Does God ever change his mind?

The Bible contains both kinds of language, sitting close together, which is part of what makes this genuinely interesting rather than a simple yes or no.

Some passages describe God "relenting" or being "sorry" about something—Moses' intercession changing an announced judgment, for instance. Other passages state directly that God doesn't change his mind the way humans do, since he isn't limited by incomplete knowledge or shifting emotions the way people are.

Classical theism holds that God's essential nature, character, and eternal knowledge never change, and that "relenting" language describes real changes in outcome or circumstance, described using relatable human terms for our benefit—not a literal alteration in God himself. Open theism reads at least some of this language more directly, as genuine responsiveness involving real change.

Both views affirm God is faithful, consistent in character, and genuinely responsive to prayer and human choices.