Definition and Usage:
The term "relent" generally means to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; to become more compassionate or forgiving. In a biblical context, it often refers to God or individuals changing their course of action, often in response to repentance or intercession.

Biblical Context:
In the Bible, the concept of relenting is frequently associated with God's response to human actions, particularly repentance. It is important to note that God's relenting does not imply a change in His nature or character, but rather a change in His dealings with humanity based on their response to His commands and warnings.

Key Biblical Passages:

1. Exodus 32:14 · "So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened to bring on His people."
In this passage, Moses intercedes for the Israelites after they sin by worshiping the golden calf. God's relenting here demonstrates His willingness to show mercy in response to genuine intercession and repentance.

2. Jonah 3:10 · "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them."
The people of Nineveh repent after Jonah's warning, and God relents from destroying the city. This highlights the power of repentance and God's readiness to forgive those who turn from their wickedness.

3. Jeremiah 18:8 · "But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to inflict."
Here, God speaks through Jeremiah, emphasizing His conditional promises. If a nation repents, God is willing to relent from the judgment He had intended.

Theological Implications:
The concept of God relenting is significant in understanding His character as both just and merciful. While God is righteous and must judge sin, He is also compassionate and desires to forgive those who earnestly seek Him. This duality is central to the biblical narrative of redemption.

Human Relenting:
While much of the biblical focus is on God relenting, there are also instances where humans are called to relent from their stubbornness or sin. This involves a change of heart and a turning back to God, often prompted by the conviction of the Holy Spirit or the preaching of God's Word.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to intercede for others, knowing that God is compassionate and may relent from judgment in response to prayer and repentance. Additionally, individuals are called to examine their own lives, to relent from sin, and to seek God's mercy and guidance.

Conclusion:
The biblical theme of relenting underscores the dynamic relationship between God and humanity, where divine justice and mercy meet. It serves as a reminder of God's readiness to forgive and the transformative power of repentance.1. (v. i.) To become less rigid; to yield; to dissolve; to melt; to deliquesce.

2. (v. i.) To become less severe or intense; to become less hard, harsh, cruel, or the like; to soften in temper; to become more mild and tender; to feel compassion.

3. (v. t.) To slacken; to abate.

4. (v. t.) To soften; to dissolve.

5. (v. t.) To mollify ; to cause to be less harsh or severe.

6. (n.) Stay; stop; delay.

5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself
... comforts (2), console (3), consolers (1), consoling (1), give rest (1), have compassion
(2), moved to pity (1), regret (1), regretted (1), relent (5), relented ...
/hebrew/5162.htm - 6k

6544a. para -- let go, let alone
... 1), draw the away (1), get out of control (1), go loose (1), lack of restraint
(1), let (1), neglect (1), neglected (1), neglects (2), relent (1), uncover (2 ...
/hebrew/6544a.htm - 5k

From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... I have charged thee to speak to them; keep back not a word.3. Peradventure they
will hearken and turn every man from his evil way, and I shall relent of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 from megiddo to carchemish.htm

Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning
... their ears also seemed to be stopped, for they heard his words and did not understand
them; and their hearts also were heavy, for they did not relent under the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/israel and britain a note.htm

Repentance
... Some have a tender affection, arising from their constitution, whereby they
are apt to weep and relent when they see any object of pity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

A Solemn Embassy
... them that, if they will but surrender and yield to their lawful king, he will pardon
every one of them, even the very vilest of them will relent." Then, saith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a solemn embassy.htm

The Pilgrim
... One here will constant be, Come wind, come weather; There's no discouragement Shall
make him once relent His first-avow'd intent To be a Pilgrim. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrim.htm

The Good that I Would I do Not. Rom 7
... And frights my soul away. I would but can't repent. Though I endeavor oft; This
stony heart can ne'er relent. Till JESUS make it soft. I would but cannot love,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 126 the good that.htm

Saint John Baptist
... Who listen'd to his voice, obey'd his cry? Only the echoes, which he made
relent,. Rung from their marble caves, 'Repent, repent!'. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/xxxiii saint john baptist.htm

A. Lord Tennyson
... ye cannot enter now. No light had we: for that we do repent; And learning this,
the Bridegroom will relent. Too late, too late! ye cannot enter now. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/ccccxix a lord tennyson.htm

Septuagesima 117. He who Would Valiant Be
... Let him in constancy. Follow the Master. There's no discouragement. Shall make him
once relent. His first avowed intent. To be a pilgrim. Who so beset him round ...
/.../septuagesima 117 he who would.htm

Forgiveness.
... every day? 4 And shall not wrath relent, Touched by that humble strain,
My brother crying, "I repent, Nor will offend again?". 5 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/823 forgiveness.htm

Relent (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Relent (15 Occurrences). ... (See NIV). Psalms 7:12 If a man
doesn't relent, he will sharpen his sword; he has bent and strung his bow. ...
/r/relent.htm - 11k

Relented (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Relent. Multi-Version Concordance
Relented (9 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 24:16 When the angel ...
/r/relented.htm - 9k

Releasing (3 Occurrences)

/r/releasing.htm - 7k

Relents (2 Occurrences)
... I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing ...
/r/relents.htm - 7k

Sharpen (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS RSV NIV). Psalms 7:12 If a man doesn't relent, he will sharpen his
sword; he has bent and strung his bow. (WEB DBY YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/sharpen.htm - 9k

String (12 Occurrences)
... wine. (See NIV). Psalms 7:12 If a man doesn't relent, he will sharpen his
sword; he has bent and strung his bow. (See NIV). Psalms ...
/s/string.htm - 11k

Strung (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strung (3 Occurrences). Psalms 7:12 If a man doesn't relent,
he will sharpen his sword; he has bent and strung his bow. (WEB RSV). ...
/s/strung.htm - 7k

Sorry (27 Occurrences)
... I will be sorry for my sin. (WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT RSV). Psalms 90:13 Relent,
Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants! (See NAS). ...
/s/sorry.htm - 14k

Abounding (28 Occurrences)
... I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing ...
/a/abounding.htm - 14k

Wasn't (35 Occurrences)
... I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing ...
/w/wasn't.htm - 16k

Does God change His mind? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of sackcloth and ashes? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30)? | GotQuestions.org

Relent: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus