Did God Make a Mistake? (Genesis 6:6 Explained)

“So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” That’s what it says in Genesis 6:6. It’s one of those verses that makes people pause and ask, “Wait—did God regret creating people?” It can be confusing if we’re not careful. God is all-knowing. He sees the end from the beginning. So how could He feel sorry for something He knew would happen?

The answer isn’t about God making a mistake. It’s about God’s heart.

He knew what mankind would do. He wasn’t surprised by the sin that filled the earth in Noah’s time. But knowing something ahead of time doesn’t make it any less painful. When a parent knows their child is going to make a bad choice, it still hurts when the moment comes. The same is true here. God saw the violence, the evil, the constant rebellion, and it grieved Him. It hurt His heart.

Isaiah 46:10 says God declares “the end from the beginning.” He sees it all. There’s nothing hidden from Him. But Genesis 6:6 shows us that He’s not a cold observer watching from far away. He’s a loving Creator who takes no pleasure in seeing people destroy themselves. In Ezekiel 18:23, God says, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked, rather than that he would turn from his ways and live?” That’s His heart. God wants people to turn and live, not die in rebellion.

The world in Noah’s day was a mess. Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually.” That’s not just a little bit of sin—that’s complete moral failure. People weren’t just doing wrong once in a while. Their hearts were set on evil all the time. Verse 11 says the earth was corrupt and filled with violence. Things had gone so far off track that God said He would send judgment by flood. But even then, He didn’t act in a rush. He gave them time.

2 Peter 3:9 says God is “patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.” That was true in Noah’s time. It’s still true now.

But there’s something else here, too. While the world had turned its back on God, one man stood out—Noah. Genesis 6:8 says, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” While everyone else was running away from God, Noah walked with Him. He obeyed. He believed. He trusted God when no one else did. Because of that, God used Noah to preserve life. He didn’t wipe everything out. He made a way forward.

That’s the heart of God. Even when judgment is coming, He always offers mercy. He always makes a way for those who trust Him.

And later, He made the greatest way of all. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus came to do what Noah’s ark pointed to—save people from judgment and bring them into new life. God didn’t give up on mankind in Noah’s day, and He hasn’t given up on us now.

So no, God didn’t make a mistake. He didn’t regret us like we regret buying something or making a bad decision. He knew what was coming—but it still broke His heart. His grief shows His love. His sorrow shows how much He cares. And His mercy shows us that no matter how far the world falls, He still calls people to come back.

God knew. God grieved. But God still loved. And He still does.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)