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? Berean Literal Bible God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do? Or has He spoken, and He will 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? Berean Annotated 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? 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? 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGod 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? 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 VersionGod [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? Berean Literal Bible God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and He will not do? Or has He spoken, and He will not fulfill? 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 BibleGod 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 BibleGod 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 1917God 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 (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) 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 God is not a man, that He should lie, 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. or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Malachi 3:6 “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. Job 23:13 But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. 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. Does He speak and not act? 1 Kings 8:56 “Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He made through His servant Moses. Joshua 21:45 Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to the house of Israel had failed; everything was fulfilled. 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. Does He promise and not fulfill? Romans 4:21 being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised. Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God. 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.” 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. Jump to Previous Act Change Changed Confirm Effect Lie Mind Mouth Promise Purpose Repent Repenteth Speak WordsJump to Next Act Change Changed Confirm Effect Lie Mind Mouth Promise Purpose Repent Repenteth Speak WordsNumbers 23 1. Balak's sacrificesGod is not a man, that He should lie, God’s character is wholly true and faithful, unlike fallen humanity, which is marked by sin and deception. His promises rest on His own unchanging nature. 1Sa 15:29 Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie… or a son of man, that He should change His mind. God does not act impulsively or reverse His purposes because of weakness, ignorance, or changing circumstances. What He has determined to accomplish stands. Mal 3:6 Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob… Does He speak and not act? God’s word is effective in history. He brought Israel out of Egypt, preserved His covenant people, and carried out His declared judgments and mercies. 1Ki 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel… Does He promise and not fulfill? The blessing promised to Abraham, the establishment of Israel, and the coming of the Messiah demonstrate that God fulfills what He has pledged. Rom 4:21 being fully persuaded that God was able to do… Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, emphasizing His divine nature and attributes of truthfulness and faithfulness. 2. Balaam A prophet who is speaking these words under divine inspiration, despite being hired by Balak to curse Israel. 3. Balak The king of Moab who sought to curse Israel through Balaam, fearing their strength and numbers. 4. Israel The nation chosen by God, whom Balak fears and seeks to curse, but whom God has blessed. 5. Moab The region ruled by Balak, representing opposition to God's people in this account. Teaching Points God's ImmutabilityGod’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. Divine Faithfulness 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. Contrast with Human Nature 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. Encouragement in Trials In times of uncertainty or difficulty, believers can find comfort in the assurance that God’s promises will be fulfilled, providing hope and strength. Call to Reflect God’s Character As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate God’s truthfulness and faithfulness in their own lives, striving to be people of integrity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 23:19?2. How does Numbers 23:19 affirm God's unchanging nature and truthfulness? 3. What does "God is not man" imply about His reliability and promises? 4. How can we apply God's faithfulness in Numbers 23:19 to our daily lives? 5. Compare Numbers 23:19 with Hebrews 13:8. How do both affirm God's consistency? 6. How does understanding God's truthfulness in Numbers 23:19 strengthen your faith? 7. How does Numbers 23:19 affirm God's unchanging nature and reliability? 8. Why is God's truthfulness emphasized in Numbers 23:19? 9. How does Numbers 23:19 challenge human perceptions of divine promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 23? (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.Numbers 23:19 slices through human doubt by presenting a four-fold assurance: God is unlike us, He never lies, He never wavers, and He always backs His word with action. When He speaks, reality bends; when He promises, fulfillment is inevitable. Therefore, our response is simple—take Him at His word, rest in His unchanging character, and live in glad expectation of every promise still to come. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Godאֵל֙ (’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 Additonal Resources Numbers 23:19 Blue Letter BibleNumbers 23:19 Bible Gateway Numbers 23:19 Bible.com Numbers 23:19 NIV |
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