The concept of God repenting or expressing sorrow might seem unusual to some, as we often think of God as perfect, incapable of making mistakes. However, throughout the Bible, we see instances where God expresses sorrow or regret over the actions of humanity.
These moments are not about God being flawed but rather illustrate His deep love for His creation and His desire for repentance and reconciliation. The Bible reveals a compassionate and patient God, who, even in His justice, offers opportunities for redemption and change.
In this post, we will explore 19 Bible verses where God shows His sorrow or repents, offering us comfort, wisdom, and inspiration to seek a closer relationship with Him.
1. Genesis 6:6
“And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.”
Explanation:
In this verse, God expresses His sorrow over the wickedness that had taken over humanity. The evil and corruption were so pervasive that even God, in His perfection, felt sorrowful about His creation. This passage shows God’s empathy and His desire for His creation to walk in righteousness and goodness.
2. Genesis 6:7
“So the Lord said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.'”
Explanation:
This verse continues the idea that God was deeply sorrowful over the state of the world. The decision to send the flood, as a form of judgment, came after God’s sorrow and regret for the evil that had spread across the earth. It shows God’s justice but also His sadness in having to bring about such drastic action.
3. Exodus 32:14
“And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.”
Explanation:
After the Israelites sinned by worshiping the golden calf, God was angered and planned to punish them. However, Moses interceded on their behalf, and God relented. This verse highlights God’s mercy and willingness to change His course of action in response to repentance and prayer.
4. 1 Samuel 15:11
“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”
Explanation:
In this verse, God expresses regret for choosing Saul as king because of his disobedience. This passage illustrates God’s desire for leaders who follow His commands and serve with a humble heart. It shows that God’s decisions are deeply connected to His desire for righteousness in His people.
5. 1 Samuel 15:35
“And Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel.”
Explanation:
The regret God expresses here is tied to Saul’s failure to lead Israel faithfully. God’s sorrow reflects His grief over human failure and the consequences that arise from straying away from His will. It shows God’s compassionate heart, even in times of judgment.
6. 2 Samuel 24:16
“But when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction, ‘It is enough; now stay your hand.'”
Explanation:
God, seeing the destruction and punishment He had unleashed, expresses mercy by halting the angel’s work of destruction. This verse emphasizes God’s compassion and willingness to show grace even when judgment is deserved.
7. Jeremiah 18:8
“And if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.”
Explanation:
God expresses that if a nation repents and turns from evil, He will relent from the judgment He had planned. This verse underscores God’s willingness to show mercy when there is genuine repentance, offering hope for redemption.
8. Jeremiah 26:13
“Now therefore mend your ways and your deeds, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the disaster that he has pronounced against you.”
Explanation:
Here, God, through the prophet Jeremiah, calls the people to repentance, promising that if they turn from their wicked ways, He will relent from the punishment He had decreed. It reveals God’s patience and His desire for His people to repent and change their hearts.
9. Amos 7:3
“The Lord relented concerning this: ‘It shall not be,’ said the Lord.”
Explanation:
In this instance, God shows mercy by relenting from the judgment He had planned. This brief but powerful statement showcases God’s compassion in the face of His people’s sin, providing an opportunity for them to return to Him.
10. Amos 7:6
“The Lord relented concerning this: ‘This also shall not be,’ said the Lord God.”
Explanation:
This verse repeats the theme of God relenting from disaster. Despite the sins of Israel, God’s mercy allows for the possibility of redemption, offering grace in the face of impending destruction.
11. Jonah 3:10
“When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.”
Explanation:
When the people of Nineveh repented for their sins, God showed mercy and relented from the destruction He had planned. This verse demonstrates that God’s judgment is not final if people truly repent and seek His forgiveness.
12. Jonah 4:2
“And he prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.'”
Explanation:
Jonah’s prayer highlights the character of God—gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and willing to relent from disaster. Jonah, frustrated with God’s mercy toward Nineveh, recalls how God’s nature is one of forgiveness, showing the deep compassion God has for those who repent.
13. Zechariah 8:14
“For thus says the Lord of hosts: As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the Lord of hosts…”
Explanation:
In this verse, God speaks of a time when He did not relent from judgment due to Israel’s disobedience. However, it is also a reminder that God’s actions are tied to the heart of His people, and when they turn to Him, He will show mercy and kindness.
14. Ezekiel 18:32
“For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.”
Explanation:
God’s sorrow is expressed here in His desire for the repentance of sinners. He does not take pleasure in judgment or death but longs for all to turn from their wickedness and live. This verse shows the depth of God’s love and His desire for life and reconciliation.
15. Ezekiel 33:11
“Say to them, ‘As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?'”
Explanation:
God pleads with the people to repent and turn from their evil ways. He does not want to punish them, but instead, He desires their repentance and life. This passage reveals God’s compassionate heart and His deep longing for His people to return to Him.
Conclusion
The Bible contains several verses where God expresses sorrow and regret, showing His compassionate nature and desire for repentance. These instances are not about God’s imperfection but rather reflect His deep love for His creation and His willingness to offer grace and mercy.
Through these verses, we are reminded that God is slow to anger, rich in mercy, and always ready to forgive when we turn to Him in repentance.
Reflect on these verses and consider how they can inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with God, knowing that He is always ready to show His love and forgiveness.
We invite you to share your thoughts, experiences, or favorite verses in the comments below!