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撮要

本文以創世記六章6節為例，探討神後悔這難題。

文中首先列舉華人釋經者如何解釋神後悔，藉此反映出傳統的解釋值得商榷，尤其是解釋神後悔不按字義解，解釋神不後悔卻按字義。

本文接著提出神後悔應按字義解釋(即是神改變心意)，並將此解釋應用於舊約每一段提到神後悔的經文，顯示這解釋適用於全部經文，並發現;神只在三種情況下才會這樣改變心意：第一，神因回應某些情況作出了改變，如選民痛苦或人犯罪。第二，因祂僕人的代求。第三，人悔改，神因此改變心意，不把預告要降的災降下。除了討論所有論及神後悔的經文外，本文還列出三個原因支持神後悔意為祂改變心意。

本文並根據這解釋探討神後悔和不後悔有沒有衝突，發現最清楚論到神不後悔的經文只是指出神不像人隨意和毫無理由地改變，也不像人那樣口是心非。神後悔和不後悔並不矛盾，因祂不後悔並不是指祂不改變心意。

本文結束時指出它只論及舊約有關神後悔的問題，所以並不完整，需要新約和系統神學的學者提出他們對這問題的卓見。再者，無論神後悔怎樣解釋，都提醒身為傳道人的我們，要承認自己對神認識不足，又要效法摩西，更多為人代禱，使神的忿怒轉消。

ABSTRACT

This paper, using Gen 6:6 as an example, explores how to interpret all the Old Testament passages containing the statement of “God repents.”

We first investigate the interpretations offered by Chinese scholars. The result of our investigation shows the inadequacy of the traditional interpretation because it takes the statement that “God repents” figuratively and interprets literally the statement that God does not repent. It is not consistent at all.

We then suggest the statement of that “God repents” should be interpreted literally as this interpretation – God changes his mind – fits with all the Old Testament passages containing such a statement, as shown in our analysis. We also point out, God changes his mind only in three situations: (1) as a response to human sin or suffering, (2) as an answer to the prayer of God’s servants, and (3) in response to human repentance for sin. In addition, we offer three reasons why the literal interpretation should be adopted.

We then study whether this literal interpretation is in conflict with some Old Testament passages where it is clearly stated that God does not repent. Our study shows that there is no conflict at all because those passages stress only that God does not change His mind as human does, arbitrarily and without cause. They do not indicate that God does not change.

The paper ends with what should be our response to the fact that God does repent. Christian workers are urged to admit our inadequate understanding of God and the need for supplications on behalf of Christians as well as non-Christians.

原載於《建道學刊》15期（2001年1月），頁19-51。