3340. metanoeó
Lexical Summary
metanoeó: Repent

Original Word: μετανοέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: metanoeó
Pronunciation: meh-tah-no-EH-oh
Phonetic Spelling: (met-an-o-eh'-o)
KJV: repent
NASB: repent, repented, repents
Word Origin: [from G3326 (μετά - after) and G3539 (νοιέω - understand)]

1. to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
repent.

From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider (morally, feel compunction) -- repent.

see GREEK meta

see GREEK noieo

HELPS Word-studies

3340 metanoéō (from 3326 /metá, "changed after being with" and 3539 /noiéō, "think") – properly, "think differently after," "after a change of mind"; to repent (literally, "think differently afterwards").

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from meta and noeó
Definition
to change one's mind or purpose
NASB Translation
repent (26), repented (5), repents (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3340: μετανοέω

μετανοέω, μετάνω; future μετανοήσω; 1 aorist μετενόησα; from (Antiphon), Xenophon down; the Sept. several times for נִחַם; to change one's mind, i. e. to repent (to feel sorry that one has done this or that, Jonah 3:9), of having offended someone, Luke 17:3f; with ἐπί τίνι added (the dative of the wrong, Hebrew עַל, Amos 7:3; Joel 2:13; Jonah 3:10; Jonah 4:2), of (on account of) something (so Latinme paenitet alicujus rei), 2 Corinthians 12:21; used especially of those who, conscious of their sins and with manifest tokens of sorrow, are intent; on obtaining God's pardon; to repent (Latinpaenitentiam agere): μετανοῶ ἐν σάκκῳ καί σποδῷ, clothed in sackcloth and besprinkled with ashes, Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13. to change one's mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins: Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15 (cf. Matthew 3:6 ἐξομολογούμενοι τάς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν; Matthew 3:8 and Luke 3:8 καρπούς ἀξίους τῆς μετανοίας, i. e. conduct worthy of a heart changed and abhorring sin); (Matthew 11:20; Mark 6:12); Luke 13:3, 5; Luke 15:7, 10; Luke 16:30; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; Revelation 2:5, 16; Revelation 3:3, 19; on the phrase μετανοεῖν εἰς τό κήρυγμα τίνος, Matthew 12:41 and Luke 11:32, see εἰς, B. II. 2 d.; (Winer's Grammar, 397 (371)). Since τό μετανοεῖν expresses mental direction, the termini from which and to which may be specified: ἀπό τῆς κακίας, to withdraw or turn one's soul from, etc. (cf. Winers Grammar, 622 (577); especially Buttmann, 322 (277)), Acts 8:22; ἐκ τίνος, Revelation 2:21; Revelation 9:20; Revelation 16:11 (see ἐκ, I. 6; (cf. Buttmann, 327 (281), and Winer's Grammar, as above)); μετανοεῖν καί ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπί τόν Θεόν, Acts 26:20; followed by an infinitive indicating purpose (Winer's Grammar, 318 (298)), Revelation 16:9. (Synonym: see μεταμέλομαι.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 3340 describes the decisive, Spirit-wrought turning of heart and mind that re-orients a person from sin to God. Throughout the New Testament it is never presented as mere remorse but as a wholehearted response to divine truth that issues in faith, obedience, and fruit worthy of repentance.

Old Testament Roots

Though the verb itself is Greek, its thought world reflects the Hebrew concepts of שׁוּב (to return) and נחם (to be sorry, relent). Prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel called Israel to turn back to the LORD, anticipating the new-covenant promise of an internal change (Jeremiah 31:33). John the Baptist stands squarely in that prophetic stream.

The Inaugural Call of John the Baptist and Jesus

Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17 record the opening note of both forerunner and Messiah: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The imperative frames all subsequent Kingdom proclamation. Mark 1:15 pairs repentance with belief in the gospel; Luke 3:8 demands “fruits worthy of repentance,” revealing its ethical dimension.

Repentance and Personal Salvation

Peter’s Pentecost sermon links repentance to forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). In Solomon’s Colonnade he again cries, “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). Paul affirms the universality of the demand: “God now commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). Faith and repentance are complementary responses to the gospel.

Pastoral and Disciplinary Contexts

Luke 17:3-4 illustrates repentance in interpersonal relationships: a sinning brother who “repents” must be forgiven again and again. 2 Corinthians 12:21 grieves over believers who had “not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.” Repentance is thus requisite not only for conversion but for ongoing sanctification within the church.

Eschatological Urgency in Revelation

The risen Christ commands five of the seven churches to repent (Revelation 2:5, 16; 3:3, 19). Each summons is coupled with the threat of judgment or promise of reward, underscoring repentance as the church’s continual posture. Later scenes show hardened humanity: “The rest of mankind… did not repent of the works of their hands” (Revelation 9:20; cf. 16:9, 11). Final judgment confirms that refusal to repent is culpable unbelief.

Individual and Corporate Dimensions

The verb appears in singular imperatives to individuals (Acts 8:22; Revelation 2:16) and plural imperatives to crowds (Acts 2:38) and entire congregations (Revelation 3:19). Scripture thus upholds both personal accountability and communal responsibility.

Repentance and Baptism

Acts 2:38 places repentance before baptism; Acts 19:4 explains that John’s baptism was “a baptism of repentance.” Water identifies the penitent with the Messiah’s death and resurrection, but the inner change is prerequisite.

Evidence of Genuine Repentance

John commands “produce fruit” (Matthew 3:8); Paul preaches “works worthy of repentance” (Acts 26:20). Luke 15:7, 10 records heaven’s joy “over one sinner who repents,” portraying repentance as the shepherd-found sheep returning. The prodigal’s confession (Luke 15:18-21) models contrition, dependence, and restoration.

Divine Patience and Kindness

Romans 2:4 (using the related noun) teaches that God’s kindness leads to repentance, harmonizing with 2 Peter 3:9: the Lord “is patient… not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” The repeated calls in Revelation reveal patience even in the midst of escalating judgments.

Historical Theology

Early church catechesis placed repentance first in the “two ways” instruction (Didache 1–2). Reformation confessions viewed it as a grace inseparable from saving faith (Westminster Confession 15.2). Throughout revivals—e.g., the Great Awakenings—biblical preaching restored the note of heartfelt repentance, fueling missionary expansion.

Practical Ministry Application

1. Evangelism: Proclaim the risen Christ’s mandate “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:47).
2. Counseling: Guide believers to ongoing repentance, trusting God’s promise, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9).
3. Corporate Worship: Include times of confession, reflecting Christ’s letters to the churches.
4. Social Engagement: Call societies to repent of systemic evils, echoing prophetic witness.
5. Discipleship: Teach believers to bear fruit—acts of restitution, reconciliation, and holiness.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 3340 traces a scarlet thread from the first cry of the Baptist to the closing warnings of Revelation, establishing repentance as God’s gracious summons to enter and remain in covenant fellowship. It is both entrance into life and the daily rhythm of the Christian walk, inseparably joined to faith, producing transformed lives that magnify the mercy and righteousness of God.

Forms and Transliterations
μετανοειν μετανοείν μετανοεῖν μετάνοειν Μετανοειτε μετανοείτε Μετανοεῖτε μετανοησαι μετανοήσαι μετανοῆσαι μετανοήσαις μετανοησαντων μετανοησάντων Μετανοησατε Μετανοήσατε μετανοήσει μετανοηση μετανοήση μετανοήσῃ μετανοησης μετανοήσης μετανοήσῃς μετανοησον μετανόησον μετανοησουσιν μετανοήσουσιν μετανοήσω μετανοήσωσι μετανοήσωσιν μετανοητε μετανοήτε μετανοῆτε μετανοουντι μετανοούντι μετανοοῦντι Μετανοω μετανοώ Μετανοῶ μετανοών μετανοωσιν μετανοῶσιν μετενόησα μετενοησαν μετενόησαν μετενόησεν metanoein metanoeîn Metanoeite Metanoeîte metanoesai metanoêsai metanoēsai metanoē̂sai metanoesanton metanoesánton metanoēsantōn metanoēsántōn Metanoesate Metanoēsate Metanoḗsate metanoese metanoēsē metanoḗsei metanoḗsēi metanoḗseis metanoḗsēis metanoeses metanoēsēs metanoeson metanoēson metanóeson metanóēson metanoesosin metanoēsōsin metanoḗsosin metanoḗsōsin metanoesousin metanoēsousin metanoḗsousin metanoete metanoête metanoēte metanoē̂te Metanoo Metanoô Metanoō Metanoō̂ metanoosin metanoôsin metanoōsin metanoō̂sin metanoounti metanooûnti metenoesan metenoēsan metenóesan metenóēsan
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 3:2 V-PMA-2P
GRK: καὶ λέγων Μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικεν γὰρ
NAS: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
KJV: And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom
INT: And saying Repent has drawn near indeed

Matthew 4:17 V-PMA-2P
GRK: καὶ λέγειν Μετανοεῖτε ἤγγικεν γὰρ
NAS: and say, Repent, for the kingdom
KJV: and to say, Repent: for the kingdom
INT: and to say Repent has drawn near indeed

Matthew 11:20 V-AIA-3P
GRK: ὅτι οὐ μετενόησαν
NAS: because they did not repent.
KJV: were done, because they repented not:
INT: because not they repented

Matthew 11:21 V-AIA-3P
GRK: καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν
NAS: which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago
KJV: Sidon, they would have repented long ago
INT: and ashes they had repented

Matthew 12:41 V-AIA-3P
GRK: αὐτήν ὅτι μετενόησαν εἰς τὸ
NAS: it because they repented at the preaching
KJV: because they repented at
INT: it for they repented at the

Mark 1:15 V-PMA-2P
GRK: τοῦ θεοῦ μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε
NAS: is at hand; repent and believe
KJV: is at hand: repent ye, and
INT: of God repent and believe

Mark 6:12 V-PSA-3P
GRK: ἐκήρυξαν ἵνα μετανοῶσιν
NAS: out and preached that [men] should repent.
KJV: and preached that men should repent.
INT: they preached that they should repent

Luke 10:13 V-AIA-3P
GRK: σποδῷ καθήμενοι μετενόησαν
NAS: occurred in you, they would have repented long ago,
KJV: a great while ago repented, sitting
INT: ashes sitting they had repented

Luke 11:32 V-AIA-3P
GRK: αὐτήν ὅτι μετενόησαν εἰς τὸ
NAS: it, because they repented at the preaching
KJV: it: for they repented at the preaching
INT: it because they repented at the

Luke 13:3 V-PSA-2P
GRK: ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε πάντες ὁμοίως
NAS: but unless you repent, you will all
KJV: but, except ye repent, ye shall all
INT: if not you repent all likewise

Luke 13:5 V-ASA-2P
GRK: ἐὰν μὴ μετανοῆτε πάντες ὡσαύτως
NAS: but unless you repent, you will all
KJV: but, except ye repent, ye shall all
INT: if not you repent all in like manner

Luke 15:7 V-PPA-DMS
GRK: ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι ἢ ἐπὶ
NAS: one sinner who repents than over
KJV: sinner that repenteth, more than
INT: one sinner repenting [more] than over

Luke 15:10 V-PPA-DMS
GRK: ἑνὶ ἁμαρτωλῷ μετανοοῦντι
NAS: one sinner who repents.
KJV: one sinner that repenteth.
INT: one sinner repenting

Luke 16:30 V-FIA-3P
GRK: πρὸς αὐτοὺς μετανοήσουσιν
NAS: to them from the dead, they will repent!'
KJV: from the dead, they will repent.
INT: to them they will repent

Luke 17:3 V-ASA-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐὰν μετανοήσῃ ἄφες αὐτῷ
NAS: him; and if he repents, forgive
KJV: and if he repent, forgive him.
INT: and if he should repent forgive him

Luke 17:4 V-PIA-1S
GRK: σὲ λέγων Μετανοῶ ἀφήσεις αὐτῷ
NAS: saying, 'I repent,' forgive
KJV: saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive
INT: you saying I repent you will forgive him

Acts 2:38 V-AMA-2P
GRK: πρὸς αὐτούς Μετανοήσατε φησίν καὶ
NAS: Peter [said] to them, Repent, and each
KJV: unto them, Repent, and be baptized
INT: to them Repent said and

Acts 3:19 V-AMA-2P
GRK: μετανοήσατε οὖν καὶ
NAS: Therefore repent and return, so
KJV: Repent ye therefore, and
INT: Repent therefore and

Acts 8:22 V-AMA-2S
GRK: μετανόησον οὖν ἀπὸ
NAS: Therefore repent of this wickedness
KJV: Repent therefore of
INT: Repent therefore of

Acts 17:30 V-PNA
GRK: πάντας πανταχοῦ μετανοεῖν
NAS: [people] everywhere should repent,
KJV: men every where to repent:
INT: all everywhere to repent

Acts 26:20 V-PNA
GRK: ἔθνεσιν ἀπήγγελλον μετανοεῖν καὶ ἐπιστρέφειν
NAS: and [even] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn
KJV: [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and
INT: Gentiles declaring [to them] to repent and to turn

2 Corinthians 12:21 V-APA-GMP
GRK: καὶ μὴ μετανοησάντων ἐπὶ τῇ
NAS: who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity,
KJV: have not repented of the uncleanness
INT: and not having repented of the

Revelation 2:5 V-AMA-2S
GRK: πέπτωκας καὶ μετανόησον καὶ τὰ
NAS: you have fallen, and repent and do
KJV: thou art fallen, and repent, and do
INT: you have fallen and repent and the

Revelation 2:5 V-ASA-2S
GRK: ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσῃς
NAS: out of its place-- unless you repent.
KJV: place, except thou repent.
INT: if not you should repent

Revelation 2:16 V-AMA-2S
GRK: μετανόησον οὖν εἰ
NAS: Therefore repent; or else
KJV: Repent; or else I will come
INT: Repent therefore if

Strong's Greek 3340
34 Occurrences


μετανοῆσαι — 1 Occ.
μετανοησάντων — 1 Occ.
Μετανοήσατε — 2 Occ.
μετανοήσῃ — 2 Occ.
μετανοήσῃς — 1 Occ.
μετανοήσωσιν — 1 Occ.
μετανόησον — 5 Occ.
μετανοήσουσιν — 1 Occ.
μετανοῆτε — 2 Occ.
μετανοεῖν — 2 Occ.
Μετανοεῖτε — 3 Occ.
Μετανοῶ — 1 Occ.
μετανοῶσιν — 1 Occ.
μετανοοῦντι — 2 Occ.
μετενόησαν — 9 Occ.

3339
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