When we read verses like Genesis 6:6, “The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled,” we might immediately wonder: can God change His mind? Isn’t He all-knowing and perfect? How could He regret something He Himself created?
This question is not only interesting but also important to understand who God really is and how He relates to humans. Let’s try to discuss this more deeply.
Regret in Human Language
First of all, it is important to understand that the Bible often uses human language so that we can grasp divine concepts that are difficult to explain. Terms like “regret” are used so that we can feel the depth of God’s emotions toward human evil. In the original language, the word translated as “regret” comes from the Hebrew word nacham, which can also mean “to grieve” or “to feel sorrow.”
This means that God does not not know what will happen, but rather He responds to human situations with a very deep love, which can be described as regret in the context of relationship, not in the context of error or ignorance.
Does God Change?
The Bible also clearly states that God does not change. In Malachi 3:6, it says, “I, the LORD, do not change.” Likewise, in Numbers 23:19, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” So, on one hand, we see God described as “regretting,” but on the other hand, He is said not to change or regret like humans.
How can this be explained? This is not a contradiction, but a difference in perspective. Verses like Genesis 6:6 show God’s emotional response to human sin, while Numbers 23:19 shows God’s unchanging character and will. God never makes mistakes. But He still responds to humans personally and lovingly.
A Living and Relational God
Our God is not a static and distant person. He is a living Person, who is involved in human history. When humans change, often God also changes His approach in interacting with them. This is seen, for example, in the story of Jonah 3:10, when God canceled the plan to destroy Nineveh because they repented. Does that mean God regretted? No. It rather shows that God is faithful to His principle: that He will show mercy to those who repent.
Repentant Yet Still Holy
Ultimately, we can understand that when the Bible says God “repents,” it is not because He made a mistake or lost control. But because of His great love for His creation, He feels sorrow when He sees humans choosing the wrong path. And from that love, He provides the way of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8).
So, it can be said that God’s “repentance” is not like our repentance, but rather an active form of love that does not remain silent when witnessing destruction occur.
