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?

NUMBERS 23:19KJV
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Numbers 23:19 (KJV)

What does Numbers 23:19 mean?

Numbers 23:19 says that God is completely trustworthy and does not change His mind or break His word the way people sometimes do. The verse emphasizes that when God promises something, He will always follow through and make it happen.

In Numbers 23:19, the speaker is Balaam, a prophet hired by King Balak of Moab to curse Israel. Instead, Balaam tells Balak that God is not like a human who might lie or regret a decision. Balaam insists that God’s words and promises are certain, especially in the context of blessing Israel, and nothing can make God go back on what He has said.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 23:19

  • God (אֵל, ’el): This word refers to God as the mighty or powerful one, highlighting His strength and authority in keeping His promises.
  • Lie (כָּזַב, kazav): This word means to deceive or speak falsely. The verse uses it to stress that God’s nature is completely truthful, unlike people who might lie.
  • Repent (נָחַם, nacham): This word often means to change one’s mind or feel regret. Here, it shows that God does not have second thoughts or regrets like humans do—His decisions are firm.
  • Good (קוּם, qum): This word means to make something stand or to fulfill. In this verse, it underlines that God will make His spoken word come true and establish it.

Why Numbers 23:19 matters

  • Numbers 23:19 clears up the idea that God might change His mind or go back on His promises, which was a common fear among ancient people about their gods.
  • The verse highlights the contrast between God’s character and human nature, showing that God’s reliability is absolute.
  • In the larger story, this verse reassures Israel (and the reader) that God’s blessing on His people cannot be undone, no matter what others try to do.

Where else these words appear

“lie” Hebrew H3576 · used in 16 verses

  • 2 Kings 4:16 And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.
  • Psalms 78:36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.
  • Isaiah 57:11 And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

“repent” Hebrew H5162 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
  • Jeremiah 18:10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.