What does it mean when Genesis says God “repented” for making humanity? Did God change His mind? Is this an anthropomorphism? A metaphor? A translation issue? Or something far deeper — about divine emotion, justice, and mercy?

Today, Dr. Mark Chavalas takes a bunny trail in the Flood narrative by diving into one of the most difficult and most misunderstood verses in the entire Old Testament: God “repenting” in Genesis 6:6.From ancient Hebrew linguistics to emotional language for God, this episode explores the true meaning of the word nāḥam, how ancient translators struggled with it, and why this word gives us a fuller, richer picture of God’s character — not a contradiction.

This conversation goes deep into theology, the ancient Near East, how anthropomorphism works in Scripture, and how the Flood story reveals God’s justice and His mercy.

📖 In This Episode:

➡️ What the Hebrew word nāḥam really means — and why it doesn’t translate cleanly into English

➡️ Why Genesis 6:6 says God “repented” or “regretted” creating mankind

➡️ How ancient translators in the Septuagint struggled to capture this word

➡️ The difference between God “changing His mind” and God expressing divine compassion

➡️ How anthropomorphic language helps us understand God without limiting Him

➡️ What the Flood narrative teaches about divine justice, mercy, and emotional language

➡️ Why Noah’s name (“rest/comfort”) ties directly into the theological meaning of the Flood

➡️ Why this matters for prayer, judgment, blessing, and understanding God’s character

💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:How have you understood the idea of God “repenting”? Does this change the way you read the Flood story?

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