Features Pricing Bible Library Churches About Sign in Begin

Numbers 23:19

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?

Numbers 23:19 · King James Version

Meaning

This verse from the book of Numbers in the Bible emphasizes the unchanging nature of God. It states that God is not like human beings who are prone to lying or changing their minds. It emphasizes the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God's promises. When God speaks, His word is sure to come to pass. This verse serves as a reminder of God's character and His reliability. It encourages believers to have faith and trust in God's word, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill all that He has promised. This verse is a powerful reassurance of God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to His people. It is a reminder that God's promises are reliable and steadfast, providing comfort and hope to those who place their trust in Him.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the transcendence and faithfulness of God. By stating that God is not a man who lies or a son of man who changes His mind, the verse highlights the divine nature of God as unchanging and trustworthy. In contrast to human beings who are prone to deceit and inconsistency, God's character is marked by truth and steadfastness. The verse also underscores God's sovereignty and power, suggesting that His words are sure to come to pass because of His divine authority. This assurance of God's faithfulness serves as a source of comfort and confidence for believers, reinforcing the idea that God can be relied upon to fulfill His promises and purposes. In essence, this verse reinforces the theological principle that God's nature is fundamentally different from that of humanity, and His reliability is unwavering.

Numbers 23:19 in other translations

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?

World 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?

Douay-Rheims

God 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?

Geneva Bible (1599)

God is not as man, that he should lie, neither as the sonne of man that he shoulde repent: hath he sayde and shall he not do it? and hath he spoken, and shall he not accomplish it?