Numbers 23:19
What does Numbers 23:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Numbers 23:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Numbers 23:19 means
This verse emphatically declares God's unchangeable character and absolute faithfulness. Unlike humans who are prone to deceit and changing their decisions, God is presented as entirely truthful and steadfast. The rhetorical questions underscore His unwavering commitment: if God has made a promise or spoken a word, it will inevitably come to pass. This highlights divine reliability and His absolute power to fulfill His intentions. The imagery contrasts the fallibility of man with the immutable perfection of God, establishing Him as completely trustworthy in all His declarations and purposes. It reassures believers that His word is always dependable, never subject to human inconsistency or failure.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000God 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611God 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901God 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949God is not a man, to say what is false; or the son of man, that his purpose may be changed: what he has said, will he not do? and will he not give effect to the words of his mouth?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862God <FI>is<Fi> not a man--and lieth, And a son of man--and repenteth! Hath He said--and doth He not do <FI>it<Fi> ? And spoken--and doth He not confirm it?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752God is not a man, that he should lie, nor is 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?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890God is not a man, that he should lie; neither a son of man, that he should repent. Shall he say and not do? and shall he speak and not make it good?
Context
This declaration comes from Balaam, a prophet hired by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites. Instead of uttering curses, Balaam is repeatedly compelled by God to pronounce blessings upon Israel. Numbers 23 records one such oracle, where Balaam, despite Balak’s insistence, can only speak what God puts in his mouth. This specific verse directly follows Balaam’s affirmation of God’s blessing on Israel, assuring Balak that God’s declared intentions for His people cannot be thwarted or altered, thereby explaining why Balaam cannot curse them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hosea 11:9
I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee; and I will not come in wrath.
- Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of.
- Micah 7:20
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the lovingkindness to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
- Malachi 3:6
For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.
- Psalms 89:35
Once have I sworn by my holiness: I will not lie unto David:
- 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.
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