Repents
Jump to: ConcordanceThesaurusGreekLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:
The term "repents" refers to the act of feeling remorse or contrition for past conduct, leading to a change of mind and behavior. In the biblical context, repentance is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, involving a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is both an emotional and volitional response to the recognition of one's sinfulness and the need for divine forgiveness.

Biblical Usage:
Repentance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the necessity of turning from sin and seeking God's mercy. The concept is rooted in the Hebrew word "shuv," meaning to return or turn back, and the Greek word "metanoia," meaning a change of mind or purpose.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, repentance is often associated with the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The prophets frequently called the people to repent and return to the Lord. For example, in Ezekiel 18:30-31 , God calls His people to repentance: "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the offenses you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit."

New Testament Context:
The New Testament continues the call to repentance, with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both beginning their ministries with a call to repent. In Matthew 3:2 , John the Baptist proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Similarly, Jesus emphasizes repentance in His teachings, as seen in Mark 1:15 : "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!"

Theological Significance:
Repentance is integral to the process of salvation. It is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive turning away from sin and a commitment to follow Christ. Acts 3:19 underscores this: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Repentance and Faith:
Repentance is closely linked with faith in the New Testament. It is often presented as a prerequisite for receiving God's grace and forgiveness. In Acts 20:21 , Paul summarizes his message: "I have testified to both Jews and Greeks about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus."

Practical Implications:
For believers, repentance is an ongoing aspect of the Christian life. It involves daily self-examination, confession of sins, and a continual turning towards God. The Apostle John assures believers of God's faithfulness to forgive in 1 John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Conclusion:
While this entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that repentance is a vital and transformative aspect of the Christian faith, calling individuals to a renewed relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Greek
3340. metanoeo -- to change one's mind or purpose
... Word Origin from meta and noeo Definition to change one's mind or purpose NASB
Word Usage repent (26), repented (5), repents (3). repent. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3340.htm - 8k
Library

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... The tree is known by its fruits. When man really repents of his sins, by
his fruits or manner of life it will be made known. One ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... of sin. To one who truly repents sin looks like a very different thing
from what it does to him who has not repented. Instead of ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Commandment Fourth. On Putting One's Wife Away for Adultery.
... [169] Wherefore if any one [170] persists in such deeds, and repents not, withdraw
from him, and cease to live with him, otherwise you are a sharer in his sin. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment fourth on putting ones.htm

Matt. xviii. 21
... For if he forever sins, but forever when reproved repents, how often dost
thou command us to bear with this man? For with regard ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxi matt xviii 21.htm

Lo! the Evil one Reproached Death
... living."11. S., That thou, Death, art half of me, I know, and I half of thee:
if half of me repents, it repents, but I marvel."12. D ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn lv lo the evil.htm

Of Repentance, of Pardon, and the Commands of God.
... For it is possible for him to be brought back, and to be set free, if he repents
of his actions, and, turning to better things, makes satisfaction to God. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxiv of repentance of pardon.htm

Whether the Damned Repent of the Evil they have Done?
... He repents of a sin directly who hates sin as such: and he repents indirectly who
hates it on account of something connected with it, for instance punishment ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the damned repent of.htm

Of Preparation.
... is, taken away by temporal death; insomuch that the apostle saith, that every unworthy
receiver eats his own judgment,"temporal, if he repents; eternal, if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of preparation.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem
... The true penitent repents of sin against God, and he would do so even if
there were no punishment. When he is forgiven, he repents ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/beginning at jerusalem.htm

True Repentance
... death of his soul. But of true repentance, it is written, that he who repents
shall save his soul ALIVE. And how? The word for repentance ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xii true repentance.htm

Thesaurus
Repents (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Repents (6 Occurrences). ... If your brother sins against
you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/repents.htm - 8k

Repent (74 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ...
/r/repent.htm - 29k

Repentant (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Expressing or showing sorrow for sin; as, repentant tears; repentant ashes.
3. (n.) One who repents, especially one who repents of sin; a penitent. ...
/r/repentant.htm - 7k

Ninety-nine (6 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ...
/n/ninety-nine.htm - 8k

Nine (55 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ...
/n/nine.htm - 22k

Ninety (27 Occurrences)
... Luke 15:7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. ...
/n/ninety.htm - 15k

Forgive (81 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents,
forgive him. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/forgive.htm - 33k

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)
... Luke 17:3 Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he
repents, forgive him. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/rebuke.htm - 32k

Rushes (13 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 8:6 I listened and heard, but they didn't speak aright: no man
repents him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? ...
/r/rushes.htm - 9k

Repentings (1 Occurrence)

/r/repentings.htm - 6k

Resources
What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | GotQuestions.org

Since God withholds forgiveness, can we? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Jonah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Repents (6 Occurrences)

Luke 15:7
I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 15:10
Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 17:3
Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.
(WEB NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 8:6
I listened and heard, but they didn't speak aright: no man repents him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? everyone turns to his course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle.
(WEB RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 18:8
And that nation hath turned from its evil, Because I have spoken against it, Then I have repented of the evil that I thought to do to it.
(See NIV)

Joel 2:13
And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn back unto Jehovah your God, For gracious and merciful 'is' He, Slow to anger, and abundant in kindness, And He hath repented concerning the evil.
(See RSV)

Subtopics

Repents

Related Terms

Repent (74 Occurrences)

Repentant (3 Occurrences)

Ninety-nine (6 Occurrences)

Nine (55 Occurrences)

Ninety (27 Occurrences)

Forgive (81 Occurrences)

Rebuke (77 Occurrences)

Rushes (13 Occurrences)

Repentings (1 Occurrence)

Repetition (2 Occurrences)

Penitent (7 Occurrences)

Aright (14 Occurrences)

Sinner (88 Occurrences)

Unchangeableness (1 Occurrence)

Unchangeable (4 Occurrences)

Righteous (407 Occurrences)

Headlong (15 Occurrences)

Sins (351 Occurrences)

Turns (80 Occurrences)

Careful (130 Occurrences)

Joy (422 Occurrences)

Repentance (28 Occurrences)

Brother (402 Occurrences)

Listened (120 Occurrences)

Course (87 Occurrences)

Horse (62 Occurrences)

Sin (782 Occurrences)

Repentings
Top of Page
Top of Page