What does "Repentance" mean in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Repentance?

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one’s own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God’s mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments. The true penitent is conscious of guilt (Ps. 51:4, 9), of pollution (51:5, 7, 10), and of helplessness (51:11; 109:21, 22). Thus he apprehends himself to be just what God has always seen him to be and declares him to be. But repentance comprehends not only such a sense of sin, but also an apprehension of mercy, without which there can be no true repentance (Ps. 51:1; 130:4).

What is the Greek word for Repentance?

Where does Repentance appear in the Bible?

Repentance is referenced in 17 verses across 8 books. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 2 Corinthians 7:9
• 2 Corinthians 7:10
• 2 Peter 3:9
• 2 Timothy 2:25
• Acts 5:31
• Acts 11:18
• Acts 13:24
• Acts 20:21
• Hebrews 6:1
• Hebrews 6:6
• Hebrews 12:17
• Luke 3:8
• Luke 5:32
• Luke 24:47
• Matthew 3:8
• Matthew 3:11
• Romans 2:4

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Repentance.