In What Sense Did God “Regret” Making Man? — Examining Genesis 6:6

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Context and Introduction

Genesis 6:6 states:

“And Jehovah regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.”

This verse introduces a profound expression of divine sorrow, where Jehovah is described as “regretting” that He had created mankind. On the surface, this statement raises theological questions regarding the nature of God’s omniscience and immutability. If God is perfect, omniscient, and does not make mistakes, how can He “regret” an action that He previously undertook? Understanding this passage requires a careful analysis of the Hebrew text, the theological implications, and the broader biblical context.

Understanding the Hebrew Term “Regretted”

The Hebrew word translated “regretted” in Genesis 6:6 is nacham (נָחַם), which carries a range of meanings depending on the context. It can mean “to be sorry,” “to repent,” “to be comforted,” “to change one’s mind,” or “to reconsider.” The term is anthropopathic in nature, meaning that it ascribes human emotions and responses to God to convey a truth that human readers can understand.

In this context, nacham does not imply that God made a mistake or was unaware of future events. Rather, it expresses a change in God’s attitude or disposition toward humanity because of their unrepentant wickedness. It is essential to recognize that God’s “regret” is not analogous to human regret, which often involves a realization of error. Instead, it denotes God’s sorrow and displeasure over the pervasive corruption that had taken hold of the world.

Divine Sorrow, Not Error

To say that God “regretted” creating mankind is not to suggest that God was surprised by human sinfulness or that He had erred in creating man. The Bible affirms that God’s knowledge is perfect and complete:

Isaiah 46:9-10 – “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”
Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.”

Since God’s foreknowledge is absolute, His “regret” in Genesis 6:6 must be understood as a change in His response to humanity’s moral condition, not a change in His foreordained plan.

The Nature of God’s Regret: A Change in Action, Not in Nature

When the Bible says that God “regretted” making man, it signifies that He had determined to change His course of action due to humanity’s rebellion. This is consistent with the biblical principle that God’s dealings with mankind can change depending on human behavior.

Jeremiah 18:7-8 – “If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation turns from its evil, I will relent [nacham] of the disaster that I intended to do to it.”
Jonah 3:10 – When Nineveh repented, “God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.”

In these instances, nacham is used to describe God’s decision to change His intended course of action based on human response. Similarly, in Genesis 6:6, God’s “regret” reflects His decision to destroy mankind because of their complete moral corruption, but this is not a reflection of error or a change in His eternal purposes.

Why Did God Regret Creating Mankind?

The reason for God’s “regret” is given explicitly in Genesis 6:5:

“Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Humanity had reached a point where “every inclination” of their thoughts was directed toward evil. This pervasive wickedness grieved the heart of God, prompting His decision to cleanse the earth through the Flood.

God’s Grief and Sorrow

The verse also states that “it grieved him to his heart.” This expression of divine grief demonstrates that God is not a distant, emotionless being but one who deeply cares about His creation. The wickedness of mankind caused sorrow to Jehovah, not because His plans had been thwarted, but because of the moral degradation that required severe judgment.

Ezekiel 33:11 – “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.’”

God’s “grief” does not imply vulnerability or weakness but rather reflects His profound compassion and justice.

Theological Implications: How Can God Regret?

To say that God “regrets” does not contradict His immutability (unchanging nature) or His omniscience. Scripture consistently affirms that:

Malachi 3:6 – “For I, Jehovah, do not change.”
Numbers 23:19 – “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.”

God’s immutability applies to His character, purposes, and nature. However, God’s interactions with mankind can change based on human actions. He may choose to delay judgment or extend mercy depending on whether people respond to His warnings. His “regret” is not a change in His eternal plan but a change in His dealings with humanity due to their willful rejection of His moral standards.

An Anthropopathic Expression: Speaking in Human Terms

The language of Genesis 6:6 is anthropopathic, meaning that it uses human emotions to describe God’s actions in a way that humans can understand. Just as the Bible describes God’s “eyes” and “hands” to convey His omniscience and power, it uses terms like “regret” and “grief” to express His displeasure over sin.

Anthropopathisms are not literal descriptions but rather accommodations for human understanding. They help communicate divine realities in a way that finite minds can grasp.

The Consequence of God’s Regret: The Flood

God’s “regret” led to a definitive action—His decision to bring the Flood as an act of judgment:

“Jehovah said, ‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the heavens; for I regret that I have made them.’” (Genesis 6:7)

This decision was not impulsive but reflected the absolute necessity of purging the earth of widespread evil. Yet, even in judgment, God’s mercy was evident. He preserved Noah and his family, ensuring the continuity of His plan for humanity.

God’s Regret Was Limited to Wicked Mankind, Not Creation Itself

It is essential to note that God’s “regret” did not apply to His entire creation but specifically to wicked mankind. Genesis 6:7 makes it clear that His intention to “blot out man” was due to the corruption of humanity, not a rejection of creation itself.

2 Peter 2:5, 9 – “If he did not spare the ancient world but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly … then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.”

Conclusion: What Does It Mean That God “Regretted”?

When the Bible states that “Jehovah regretted that he had made man,” it is expressing God’s deep sorrow and grief over the pervasive wickedness that had consumed the human race. This “regret” does not imply that God made a mistake or was caught off guard by human sin. Rather, it denotes a change in God’s dealings with humanity in response to their moral corruption.

God’s “regret” led to a necessary judgment to cleanse the earth, yet His plan of salvation continued through Noah and ultimately through Jesus Christ, who provided redemption for all mankind. This passage powerfully illustrates the balance between God’s justice and His mercy, reaffirming that while He must judge sin, His ultimate desire is for repentance and restoration.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).