Does God "Relent" or "Repent"?

 Does God "Relent" or "Repent"? A Biblical Examination  

One of the theological tensions in Scripture involves whether or not God changes His mind. Some passages seem to suggest that God "relents" or "repents," while others insist that He does not. How do we reconcile these statements? A closer look at Exodus 32:14, Jeremiah 18:4–10, Numbers 23:19, and 1 Samuel 15:29 provides insight into this important question.  

The Apparent Contradiction  

Two sets of verses seem to present conflicting views:  

1. God "Relenting" (Changing His Course of Action)  

   - Exodus 32:14 – "And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people."  

   - Jeremiah 18:4–10 – God describes how He may change His actions based on human response, stating that if a nation repents, He will withhold judgment, but if they turn to evil, He will bring disaster.  

2. God Not "Repenting" (Changing His Nature or Ultimate Plan)  

   - Numbers 23:19 – "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"  

   - 1 Samuel 15:29 – "And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret."  

At first glance, these statements seem to contradict each other. If God relents, does that mean He changes His mind like humans do? Or, if God does not repent, does that mean His threats of judgment are meaningless? The key lies in understanding the distinction between God’s unchanging character and His responsive actions toward humanity.  

 Understanding God’s "Relenting"  

The Hebrew word often translated as "relent" or "repent" in these passages is nacham, which can mean to be moved with compassion, to change one’s course of action, or to express sorrow. It does not necessarily imply regret in the human sense of having made a mistake.  

 God’s Moral Consistency vs. His Relational Flexibility  

God’s nature and promises are unchanging, as emphasized in Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29. When He declares something based on His eternal character—such as His holiness, justice, or covenant faithfulness—it remains firm. However, when God issues warnings or judgments, they often come with an implicit condition: if people repent, He will show mercy.  

This principle is explicitly stated in Jeremiah 18:4–10, where God describes how He deals with nations based on their response to His word. If they turn from evil, He will withhold judgment; if they fall into wickedness, He will bring calamity. This does not mean God is indecisive but rather that He engages relationally with humanity.  

 Exodus 32:14 – God’s Compassion in Response to Intercession  

In Exodus 32, after Israel’s sin with the golden calf, Moses intercedes, pleading for God’s mercy. Verse 14 states, "And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people." Here, God does not change His eternal will or moral nature but responds to the intercession of Moses. His willingness to "relent" is a demonstration of His justice and mercy working together.  

 Theological Implications  

God Does Not Change in His Nature or Ultimate Plans  

   - His holiness, justice, and faithfulness remain constant.  

   - His promises and purposes are not subject to human unpredictability.  

God Does Respond to Human Actions  

   - When people repent, God shows mercy.  

   - When people persist in sin, judgment comes.  

   - Intercessory prayer plays a role in God’s engagement with humanity.  

The Bible does not present a contradiction but rather a dynamic relationship between God’s unchanging nature and His responsive dealings with people. God does not change His ultimate purposes or moral standards, but He does respond relationally to human actions. His "relenting" is not an admission of error but a demonstration of His mercy and justice in perfect harmony.  

Thus, when we read that "God relented" in one passage but "does not change His mind" in another, we should recognize that Scripture is addressing different aspects of God’s character—His unwavering faithfulness and His compassionate interaction with humanity.  

More: Lesson 6 - God's Love of Justice