Musing – What does “Repent” really mean?

 Hebraic Musing – What does “Repent” really mean?

Early in the NT John the Baptist tells us to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 3:2 NIV   And in the very next chapter Jesus preached “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” 

Our bible study leader asked – “What does Repent really mean?”  Some answers that initially came were:
  - Stop doing that evil thing.
  - Be sorry for what you did.
  - Stop and do penance (pay a penalty or do some work like saying three “Our Fathers”)
  - etc.

So, what has the word “repent” meant to you?

The Greek word is “metanoia”, which literally means “to change the mind.”  Repentance fundamentally means to change your mind about something.  It has to do with the way you think about something.  You’ve been thinking one way, but now you think the opposite way.  That’s repentance — the changing of the mind. 
μετανοέω = “to repent” — to change one’s mind/purpose, especially morally.
μετάνοια = “repentance” — the state of having changed one’s mind, recognizing and turning away from sin.
Etymology:  From meta- (“after, beyond, change”) + noieō (“to think, understand”)

Latin Origins - The word "repent" traces back to the Latin verb paenitēre, which means “to feel regret” or “to be sorry” and is related to the noun poena, meaning “penalty” or “punishment” (reflecting the idea of making amends for wrongdoing).  In Vulgar Latin, it appeared as paenitīre, and in Vulgar Latin as repaenitīre, incorporating the intensive prefix re- to emphasize deep regret. 

In the New Testament, the word “repent” is most often translated from the Greek verb μετανοέω (metanoeó),

Both the Greek and the Latin highlight the inward decision to live differently, rather than just external sorrow or ritual.

What does “Repent” really mean to us today?  There are two Hebrew words to help us understand repentance. The first is the word “nacham” which means to turn around or to change your mind.  The second is the word “sub” which  is used over 600 times in the Old Testament translated to words like “turn,” “return,” “seek,” or “restore.” You often see it in popular phrases like “to turn to the Lord with all your heart.”

The Hebrew word for repent is “teshuva” (תשובה), which means "to return." This term conveys a deeper meaning beyond mere regret; it signifies a return to God and a turning away from sin.  In a broader context, “teshuva” is often associated with the concept of seeking forgiveness and making amends.  “Teshuva” is a lot more than a feeling of guilt or regret.  It derives from the verb ‘to return’.  

First mention of “Repent” in the Bible – “and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their conquerors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly'; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their fathers, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their conquerors to show them mercy;” 1 Kings 8:47-50

To “repent” is to regret so deeply that it changes the mind or course of conduct and as a consequence one develops new mental and spiritual habits.

Points to ponder

Does “repent” mean more than just “being sorry”?

Are we to repent before or after our moment of salvation?

Which understanding recognizes that the work has already been done?  A - On the cross!

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd             September 22, 2026 
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
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