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.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם֙
H1571
וְגַם֙
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
נֵ֣צַח
And also the Strength
H5331
נֵ֣צַח
And also the Strength
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְשַׁקֵּ֖ר
will not lie
H8266
יְשַׁקֵּ֖ר
will not lie
Strong's:
H8266
Word #:
5 of 12
to cheat, i.e., be untrue (usually in words)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְהִנָּחֵֽם׃
nor repent
H5162
לְהִנָּחֵֽם׃
nor repent
Strong's:
H5162
Word #:
7 of 12
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
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָדָ֛ם
for he is not a man
H120
אָדָ֛ם
for he is not a man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
10 of 12
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Numbers 23:19God 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?Ezekiel 24:14I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD.Titus 1:2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;Hebrews 6:18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:2 Timothy 2:13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.Psalms 95:11Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.Isaiah 45:24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.2 Corinthians 12:9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Joel 3:16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.Psalms 68:35O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Historical Context
The Hebrew netsach can mean 'glory,' 'permanence,' or 'victory.' This divine title appears only here. The tension between divine repentance (v. 11) and divine non-repentance (v. 29) generated extensive theological reflection in Jewish and Christian interpretation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together God's genuine emotional response and His unchanging purposes?
- What does 'the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent' mean for your confidence in God's promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
Samuel's declaration - 'the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent' - provides crucial theological clarification. After verse 11's statement that God 'repented,' Samuel affirms God does not repent like humans. The title 'Strength of Israel' (Netsach Yisra'el) emphasizes divine glory and permanence. The apparent contradiction dissolves when we understand two different senses: God grieves over human failure (v. 11) but does not change His eternal character or purposes (v. 29). Divine emotion and divine immutability coexist.