King James Version

What Does Numbers 23:19 Mean?

Numbers 23:19 in the King James Version says “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 i...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 23:19 · KJV

Context

17

And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD spoken?

18

And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor:

19

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?

20

Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

21

He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.

Read Numbers 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent. Balaam declares God's unchangeable nature in contrast to human fickleness. This profound theological statement establishes God's absolute truthfulness—He cannot lie because deception contradicts His essential nature. Unlike humans who speak falsely out of weakness, ignorance, or malice, God's word perfectly corresponds to reality and His character guarantees its fulfillment.

The phrase "neither the son of man, that he should repent" uses "repent" (nacham, נָחַם) meaning to change one's mind or feel regret. God doesn't change His mind like humans who make decisions based on incomplete knowledge and must reverse course when circumstances change. God's perfect knowledge means He never needs to revise His plans or regret His decisions. His purposes stand firm (Psalm 33:11, Isaiah 46:10).

The rhetorical questions "hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" emphasize God's faithfulness to fulfill His word. What God promises, He performs; what He speaks, He accomplishes. This immutability provides assurance that God's blessing on Israel (which Balaam was hired to curse) cannot be reversed. It also grounds Christian confidence in God's promises—His word is utterly reliable because He cannot lie or change His mind (Hebrews 6:18, Titus 1:2).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage from Balaam's First and Second Oracles must be understood within its ancient Near Eastern context. The wilderness period (approximately 1446-1406 BCE using early Exodus chronology, or 1290-1250 BCE using late chronology) represents a formative period in Israel's national and spiritual development. Archaeological discoveries from Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia provide important background for understanding Israel's experiences.

The Plains of Moab, located northeast of the Dead Sea, provided a staging area for Israel's entry into Canaan. Archaeological surveys reveal this region was inhabited during the Late Bronze Age, with the kingdoms of Moab, Ammon, and the Amorite kingdoms of Sihon and Og controlling various territories. Israel's victories over Sihon and Og demonstrated God's power and gave them control of the Transjordan region.

The Balaam incident reflects ancient Near Eastern divination practices. Mesopotamian texts describe diviners and prophets like Balaam who were hired by kings to curse enemies or bless military campaigns. However, Numbers presents Balaam as ultimately subject to Israel's God, unable to curse whom God has blessed—demonstrating YHWH's supremacy over pagan spiritual powers. The regulations for land division and inheritance reflect standard ancient property law while being adapted to Israel's tribal system and theological commitments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage's emphasis on irrevocable blessing deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in His people's lives?
  2. In what specific ways can you apply the principles of cannot curse to your current life circumstances and spiritual journey?
  3. What does this passage teach about the consequences of sin and the necessity of atonement, and how does this point to Christ's ultimate sacrifice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
לֹ֣א1 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אִ֥ישׁ2 of 14

“is not a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֵל֙3 of 14

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב4 of 14

“that he should lie”

H3576

to lie (i.e., deceive), literally or figuratively

וּבֶן5 of 14

“neither the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֖ם6 of 14

“of man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם7 of 14

“that he should repent”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

הַה֤וּא8 of 14
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אָמַר֙9 of 14

“hath he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וְלֹ֣א10 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַֽעֲשֶׂ֔ה11 of 14

“and shall he not do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְדִבֶּ֖ר12 of 14

“it or hath he spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וְלֹ֥א13 of 14
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יְקִימֶֽנָּה׃14 of 14

“and shall he not make it good”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 23:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 15:29James 1:17Malachi 3:6Hebrews 6:18Titus 1:2Luke 21:33

Test Your Knowledge

Numbers 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNumbers Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Numbers 23 with CommentaryAll Numbers ChaptersComplete Numbers QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes