In the context of the Bible, the concept of "regretted" often involves a change of mind or heart, typically in response to human actions or decisions. The term is frequently associated with God's interactions with humanity, as well as human repentance and sorrow over sin.

Divine Regret

One of the most notable instances of divine regret is found in Genesis 6:6, where it is written, "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart." This passage occurs in the context of the increasing wickedness of humanity before the Flood. The regret expressed here is not indicative of a mistake on God's part, as God is omniscient and perfect, but rather it reflects His sorrow over the sinful state of humanity and the resulting need for judgment.

Similarly, in 1 Samuel 15:11, God expresses regret over Saul's kingship: "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions." This regret is due to Saul's disobedience and failure to fulfill God's commands, leading to his rejection as king.

Human Regret and Repentance

Human regret in the Bible is often linked to repentance, a turning away from sin and a return to God. In the New Testament, the concept of repentance is central to the message of Jesus and the apostles. For instance, in Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist calls for repentance: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This call to repentance is a call to recognize one's sins, feel genuine sorrow, and make a decisive change in behavior.

The Apostle Paul speaks of godly sorrow leading to repentance in 2 Corinthians 7:10: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Here, Paul distinguishes between a sorrow that leads to true repentance and transformation, and a worldly sorrow that does not result in genuine change.

Theological Implications

The concept of regret, particularly divine regret, raises important theological questions about the nature of God and His relationship with time and human free will. While God is unchanging in His nature and purposes, the expression of regret in Scripture is often understood as an anthropopathic expression—using human terms to describe God's interactions with humanity in a way that is relatable and understandable to human beings.

In human terms, regret is a natural response to sin and disobedience, prompting individuals to seek forgiveness and restoration. The Bible consistently calls believers to examine their hearts, acknowledge their sins, and turn back to God, trusting in His mercy and grace for redemption.

Conclusion

The theme of regret in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. Whether it is God's sorrow over human disobedience or the call for human repentance, the concept underscores the relational nature of God's covenant with His people and His desire for their holiness and redemption.(imp. & p. p.) of Regret.3338. metamelomai -- to regret, repent
... Word Origin from meta and melo Definition to regret, repent NASB Word Usage change
his mind (1), feel remorse (1), felt remorse (1), regret (2), regretted (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3338.htm - 7k5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself
... 4), comforts (2), console (3), consolers (1), consoling (1), give rest (1), have
compassion (2), moved to pity (1), regret (1), regretted (1), relent (5 ...
/hebrew/5162.htm - 6k

2 Cor. vii. 8
... And he said not, I regretted indeed before, but now I do not regret:'
but how? ... For what is more regretted than a true born son? ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xv 2 cor vii.htm

Difficulties and Objections
... a course which their Maker had not marked out for them, and that in view of the
fact they had "corrupted" their way upon the earth the Lord regretted that He ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eleven difficulties and objections.htm

The Memories of Home. [A]
... a desolation; when. "Pensive memory lingers o'er Those scenes to be enjoyed
no more, Those scenes regretted ever,". how dark and painful ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxvii the memories of.htm

Introduction
... replete with disquietude and pressing labors; still Luther served his congregation
with a whole series of writings during this time, and only regretted that he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/introduction.htm

Preface
... It is greatly to be regretted that the list of con tributors to this work should
somehow have got lost owing to the lamented death of Dr. Edwin Hatch. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/preface.htm

Public Use of the Version.
... This I regretted at the time; but a little consideration showed me that it was much
better for the cause in which I am engaged that I should refer you for ...
/.../addresses on the revised version of holy scripture/address v public use of.htm

A Brief Character of Mr John Bunyan
... And thus have we impartially described the internal and external parts of a person,
whose death hath been much regretted; a person who had tried the smiles and ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/a brief character of mr.htm

Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... Church of this age must be based is represented principally by the so-called Apostolic
Fathers, a name which is convenient, but misleading and to be regretted. ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period ii the post-apostolic age .htm

Early Battles
... At King's Lynn, visitation of the homes of the people was a specialty of their work.
It is to be regretted that neither Lucy nor Kate Lee kept a journal. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/iv early battles.htm

A New Creation
... I do not know but it is sometimes as well, when one has been plunged in sorrow,
or feels ashamed of his past life"after having regretted that which is bygone ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a new creation.htm

Regretted (5 Occurrences)
... (imp. & pp) of Regret. Multi-Version Concordance Regretted (5 Occurrences). Matthew
21:29 He answered,'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went. ...
/r/regretted.htm - 8k

Regret (17 Occurrences)
... 21:20 He was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he was ruling in Jerusalem
for eight years: and at his death he was not regretted; they put his body ...
/r/regret.htm - 12k

Pity (165 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A reason or cause of pity, grief, or regret; a thing to be regretted. ... Pity
often becomes allied to contempt; "a pity" is something to be regretted. ...
/p/pity.htm - 39k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... There was a period, however, of waiting for knowledge of this issue, which was to
him a period of intense anxiety; he had even nervously regretted that he had ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

Leads (64 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, a
repentance not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world finally produces ...
/l/leads.htm - 23k

Leaves (55 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, a
repentance not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world finally produces ...
/l/leaves.htm - 24k

Grieved (87 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:8 For if also I grieved you in the letter, I do not regret it, if
even I have regretted it; for I see that that letter, if even it were only ...
/g/grieved.htm - 32k

Finally (29 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, a
repentance not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world finally produces ...
/f/finally.htm - 14k

Regrouped (1 Occurrence)

/r/regrouped.htm - 6k

Produces (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, a
repentance not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world finally produces ...
/p/produces.htm - 13k

What does the Bible say about dealing with regrets? | GotQuestions.org

What is finite godism? | GotQuestions.org

Does prayer change God's mind? | GotQuestions.org

Regretted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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