You didn't read my topic reply did you Mr Banks? God repented is only one way of translating that phrase.. in fact, later translations translate it in an even clearer way. It's translated in Gen 6:6.. "And God grieved and His heart was full of pain."
Interesting concept isn't it? God grieved and His heart was full of pain. Why? because of man's sin. What a picture of "Divine repentance and how our sin hurts and affects God.
But, repentance means to show deep remorse and turn in the opposite direction to show a complete change of behaviour. Now, in the case of God, you'll have to read my topic reply, but in the case of man.. isn't this just what is meant? I in my human self, see myself as a sinner, not just in action but in thoughts, and come to the point where my heart is full of pain and I grieve over my sin?
This is what David did in Psalm 51 after he committed adultery with Bethsheba.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you , you only , have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight."
and in case anyone thinks that we shouldn't be worried about sins that we commit inwardly... in other words in attitudes and thoughts as well as in behaviour, David says
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place... create in me a clean heart oh God.. do not take your presence or your Holy Spirit from me, restore to me, the joy of my salvation.... You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it, you do not take delight in burn offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart. Oh God you will not despise."