repent, repentance

Definition

The terms “repent” and “repentance” refer to turning away from sin and turning back to God.

• To “repent” literally means to “change one’s mind.”
• In the Bible, “repent” usually means to turn away from a sinful, human way of thinking and acting, and to turn to God’s way of thinking and acting.
• When people truly repent of their sins, God forgives them and helps them start obeying him.

Translation Suggestions

• The term “repent” can be translated with a word or phrase that means “turn back (to God)” or “turn away from sin and toward God” or “turn toward God, away from sin.”
• Often the term “repentance” can be translated using the verb “repent.” For example, “God has given repentance to Israel” could be translated as “God has enabled Israel to repent.”
• Other ways to translate “repentance” could include “turning away from sin” or “turning to God and away from sin.”

(See also: forgive, sin, turn)

Bible References

• Acts 3:19-20
• Luke 3:3
• Luke 3:8
• Luke 5:32
• Luke 24:47
• Mark 1:14-15
• Matthew 3:3
• Matthew 3:11
• Matthew 4:17
• Romans 2:4

Examples from the Bible stories

• __16:2 After many years of disobeying God and being oppressed by their enemies, the Israelites repented__ and asked God to rescue them.
• __17:13 David repented__ of his sin and God forgave him.
• __19:18 They (prophets) warned people that God would destroy them if they did not repent__.
• __24:2 Many people came out to the wilderness to listen to John. He preached to them, saying, “Repent__, for the kingdom of God is near!”
• __42:8 “It was also written in the scriptures that my disciples will proclaim that everyone should repent in order to receive__ forgiveness for their sins.”
• __44:5 “So now, repent__ and turn to God so that your sins will be washed away.”

Word Data

• Strong’s: H5150, H5162, H5164, G02780, G33380, G33400, G33410