Lexical Summary metanoia: Repentance Original Word: μετάνοια Strong's Exhaustive Concordance repentance. From metanoeo; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision) -- repentance. see GREEK metanoeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3341 metánoia – literally, "a change of mind" ("after-thought"); repentance. See 3340 /metanoeō ("repent"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom metanoeó Definition change of mind, repentance NASB Translation repentance (22). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3341: μετάνοιαμετάνοια, μετανοίας, ἡ (μετανοέω), a change of mind: as it appears in one who repents of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done, Hebrews 12:17 on which see εὑρίσκω, 3 ((Thucydides 3, 36, 3); Polybius 4, 66, 7; Plutarch, Peric c. 10; mor., p. 26 a.; τῆς ἀδελφοκτονιας μετάνοια, Josephus, Antiquities 13, 11, 3); especially the change of mind of those who have begun to abhor their errors and misdeeds, and have determined to enter upon a better course of life, so that it embraces both a recognition of sin and sorrow for it and hearty amendment, the tokens and effects of which are good deeds (Lactantius, 6, 24, 6 would have it rendered in Latin byresipiscentia) (A. V. repentance): Matthew 3:8, 11; Luke 3:8, (16 Lachmann); Luke 15:7; Luke 24:47; Acts 26:20; βάπτισμα μετανοίας, a baptism binding its subjects to repentance (Winer's Grammar, § 30, 2 β.), Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; Acts 19:4; (ἡ εἰς (τόν) Θεόν μετάνοια, Acts 20:21, see μετανοέω, at the end); διδόναι τίνι μετάνοιαν, to give one the ability to repent, or to cause him to repent, Acts 5:31; Acts 11:18; 2 Timothy 2:25; τινα εἰς μετάνοιαν καλεῖν, Luke 5:32, and Rec. in Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; ἄγειν, Romans 2:4 (Josephus, Antiquities 4, 6, 10 at the end); ἀνακαινίζειν, Hebrews 6:6; χωρῆσαι εἰς μετάνοιαν, to come to the point of repenting, or be brought to repentance, 2 Peter 3:9 (but see χωρέω, 1 at the end); μετάνοια ἀπό νεκρῶν ἔργων, that change of mind by which we turn from, desist from, etc. Hebrews 6:1 (Buttmann, 322 (277)); used merely of the improved spiritual state resulting from deep sorrow for sin, 2 Corinthians 7:9f (Sir. 44:16: Wis. 11:24 (23); Topical Lexicon Conceptual Essence Strong’s Greek 3341, most often translated “repentance,” expresses a Spirit‐wrought reorientation of mind and heart that issues in a changed life. It is never presented as a mere intellectual shift, nor as a work that earns salvation, but as the God‐enabled turning that accompanies true saving faith. Old Testament Antecedents While the Hebrew Scriptures employ verbs such as שׁוּב (turn/return) and נחם (be sorrowful, relent), the New Testament term gathers up the prophets’ dual emphasis: grieving over sin and decisively returning to the LORD (for example, Isaiah 55:6-7; Jeremiah 3:12-14). Thus 3341 carries forward the covenant summons to forsake idols and embrace the living God. Prophetic Forerunner Ministry John the Baptist heralded the kingdom by calling Israel to baptism “of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). His demand was ethical (“Produce fruit worthy of repentance,” Matthew 3:8) and preparatory, aiming hearts toward “the Lamb of God” revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ Teaching Though the noun appears only twice on the lips of Jesus (Matthew 3:11 through John; Luke 24:47 in His post-resurrection commission), His preaching constantly demanded repentance (see Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3). In Luke 24:47 He roots world evangelization in “repentance for the forgiveness of sins … in His name,” binding the missionary mandate to the call for moral and spiritual turnaround. Apostolic Proclamation Acts displays repentance as foundational in apostolic preaching: Repentance is therefore neither ethnic nor cultural; it is universally required. Repentance and Faith Repentance and faith are distinct yet inseparable graces. Paul pairs them in Acts 20:21, and Hebrews 6:1 lists “repentance from dead works and faith in God” as foundational. Repentance faces sin; faith embraces the Savior. Together they describe conversion. Source and Gift Scripture affirms human responsibility (“Repent!”) while declaring repentance a divine gift. God exalted Christ “to give repentance to Israel” (Acts 5:31) and later extends the same grace to the nations (Acts 11:18). 2 Timothy 2:25 speaks of “God granting them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” Divine initiative safeguards grace; human response vindicates justice. Moral Fruitfulness Genuine repentance is observable. John demanded visible fruit (Matthew 3:8). Paul preached that men “should repent and turn to God, performing works worthy of repentance” (Acts 26:20). 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 distinguishes godly sorrow that “produces repentance leading to salvation” from worldly grief that ends in death. Transformation validates profession. Warnings Against Spurious Repentance Hebrews 6:6 portrays apostasy where “it is impossible to be restored again to repentance,” and Hebrews 12:17 recalls Esau, who “found no place for repentance, though he sought it with tears.” These warnings underscore the peril of resisting grace until the opportunity is irrevocably lost. Divine Patience and Eschatology 2 Peter 3:9 explains the apparent delay of Christ’s return: the Lord is “patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Repentance therefore occupies an eschatological function; history is prolonged so sinners may yet turn. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications 1. Preaching: Gospel proclamation remains incomplete without a summons to repent. Historical Impact From the early church catechumenate to the Reformation’s cry of “Repent,” 3341 has shaped evangelistic method and doctrinal clarity. Revival movements consistently testify that renewed emphasis on repentance precedes widespread spiritual awakening. Summary Strong’s 3341 captures the biblical imperative and gracious provision whereby sinners abandon sin and turn to God. Rooted in the prophetic tradition, ratified by Christ, preached by apostles, and empowered by the Spirit, repentance stands as the gateway to life and the ongoing posture of every follower of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations μετανοιαν μετάνοιαν μετάνοιάν μετανοιας μετανοίας metanoian metánoian metánoián metanoias metanoíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 3:8 N-GFSGRK: ἄξιον τῆς μετανοίας NAS: fruit in keeping with repentance; KJV: fruits meet for repentance: INT: worthy of repentance Matthew 3:11 N-AFS Mark 1:4 N-GFS Luke 3:3 N-GFS Luke 3:8 N-GFS Luke 5:32 N-AFS Luke 15:7 N-GFS Luke 24:47 N-AFS Acts 5:31 N-AFS Acts 11:18 N-AFS Acts 13:24 N-GFS Acts 19:4 N-GFS Acts 20:21 N-AFS Acts 26:20 N-GFS Romans 2:4 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 7:9 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 7:10 N-AFS 2 Timothy 2:25 N-AFS Hebrews 6:1 N-GFS Hebrews 6:6 N-AFS Hebrews 12:17 N-GFS 2 Peter 3:9 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3341 |
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