Balaam to curse Israel. Despite Balak's persistent efforts and moving Balaam to various vantage points (Numbers 22:41, 23:13, 23:27), God supernaturally intervenes, placing words of blessing and prophecy into Balaam's mouth instead of curses. Numbers 23:19 is part of Balaam's second oracle, delivered after Balak's second attempt to secure a curse from the top of Pisgah. This divine compulsion highlights God's absolute sovereignty over even those who oppose Him, ensuring His purposes for Israel cannot be thwarted by human or demonic machinations. The immediate verses preceding this one describe Balaam's vision of Israel's unique dwelling (Numbers 23:9) and their blessed destiny, setting the stage for the definitive statement on God's character that guarantees these blessings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold as Israel journeys through the wilderness, nearing the plains of Moab, on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Moab, a nation descended from Lot (Genesis 19:37), harbored deep-seated animosity towards Israel, evident in their refusal to provide aid during Israel's exodus (Deuteronomy 23:3-4). The practice of hiring diviners or seers to invoke curses or blessings was common in the ancient Near East, reflecting a widespread belief in the power of spoken words, especially those uttered by perceived intermediaries with the divine. Kings like Balak would employ such figures to gain strategic advantage in warfare or to ward off perceived threats. Balaam, though not an Israelite, was recognized for his prophetic abilities, even by those outside Israel. God's use of a non-Israelite prophet to declare His truth to a pagan king in a pagan context serves to demonstrate His universal sovereignty and His ability to work through unexpected channels to fulfill His covenant promises to His people, as first articulated to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham").
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 23:19 powerfully articulates several core theological themes running through the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Immutability**, emphasizing that God does not change His mind, His character, or His purposes, unlike fickle humanity. This is inextricably linked to His **Divine Truthfulness and Faithfulness**, asserting that God cannot lie, and every word He speaks is absolute truth, guaranteeing the fulfillment of His promises, particularly His covenant with Israel (Numbers 23:9-10). The rhetorical questions in the verse underscore the **Certainty of God's Word and Plan**, highlighting that what God declares, He will unfailingly perform; His word is not idle but carries ultimate authority and power, ensuring the success of His redemptive plan for Israel, despite their wilderness wanderings and rebellions, as seen in passages like [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - The Rebellion at Kadesh Barnea"). This divine reliability contrasts sharply with **Human Fallibility and Unreliability**, a constant motif in the wilderness narrative where Israel's lack of faith and obedience often leads to consequences (e.g., [Numbers 11](/numbers/11 "Numbers 11 - The People Complain and Quail are Sent")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man (אִישׁ, _'ish'_):** This Hebrew word refers to a human being, often emphasizing their frailty, mortality, and limitations. In this context, it highlights the stark contrast between the finite, changeable nature of humanity and the infinite, unchanging nature of God. Humans are prone to lying, deceit, and inconsistency, whereas God is utterly dependable.
* **Repent (נָחַם, _nacham'_):** While this verb can mean "to be sorry," "to grieve," or "to have compassion," in this specific context, particularly when negated concerning God, it signifies "to change one's mind," "to alter a purpose or decision," or "to regret a course of action." The statement "neither the son of man, that he should repent" means God does not change His plans or purposes due to error, regret, or unforeseen circumstances, because His knowledge is perfect and His will is eternal. This distinguishes Him from humans who often "repent" in the sense of changing their minds due to new information, weakness, or moral failing.
* **Make it good (קוּם, _qum'_):** This verb literally means "to rise," "to stand," or "to establish." In this construction, "to make it good" (literally, "will he not establish it?") conveys the idea of bringing something to pass, confirming, or fulfilling. It emphasizes the active, powerful nature of God's word to accomplish what it declares. What God speaks, He brings into existence and firmly establishes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God [is] not a man, that he should lie;":** This initial clause establishes a fundamental distinction between the divine and the human. Humans, by their fallen nature, are prone to falsehood and deception. God, by His very essence, is truth itself and is incapable of lying. This affirms His absolute integrity and the trustworthiness of His character.
* **"neither the son of man, that he should repent:":** This second clause further differentiates God from humanity. "Son of man" is a common Hebrew idiom for a human being. Unlike humans who may change their minds due to regret, weakness, or a shift in circumstances, God's purposes and decisions are unchangeable. His perfect knowledge and eternal will mean there is no need for Him to alter His plans.
* **"hath he said, and shall he not do [it]?:":** This is the first of two rhetorical questions, powerfully emphasizing the certainty of God's word. The implied answer is a resounding "Yes, He will do it!" It asserts that God's declarations are not mere words but are intrinsically linked to His actions. What He speaks, He performs.
* **"or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?":** The second rhetorical question reinforces the first, using a synonymous parallelism. "Make it good" (or "establish it") highlights the enduring and effective nature of God's word. It reiterates that God's promises and pronouncements are not empty but will be brought to full and firm realization. The implied answer, again, is "Yes, He will make it good!"

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 23:19 is rich with literary devices that amplify its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting God's immutable and truthful character directly against the fallible and changeable nature of humanity ("God is not a man... neither the son of man"). This stark opposition highlights God's perfection and reliability. **Rhetorical Questions** ("hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?") are powerfully employed, not to elicit information, but to affirm an undeniable truth with emphatic certainty. The implied "No, He will certainly do it!" leaves no room for doubt about God's faithfulness. Furthermore, **Parallelism** is evident in the structure of the rhetorical questions, where the second question echoes and reinforces the first using synonymous phrasing ("said" / "spoken," "do it" / "make it good"), adding weight and poetic force to the declaration. Finally, the verse negates **Anthropomorphism** by explicitly stating God is *not* like a man, thereby correcting any misconception that God's character or actions could be limited or flawed by human attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 23:19 is a cornerstone text for understanding the doctrine of God's immutability and faithfulness. It assures believers that God's character is steadfast, His promises are unbreakable, and His plans are unchangeable. This truth provides immense comfort and a firm foundation for faith, especially when circumstances seem to contradict God's word or when human promises fail. It teaches us that God's integrity is absolute, and His word carries inherent power to accomplish what it declares. This divine reliability is the bedrock of all covenant relationships and prophetic fulfillments throughout biblical history, guaranteeing the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive purposes.

* [1 Samuel 15:29](/1_samuel/15-29 "1 Samuel 15:29 - God's Unchanging Nature")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - The Lord Does Not Change")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - God, Who Cannot Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 23:19 offers profound assurance for every believer navigating a world characterized by instability, broken promises, and shifting truths. In an age where trust is often betrayed and words are cheap, this verse anchors our faith in the unshakeable character of God. It calls us to confidently rely on His promises for salvation, guidance, provision, and future hope, knowing that His integrity is absolute. When doubts arise, or when circumstances seem to contradict His word, we are called back to this fundamental truth: God does not lie, and He does not change His mind. His word is not idle but carries ultimate authority and power, guaranteeing that what He has spoken, He will surely bring to pass. This truth provides a deep sense of peace and security, empowering us to live with unwavering trust in His sovereign plan, even when we cannot fully comprehend it.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that "God is not a man, that he should lie" impact your trust in His promises, especially during times of uncertainty or delay?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more fully rely on God's unchanging nature and the certainty of His word?**
* **How does understanding God's inability to "repent" (change His mind due to error) shape your view of His perfect wisdom and eternal plans?**

### FAQ
**Does Numbers 23:19 mean God never "changes His mind" or "relents" in any sense, given other biblical passages?**

Answer: Numbers 23:19 asserts that God does not "repent" in the sense of regretting a decision, changing His ultimate purpose, or altering His character due to error, weakness, or unforeseen circumstances, as humans do. His knowledge is perfect, and His will is eternal and sovereign. However, Scripture also uses anthropomorphic language where God is described as "relenting" or "grieving" (e.g., [Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "God Grieves Over Humanity"), [Exodus 32:14](/exodus/32-14 "Exodus 32:14 - God Relents from Disaster"), [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "Jonah 3:10 - God Relents from Disaster")). These passages typically describe God's relational response to human repentance, prayer, or disobedience within the framework of His unchanging character and ultimate plan. They reflect His dynamic interaction with His creation, His compassion, and His justice, not a change in His fundamental nature or eternal decrees. For instance, when God "relents" from a threatened judgment, it's often because His people have turned from their sin, aligning with His desire for righteousness, rather than God having made an error in His initial threat. The core truth of Numbers 23:19 remains: God's word is absolutely trustworthy, and His ultimate purposes will always be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 23:19, with its powerful declaration of God's unchanging truthfulness and faithfulness, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the living embodiment of God's unchangeable word, the "Amen" to all of God's promises (2 Corinthians 1:20). Just as God cannot lie or repent of His word, so Jesus, being God incarnate, perfectly fulfilled every prophecy concerning the Messiah, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan. The Old Testament promises of a deliverer, a king, and a savior, which seemed to unfold slowly over millennia, found their definitive "Yes" in Christ's life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:44). He is the faithful and true witness (Revelation 3:14), the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:1, 14), in whom all the divine promises are not merely spoken but are made good and established. His sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant, even when humanity proved unfaithful (Romans 5:8). Therefore, in Christ, we see the absolute certainty that what God has said, He has done, and what He has spoken, He has made good, securing our salvation and eternal hope (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Malachi 3:6

For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Titus 1:2

In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Romans 11:29

For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.