God Is Not Omnipotent: What the Bible Really Says

 God Is Not Omnipotent: What the Bible Really Says

The idea that God is omnipotent—able to do anything and everything without limit—is a theological concept more rooted in Greek philosophy than in Scripture. When we closely examine the Bible, we find that God is powerful, yes—but not “all-powerful” in the way classical theology insists. Let’s explore 15 verses that challenge the doctrine of omnipotence.

1. Judges 1:19 – “The Lord was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but he could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain because they had chariots of iron.”

This verse is a serious challenge to the idea of unlimited power. If God was with Judah, why couldn't they defeat people with iron chariots? A truly omnipotent being wouldn’t be hindered by technology.Judah’s failure doesn’t reflect God's weakness, but the real-world struggle of working with human limitations and choices in a dynamic environment. God's actions are responsive. He didn't guarantee success regardless of circumstance—He allowed Judah to struggle and even fail. This reveals God’s respect for human participation and the real risks involved in free partnership.God’s “being with” someone often means He is empowering, guiding, or supporting them—but it’s not a magic wand that forces success.

Judah still had to act, strategize, and fight. And just like today, even with God’s help, people can make tactical mistakes, underestimate their enemies, or encounter real-world obstacles (like iron chariots). God doesn’t override these factors unless He chooses to, and in this case, He didn’t. It’s possible Judah began to rely on their own strength or became afraid when faced with superior technology. Fear, doubt, or lack of full obedience could limit what God accomplishes through them—not because His power fails, but because He respects the freedom and choices of His people.

2. Genesis 6:6 – “And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.”

If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, how could He regret His own actions? Regret suggests miscalculation or unintended consequences—traits incompatible with omnipotence.

3. Numbers 14:15-16 – “Then the nations... will say, ‘Because the Lord was not able to bring this people into the land he promised… he slaughtered them in the wilderness.’”

Even the nations surrounding Israel assumed God's inability—not unwillingness—was the reason He didn't fulfill His promise. This points to perceived limitations in God's capability.

4. Mark 6:5 – “He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.”

God was limited in power with Jesus. This isn't a matter of choice—it says He could not do miracles. The people had no faith.

5. 1 Samuel 15:11 – “I regret that I have made Saul king.”

Again, we see regret. How can an omnipotent being regret a decision? This implies a lack of foresight or an inability to achieve the desired outcome.

6. Hebrews 6:18 – “It is impossible for God to lie.”

If something is impossible for God, then by definition, He is not omnipotent. Lying may be against His character, but this still shows a limit.

7. James 1:13 – “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.”

This verse clearly says God cannot be tempted. That's a limit. An omnipotent being should not be subject to “can” or “cannot.”

8. Matthew 26:39 – “If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Jesus prays for another way. If God is omnipotent, why was the cross the only option? Why not simply forgive sin? The need for suffering implies constraints.

9. Matthew 13:58 – “And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.”

Again, unbelief limits God's actions. This suggests power that is contingent upon human response.

10. Exodus 32:10 – “Now therefore let Me alone, that My wrath may burn hot against them...”

God tells Moses to “let Him alone.” This implies that Moses has the power to stop God. That’s not omnipotence—that’s cooperation or limitation.

11. Isaiah 59:1-2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God… so that He will not hear.”

God's power appears constrained by human sin. If omnipotent, why would sin “separate” Him from people?

12. Jeremiah 14:11 – “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Do not pray for the welfare of this people.’”

Why would God instruct someone not to pray if He were not influenced by their prayers? This suggests God’s actions are not unilateral.

13. 2 Timothy 2:13 – “He cannot deny Himself.”

Here’s another “cannot.” God’s character places limitations on His power. If He cannot do something, however noble the reason, He is not all-powerful.

14. Genesis 11:6 – “Nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.”

This is said by God at Babel. If human beings pose a threat to God's intentions, and He must intervene, it implies He doesn’t have absolute control.

15. Hosea 11:8 – “My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger.”

God changes His mind out of emotion. This indicates internal conflict—again, not the behavior of a being with perfect control over all things.

Conclusion: A God of Power, But Not Omnipotence

The Bible presents a God who is immensely powerful, just, merciful, and deeply relational—but not omnipotent in the absolute, philosophical sense. Rather than being a cold force of unlimited power, God is depicted as dynamic, responsive, and even vulnerable to the actions and emotions of humans.

Perhaps it’s time to move away from abstract philosophical categories and embrace the God revealed in Scripture—a God who doesn’t need to be omnipotent to be worthy of worship.