In the Bible, instances where it says that God repented are found in the following verses:
- Genesis 6:6
- 1 Samuel 15:11
- Jeremiah 18:8
- Jonah 3:10
Genesis 6:6
The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.
Genesis 6:6
1 Samuel 15:11
I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions. Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night
1 Samuel 15:11
Jeremiah 18:8
and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.
Jeremiah 18:8
Mateo 10:3
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Jonah 3:10
Why did God repent according to the Bible?
In the Bible, the concept of God «repenting» or expressing regret might seem confusing at first, especially since God is all-knowing and perfect. However, when the Bible speaks of God repenting, it isn’t saying that God makes mistakes or has regrets like humans do. Instead, it’s a way of showing God’s deep emotions and his responsive nature to human actions. This is expressed in ways that we, as humans, can understand and relate to, emphasizing that our actions matter to God.
For instance, in Genesis 6:6, when it says, «The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled,» it reflects God’s sorrow over the wickedness of humanity. This isn’t about God making a mistake in creating humans. Rather, it highlights how God’s creation, which was intended for good, had chosen a path of evil that deeply grieved Him. It shows that God cares deeply about how we live and the choices we make.
Similarly, in 1 Samuel 15:11, when God says, «I regret that I have made Saul king,» it isn’t because God didn’t foresee the outcome but rather it’s a way to express His righteous judgment on Saul’s disobedience. Saul was given a specific role and responsibility, and his failure to obey God’s commands led to God expressing regret, not in the sense of making an error, but in illustrating the serious consequences of Saul’s actions.
In Jeremiah 18:8, the word «relent» shows another dimension of God’s character. Here, God explains that if a nation turns from its evil ways after receiving a warning, then He will not carry out the planned disaster. This demonstrates God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who repent. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s mercy and readiness to forgive when we turn back to Him.
The concept of God repenting is thus more about communicating God’s responsiveness and interaction with His creation rather than suggesting He has human-like regrets. This portrayal helps us grasp the severity of sin and the impact of our actions on our relationship with God. It underscores the truth that while God is sovereign and unchanging, He also responds and interacts with us according to our own choices and behaviors. This relational aspect of God is crucial for understanding how He engages with the world and administers justice and mercy.