Numbers 23:19 - Divine truth never falters.

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Hebrew Text

לֹא אִישׁ אֵל וִיכַזֵּב וּבֶן־אָדָם וְיִתְנֶחָם הַהוּא אָמַר וְלֹא יַעֲשֶׂה וְדִבֶּר וְלֹא יְקִימֶנָּה׃

English Translation

God is not a man, that he should lie; nor the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not perform? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Transliteration

Lo ish el vikhazev uven-adam veyitnekham hahu amar velo ya'aseh vediber velo yekimenah.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֣א אִ֥ישׁ אֵל֙ וִֽיכַזֵּ֔ב וּבֶן־אָדָ֖ם וְיִתְנֶחָ֑ם הַה֤וּא אָמַר֙ וְלֹ֣א יַעֲשֶׂ֔ה וְדִבֶּ֖ר וְלֹ֥א יְקִימֶֽנָּה׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bamidbar 23:19) appears in the narrative of Bilam, the non-Jewish prophet hired by Balak to curse the Jewish people. Here, Bilam affirms the absolute truthfulness and immutability of Hashem's word, contrasting it with human fallibility.

Key Themes and Interpretations

Divine Truth vs. Human Deception: Rashi explains that unlike humans who may lie or change their minds, Hashem's word is absolute and unchanging. When He makes a promise or decree, it is irrevocable (Rashi on Bamidbar 23:19).
No "Repentance" for Hashem: The phrase "וְיִתְנֶחָם" ("that He should repent") does not imply regret in the human sense. Rambam (Hilchos Teshuvah 2:4) teaches that this refers to Hashem's unchanging will—He does not "change His mind" as humans do, because His knowledge and decrees are perfect from the outset.
Fulfillment of Divine Promises: The Sforno emphasizes that Hashem's promises to the Jewish people—such as the covenant with the Avos—are eternal and will inevitably come to pass, as He does not revoke His word (Sforno on Bamidbar 23:19).

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:1) connects this verse to the reliability of Hashem's blessings. Unlike human blessings, which may be insincere or unfulfilled, Hashem's blessings—such as those given to Avraham and Yaakov—are guaranteed to endure.

Halachic and Philosophical Implications

The Ramban (Nachmanides) discusses this verse in the context of hashgacha pratis (divine providence), noting that Hashem's unwavering commitment to His word ensures that His plan for the Jewish people will unfold as decreed, regardless of human interference (Ramban on Bamidbar 23:19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 32a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of God's promises and the certainty of their fulfillment, contrasting human fallibility with divine reliability.

📖 Nedarim 32a

The verse is referenced in the context of vows and oaths, emphasizing that God's word is unchanging and trustworthy, unlike human commitments which may be subject to change or deceit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Numbers 23:19 mean?
A: Numbers 23:19 teaches that Hashem (God) is not like a human being who might lie or change His mind. Unlike people, when Hashem makes a promise or decree, He always fulfills it without fail. This verse emphasizes God's absolute truthfulness and reliability.

Q: Why is Numbers 23:19 important in Judaism?
A: This verse is fundamental in Judaism because it establishes the unchanging nature of Hashem's word. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 59a) and Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:7) explain that God's perfection means He cannot lie or change, giving us complete trust in His Torah and promises.

Q: How does Numbers 23:19 apply to our lives today?
A: This verse reminds us that we can have complete faith in Hashem's commandments and promises. When facing challenges, we can trust that God's word is eternal and true. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 20:23) connects this to why we must keep mitzvot faithfully - just as God keeps His word, we must keep ours to Him.

Q: What's the difference between God and humans according to Numbers 23:19?
A: Rashi explains that unlike humans who might lie or regret their words, Hashem is completely truthful and never needs to 'take back' what He said. The Malbim adds that human decisions change based on new circumstances, but God's knowledge is perfect from the beginning, so His decrees never need revision.

Q: How do Jewish sources interpret 'nor the son of man, that He should repent' in this verse?
A: The phrase teaches that Hashem doesn't experience 'repentance' (change of mind) like humans do. Ramban explains this refers to God's eternal consistency - when the Torah mentions God 'repenting,' it's an anthropomorphism for human understanding, not an actual change in the Divine will (see also Talmud, Berachot 7a).