Understanding God’s Regret and Repentance in Scripture

When reading the Bible, few statements seem as perplexing as when God is described as “regretting” or “repenting” of something He has done. In Genesis 6:6–7, we read that God “regretted that he had made man on the earth.” In 1 Samuel 15:11, God declares, “I regret that I have made Saul king.” Elsewhere, Scripture says that God relented or “repented” of actions He was about to take (see Exodus 32:12–14; Jonah 3:10).

At first glance, these passages seem to suggest that God changes His mind as we do or that He did not foresee the outcomes of His own decisions. But the Bible also makes it clear that God is sovereign, all-knowing, and unchanging (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). So how do we reconcile God’s “regret” with His perfect foreknowledge?

God’s Emotions Are Infinitely Complex

The first key is to recognize that God’s emotional life is far richer and more complex than ours. When Scripture says that God “regrets” or “repents,” it does not mean that He made a mistake or lacked foresight. Rather, it is describing a real sorrow in God’s heart over the sinful actions and consequences that follow human rebellion.

We can relate to this on a small scale. A parent may discipline a child for disobedience knowing full well it is the right action and yet still feel sorrow over the pain it causes. Similarly, God can decree something for His wise purposes and still grieve over the suffering or rebellion that results.

The Example of Saul

In 1 Samuel 15:11, God says, “I regret that I have made Saul king.” Yet just 18 verses later, the prophet Samuel clarifies, “The Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret” (1 Samuel 15:29).

This isn’t a contradiction. The same Hebrew word is used in both verses, but the meaning differs. God’s “regret” is not like human regret, which stems from ignorance or surprise about the future. Instead, God’s sorrow is compatible with His foreknowledge. He knew Saul’s heart all along and ordained his kingship for a greater purpose yet He still grieves Saul’s disobedience and the pain it causes.

God’s Sovereignty and His Sorrow

God’s “repentance” is not about a change in His ultimate plans. Numbers 23:19 assures us that God does not change His mind as humans do: “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.” What we see in these passages is not indecision but divine compassion.

When Nineveh repented in Jonah’s day, God “relented” (Jonah 3:10) from destroying the city. This wasn’t God changing His plan; it was His plan all along to show mercy to those who turn from sin. God’s “regret” language often reflects His consistent character His holiness grieves over evil, and His mercy responds to repentance.

God’s Promises Are Unshakable

One practical implication of this truth is that God’s promises stand firm. He is never caught off guard by events or surprised by our failures. When He commits Himself to His people, He does so with complete foreknowledge of every circumstance. His sorrow over sin never undermines His sovereign will to redeem and bless those who trust Him.

Trusting the God Who Feels and Knows

We worship a God who both knows all things and feels deeply about the brokenness of our world. His sorrow over sin does not mean He is weak or indecisive; it means He is personal, compassionate, and fully engaged with His creation.

In Christ, we see this most clearly: Jesus wept over Jerusalem’s unbelief (Luke 19:41) and yet steadfastly went to the cross to accomplish God’s eternal plan of salvation (Acts 2:23). The God who “regrets” is also the God who saves perfectly and forever.

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