Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  1000 God  »  1010 God, nature and qualities of  »  1015 God  »  1120 God, repentance of

A change in God's plan or intention, often in response to human repentance, but without implying any fault or moral imperfection on God's part.

God's repentance may show his pain and sorrow

Genesis 6:6-7 God's change of purpose here involves his intention to punish. See also 1 Samuel 15:11,35

God's repentance may show his compassion

Jonah 4:2 God's change of purpose here involves his compassion for sinners: “relent” in this and other passages may also be translated “repent”. See also Deuteronomy 32:36; 2 Samuel 24:15-16 pp 1 Chronicles 21:14-15; Psalm 106:45; Isaiah 38:1-5; Hosea 11:8; Amos 7:1-6

God may repent in response to human repentance

Jeremiah 18:8 See also Exodus 32:14; 2 Chronicles 12:1-8; Jeremiah 26:13,19; Joel 2:13; Jonah 3:6-10

God never repents of his oath or changes his character

Numbers 23:19; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:17-18

See also

1030  God, compassion
1135  God, suffering of
1160  God, unchangeable
5013  heart, divine
5036  mind of God
5938  sadness
6178  hardness of heart
6227  regret
6653  forgiveness, divine
6687  mercy, God's
6732  repentance
6733  repentance