Bible Quote by Terryl L. Givens
![“the biblical scholar Richard Elliott Friedman notes that “probably the most remarkable difference of all” in disparate passages “is their different ways of picturing God.” Some depict “a deity who can regret things that he has done ([Gen.] 6:6, 7), . . . a deity who can be ‘grieved to his heart’…” quote by Terryl L. Givens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ae/terryl-l-givens-20241_bible_the-biblical-scholar-richard-elliott-fri_292417.jpg)
““the biblical scholar Richard Elliott Friedman notes that “probably the most remarkable difference of all” in disparate passages “is their different ways of picturing God.” Some depict “a deity who can regret things that he has done ([Gen.] 6:6, 7), . . . a deity who can be ‘grieved to his heart’ (6:6). . . . This anthropomorphic quality . . . is virtually entirely lacking in other passages.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bible and the Future of the World, Terryl L. Givens, 2005
The passage highlights that biblical texts portray God with human emotions in some places, while other passages show a more impersonal deity.
In simple terms: God is sometimes shown feeling emotions, sometimes not.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the diversity of divine images in scripture.
Themes
theology
interpretation
anthropomorphism
diversity
scripture
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
explanatory
analytical
When to use this quote
- Bible study
- sermon preparation
- academic research
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Divine emotion
anthropomorphic language
textual contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- How do emotional depictions affect faith?
- What does a non‑emotional God imply?
A Different Perspective
Some readers may view emotional God as contradictory to divine perfection.
![“I'm trying to get far away from [picturing God as] Gandalf or Santa Claus.” quote by William P. Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/william-p-young-3038_far-away_i-m-trying-to-get-far-away-from-picturin_3115679.jpg)
