Numbers 23:19
New International Version
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?

New Living Translation
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?

English Standard Version
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?

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?

King James Bible
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?

New King James Version
“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? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

New American Standard Bible
“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?

NASB 1995
“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?

NASB 1977
“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?

Legacy Standard Bible
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?

Amplified Bible
“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 and fulfill it?

Christian Standard Bible
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?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
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?

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?

Contemporary English Version
God is no mere human! He doesn't tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.

English Revised Version
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?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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.

Good News Translation
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.

International Standard Version
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?

Majority 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?

NET Bible
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?

New Heart English Bible
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?

Webster's Bible Translation
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?

World English Bible
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?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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?

Young's Literal Translation
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?

Smith's Literal Translation
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?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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?

Catholic Public Domain Version
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?

New American Bible
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?

New Revised Standard Version
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?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
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.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
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.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
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 to his word?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Balaam's Second Oracle
18Then Balaam lifted up an oracle, saying: “Arise, O Balak, and listen; give ear to me, O son of Zippor. 19God 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? 20I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it.…

Cross References
1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

Titus 1:2
in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Hebrews 6:18
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.

Malachi 3:6
“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

James 1:17
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.

Isaiah 55:11
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.

Romans 3:4
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.”

Psalm 89:34
I will not violate My covenant or alter the utterance of My lips.

2 Timothy 2:13
if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Ezekiel 24:14
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.”

Psalm 33:11
The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.

Isaiah 46:10-11
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.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.

John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”


Treasury of Scripture

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?

God

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.

Psalm 89:35
Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

Habakkuk 2:3
For the vision is 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.

or hath he

1 Chronicles 17:17
And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O God; for thou hast also 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.

Micah 7:20
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

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Numbers 23
1. Balak's sacrifices














God is not a man
This phrase emphasizes the transcendence and otherness of God compared to humanity. In Hebrew, the word for "man" is "ish," which denotes a human being with all the limitations and imperfections inherent in human nature. This distinction sets the stage for understanding God's divine nature, which is free from human frailties and moral failings. Historically, this assertion would have been particularly poignant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where gods were often depicted with human-like flaws and caprices. The Bible consistently portrays God as holy and perfect, distinct from the flawed deities of surrounding cultures.

that He should lie
The Hebrew word for "lie" is "kazav," which means to deceive or speak falsely. This phrase underscores God's absolute truthfulness and reliability. Unlike humans, who may lie or deceive for personal gain or out of weakness, God's nature is inherently truthful. This is a foundational aspect of God's character, as seen throughout Scripture, where God's words and promises are always fulfilled. In a world where deceit is common, this assurance of God's truthfulness provides a solid foundation for faith and trust.

nor a son of man
The term "son of man" (Hebrew: "ben adam") is a Semitic expression that emphasizes human nature, mortality, and the limitations associated with being human. This phrase reinforces the idea that God is not subject to human weaknesses or the need to change His mind. In the broader biblical narrative, "son of man" is also a title used for Jesus, highlighting His humanity. However, in this context, it serves to contrast God's divine nature with human imperfection.

that He should change His mind
The Hebrew word for "change His mind" is "nacham," which can mean to repent, relent, or change one's mind. This phrase highlights God's immutability—His unchanging nature. Unlike humans, who may change their minds due to new information or emotional shifts, God's decisions and promises are steadfast. This immutability is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, as it means that God's promises are reliable and His character is consistent.

Does He speak and not act?
This rhetorical question emphasizes God's faithfulness and the certainty that His words will be fulfilled. The Hebrew verb "dabar" (to speak) is often used in the context of God's creative and authoritative word. When God speaks, it is not merely communication but an act of creation and decree. This assurance is echoed throughout Scripture, where God's spoken word is powerful and effective, bringing about His will and purposes.

Does He promise and not fulfill?
The Hebrew word for "promise" is "amar," which means to say or declare. This phrase underscores the reliability of God's promises. In the biblical narrative, God's promises are covenants—binding agreements that He faithfully upholds. The fulfillment of God's promises is a recurring theme in Scripture, providing believers with confidence in God's faithfulness. This assurance is particularly significant in the context of the Israelites, who were often reminded of God's promises to their forefathers and His faithfulness in fulfilling them.

(19) Neither the son of man, that he should repent.--The adoption of these words, with slight variation, by Samuel (1Samuel 15:29) affords evidence of his familiarity with this portion of the Pentateuch.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
God
אֵל֙ (’êl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410: Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty

is not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

a man,
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

that He should lie,
וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב (wî·ḵaz·zêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3576: To lie, be a liar

or a son
וּבֶן־ (ū·ḇen-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of man,
אָדָ֖ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

that He should change His mind.
וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם (wə·yiṯ·ne·ḥām)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

Does He
הַה֤וּא (ha·hū)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

speak
אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

and not
וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

act?
יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

Does He promise
וְדִבֶּ֖ר (wə·ḏib·ber)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

and not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

fulfill?
יְקִימֶֽנָּה׃ (yə·qî·men·nāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand


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OT Law: Numbers 23:19 God is not a man that he (Nu Num.)
Numbers 23:18
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