Genesis 6:6

And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

Study Bible

And the LORD
The term "LORD" here is translated from the Hebrew "Yahweh," the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with humanity. This name signifies God's eternal presence and His unchanging nature. In the context of Genesis, it underscores the personal involvement of God in the affairs of the world He created. Yahweh is not a distant deity but one who is intimately aware of and responsive to the actions of mankind.

regretted
The Hebrew word used here is "nacham," which can mean to be sorry, to console oneself, or to repent. In this context, it reflects a deep sorrow and a change in God's dealings with humanity due to their pervasive wickedness. It is important to understand that this does not imply a mistake on God's part, as God is omniscient and perfect. Instead, it conveys the profound impact of human sin on God's heart, highlighting His relational nature and the seriousness with which He views sin.

that He had made man
This phrase points back to the creation narrative where God declared His creation "very good" (Genesis 1:31). The creation of man was the pinnacle of God's creative work, made in His image to reflect His glory. The regret expressed here is not about the act of creation itself but about the moral decline of humanity. It serves as a stark reminder of the fall from grace and the consequences of sin, which marred the original goodness of creation.

on the earth
The earth, in Hebrew "erets," is not just a physical location but the stage for God's interaction with humanity. It is where God's purposes are to be fulfilled through His creation. The mention of the earth emphasizes the scope of human sinfulness, which has corrupted the very ground that was meant to be a place of blessing and communion with God. It also foreshadows the coming judgment that will cleanse the earth.

and He was grieved
The Hebrew word "atsab" conveys a deep emotional pain, akin to mourning. This anthropopathic expression helps us understand the depth of God's sorrow over sin. It is a powerful reminder that God is not indifferent to human actions; rather, He is profoundly affected by them. This grief is not just about the disobedience but about the broken relationship between God and humanity, which He desires to restore.

in His heart
The heart, or "leb" in Hebrew, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. God's heart being grieved indicates that His response to sin is not just judicial but deeply personal. It reveals the depth of God's love and His desire for a relationship with His creation. This phrase invites believers to reflect on the personal nature of sin and its impact on their relationship with God, encouraging repentance and a return to His ways.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with creation and His sovereignty.

2. Man (Humanity)
Refers to the human race, which had become corrupt and wicked, prompting God's response.

3. The Earth
The setting of humanity's actions and the stage for God's unfolding plan of redemption.

4. Regret and Grief of God
An anthropomorphic expression of God's response to human sinfulness, indicating deep sorrow and a change in His dealings with humanity.

5. Pre-Flood World
The context in which humanity's wickedness had reached a peak, leading to God's decision to bring about the flood.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Regret
God's regret is not like human regret; it does not imply a mistake but rather a sorrowful response to human sin.

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin grieves God deeply, affecting His heart. This should lead us to take sin seriously in our own lives.

God's Relational Nature
God's grief shows His relational nature and His desire for a righteous relationship with humanity.

The Call to Repentance
Recognizing God's grief over sin should lead us to repentance and a desire to align our lives with His will.

Hope in Redemption
Despite humanity's sin, God's plan for redemption continues, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's regret in Genesis 6:6 shape our view of His character and His relationship with humanity?

2. In what ways can we see the impact of sin in our world today, and how should this influence our actions as believers?

3. How does the concept of grieving the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 4:30 relate to God's grief in Genesis 6:6?

4. What steps can we take to ensure that our lives are not a source of grief to God but rather a reflection of His righteousness?

5. How does the account of Genesis 6:6-8 point us toward the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:31
Contrasts God's initial declaration of creation as "very good" with His later regret, highlighting the impact of sin.

1 Samuel 15:11
Similar language of God regretting making Saul king, showing God's consistent response to human disobedience.

Ephesians 4:30
Encourages believers not to grieve the Holy Spirit, drawing a parallel to God's grief over sin.

Psalm 78:40
Reflects on Israel's rebellion and God's grief, illustrating a recurring theme of divine sorrow over sin.

Romans 8:22
Describes creation groaning under the weight of sin, echoing the brokenness seen in Genesis 6.