Genesis 6:6

KJV

¶ And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it repented {H5162} the LORD {H3068} that he had made {H6213} man {H120} on the earth {H776}, and it grieved {H6087} him at {H413} his heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai regretted that he had made humankind on the earth; it grieved his heart.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And it repented Jehovah that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:6 profoundly reveals God's deep sorrow and grief over humanity's pervasive wickedness before the Great Flood. This verse highlights the personal impact of sin on the Creator's heart, underscoring that human choices have severe consequences and prompting God's decisive intervention to address the widespread corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is positioned at a critical juncture in the early narrative of Genesis, serving as the climax of the escalating wickedness described in the preceding verses. Genesis 6:1-4 introduces the "sons of God" and "daughters of men," leading to the birth of the Nephilim and a general increase in human depravity. Genesis 6:5 then provides the stark summary of humanity's moral state, declaring that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." This pervasive and unceasing evil sets the stage for God's profound emotional response and the subsequent divine judgment of the Flood, which is introduced in [Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "God's Decision to Blot Out Humanity"). The verse immediately following, [Genesis 6:7](/genesis/6-7 "God's Decision to Blot Out Humanity"), directly states God's intention to "blot out man whom I have created from the face of the earth," directly linking His grief to His impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, where Genesis originated, often depicted deities with human-like emotions and interactions, though the Israelite understanding of Yahweh was distinct in His moral perfection and sovereignty. This period, prior to the Flood, is presented as a time of unchecked human population growth and moral decay, where violence and corruption filled the earth. The narrative suggests a societal breakdown where the very fabric of human relationships and divine-human covenant was severely compromised. While specific cultural norms of the pre-Flood world are not detailed, the text implies a widespread rejection of God's ways, leading to a state that necessitated a radical divine response to preserve creation's integrity and the lineage through which redemption would eventually come.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the **gravity of sin** and its devastating impact, not only on humanity but also on the heart of God Himself. It highlights the **personal nature of God**, revealing Him as a relational being who experiences deep emotion and sorrow in response to His creation's choices, rather than a distant, impassive deity. This verse also foreshadows the theme of **divine judgment and mercy**, as God's grief leads to His decision to cleanse the earth, yet simultaneously prompts His grace in preserving Noah and his family, who found favor in His eyes, as seen in [Genesis 6:8](/genesis/6-8 "Noah Finds Grace in God's Eyes"). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **human responsibility** and the consequences of moral rebellion against a holy God, setting a precedent for future divine interventions in human history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repented (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, meaning properly "to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself); comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self)." When applied to God, this term does not imply a change in His eternal character or divine purpose, but rather a deep sorrow or regret, leading to a change in His *posture* or *action* towards humanity due to their persistent rebellion. It signifies a profound lament over the tragic state of His creation, necessitating a shift in His engagement with humanity.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, referring to "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord." This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging nature. The use of YHWH here underscores that it is the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is deeply affected by humanity's sin, highlighting the relational breach caused by their wickedness.
* **grieved (Hebrew, _ʻâtsab'_):** From H6087, meaning "properly, to carve, i.e. fabricate or fashion; hence (in a bad sense) to worry, pain or anger; displease, grieve, hurt, make, be sorry, vex, worship, wrest." This word intensifies the meaning of "repented," emphasizing the deep, personal pain and distress God experienced. It portrays God not as an abstract force, but as one whose heart is broken by the moral corruption of His beloved creation.
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** From H3820, referring to "the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything." In this context, "heart" signifies the very core of God's being, His affections, will, and innermost emotions. The phrase "grieved him at his heart" powerfully conveys the depth and intensity of God's sorrow, indicating that the rampant sin of humanity directly afflicted the very essence of His divine being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth,"**: This clause reveals God's profound sorrow and regret over the state of humanity. The term "repented" (Hebrew: *nâcham*) does not imply a change in God's perfect knowledge or eternal plan, but rather a deep emotional response to humanity's pervasive wickedness. It signifies a divine lament or a change in God's *posture* or *action* towards His creation due to their choices. Having created humanity for fellowship and to reflect His image, God is deeply pained by their complete moral corruption, to the point where He regrets the very act of their creation because of the trajectory they have chosen. This is a divine expression of sorrow over the brokenness of His relationship with humanity.
* **"and it grieved him at his heart."**: This second clause intensifies the first, emphasizing the personal and profound nature of God's sorrow. The word "grieved" (Hebrew: *ʻâtsab*) conveys deep pain, hurt, or distress. The phrase "at his heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*) signifies that this grief penetrated to the very core of God's being, His affections, and His will. It portrays God not as a distant, impassive deity, but as one intimately involved with His creation, whose divine heart is broken by the pervasive sin and violence that had filled the earth. This anthropomorphic expression helps human readers grasp the immense emotional cost of sin to the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:6 primarily employs **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions and experiences (repentance, grief, a heart) to God. This literary device is crucial for human comprehension, allowing finite beings to grasp the infinite God's profound emotional response to sin. It makes God relatable and emphasizes His personal involvement with His creation. The verse also utilizes **Pathos**, appealing directly to the reader's emotions by depicting God's deep sorrow, thereby underscoring the gravity of human sin and its impact on the Creator. The repetition of ideas, first "repented" and then "grieved at his heart," serves as a form of **Intensification**, building upon the initial expression of regret to convey an even deeper, more personal anguish within the divine being. This dual expression underscores the profound tragedy of humanity's fall in God's eyes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully reveals God as a personal Being who experiences profound emotions, including sorrow and grief, in response to human actions. It underscores that sin is not trivial but deeply offends and pains the heart of God, demonstrating its destructive power and the necessity of divine judgment. While the language is anthropomorphic, it conveys a profound theological truth about God's relational nature and His deep love for His creation, a love so profound that its rejection causes Him immense pain. This divine grief leads to a just judgment (the Flood) but also prompts His mercy in preserving Noah and his family, showcasing His balanced attributes of holiness and compassion.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent")
* [1 Samuel 15:29](/1_samuel/15-29 "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for He is not a man, that He should repent")
* [Psalm 78:40-41](/psalms/78-40-41 "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert!")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 6:6 serves as a potent reminder that our choices matter deeply to God. It challenges us to take sin seriously, recognizing that our rebellion grieves the very heart of our Creator. This understanding should motivate us to live lives that bring Him joy, reflecting His character and seeking righteousness in a world still prone to wickedness, rather than contributing to the sorrow of His heart. It calls us to consider the profound relational aspect of our faith: our actions do not merely break rules, but they impact the heart of the One who made us and loves us. This should inspire a deeper reverence for God's holiness and a renewed commitment to living in a way that honors His immense love and sacrifice for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's grief over sin change your perception of sin's seriousness in your own life?**
* **What specific actions or attitudes in your life might be causing grief to God's heart, and what steps can you take to align them with His will?**
* **How does the concept of a grieving God deepen your understanding of His love and personal involvement in humanity's story?**

### FAQ
**Does 'repented' mean God changed His mind or made a mistake?**

Answer: No. The Hebrew word *nâcham*, translated as "repented," indicates God's deep sorrow or regret, leading to a change in His *action* or *posture* towards humanity due to their sin, not a change in His eternal character, purpose, or knowledge. Biblical texts like [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent") and [1 Samuel 15:29](/1_samuel/15-29 "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for He is not a man, that He should repent") affirm God's immutability and unchanging nature. God's "repentance" here is an anthropomorphic expression of His profound grief over the moral state of His creation.

**Why does God express such human-like emotions like grief?**

Answer: This is an example of **anthropomorphism**, where human characteristics and emotions are attributed to God to help us, as finite beings, understand His divine nature and profound involvement with His creation. It emphasizes that God is not a cold, distant, or impassive deity, but a personal Being capable of deep love, sorrow, and relational engagement with humanity. It helps us grasp the depth of His feelings regarding sin and righteousness.

**What does this verse tell us about the nature of sin?**

Answer: It powerfully illustrates that sin is not merely breaking a rule or a minor transgression, but a profound offense that deeply grieves the heart of God. It underscores sin's destructive power and its capacity to cause divine pain, revealing its ultimate seriousness and the immense relational breach it creates between humanity and its Creator.

**How does God's grief in this verse relate to His love for humanity?**

Answer: God's grief is a profound expression of His love. He is heartbroken because His beloved creation, made in His image, has turned away from Him, choosing a path that leads to self-destruction and moral corruption. This sorrow arises from His deep care, His desire for humanity's well-being, and His holy nature which abhors sin. His grief is a testament to the depth of His relational bond with humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This verse, portraying God's profound grief over human sin, deeply foreshadows the ultimate divine response to humanity's fallen state: the coming of Jesus Christ. The sorrow felt by the Father in [Genesis 6:6](/genesis/6-6 "God's Grief Over Humanity's Wickedness") finds its ultimate expression and resolution in the person of Jesus, who would Himself weep over the sin and unbelief of Jerusalem, lamenting their rejection of God's ways and the impending judgment upon them, as recorded in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"). Christ, as God incarnate, fully experienced human emotions, including sorrow and anguish, and bore the full weight of humanity's sin and the divine grief it causes on the cross. His sacrifice was the ultimate act of love to address the very wickedness that grieved God's heart, providing the pathway for reconciliation and redemption. The Father's grief in Genesis 6:6 is ultimately transformed into the glorious plan of salvation through Christ, demonstrating that while sin causes divine sorrow, God's love is so great that He gave His only Son to redeem humanity from its sinful state, as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God's Love and the Gift of His Son"). Through Christ, the broken relationship is mended, and God's heart finds joy in the redemption of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 63:10

But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, [and] he fought against them.

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Hebrews 3:10

Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in [their] heart; and they have not known my ways.

1 Samuel 15:29

And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he [is] not a man, that he should repent.

2 Samuel 24:16

And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand. And the angel of the LORD was by the threshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?