Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being "sorry" in the Bible is closely related to themes of repentance, remorse, and seeking forgiveness. While the word "sorry" itself may not frequently appear in some translations, the underlying principles are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the idea of being sorry is often linked with repentance and turning away from sin. The Hebrew word "nacham" is sometimes translated as "to be sorry" and can also mean to repent or to be comforted. This is seen in the account of Jonah, where the people of Nineveh express their sorrow for their sins and turn to God in repentance. Jonah 3:10 states, "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them." King David's life provides a profound example of sorrow and repentance. After his sin with Bathsheba, David expresses deep remorse in Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance. In Psalm 51:17 , David acknowledges, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of being sorry is closely tied to repentance and the transformative power of God's grace. The Greek word "metanoia," often translated as repentance, involves a change of mind and heart, reflecting genuine sorrow for sin and a commitment to change. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 illustrates the theme of sorrow leading to repentance. The younger son, after squandering his inheritance, comes to a point of realization and sorrow for his actions. Luke 15:21 records his confession: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of godly sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7:10 : "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." Here, Paul distinguishes between genuine sorrow that leads to repentance and mere regret that does not result in spiritual transformation. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, being sorry in the biblical sense involves more than just feeling regret or remorse. It is an acknowledgment of sin and a heartfelt turning towards God. This sorrow is not an end in itself but a step towards reconciliation with God and others. True sorrow leads to repentance, which is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and the transformative power of God's grace. Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine their lives regularly, confess their sins, and seek God's forgiveness. The act of being sorry is not merely an emotional response but a commitment to change and align one's life with God's will. This involves both personal reflection and communal practices, such as confession and accountability within the church community. In summary, the biblical concept of being sorry is deeply intertwined with repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal. It is a vital aspect of the believer's journey towards holiness and a restored relationship with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Grieved for the loss of some good; pained for some evil; feeling regret; -- now generally used to express light grief or affliction, but formerly often used to express deeper feeling.2. (a.) Melancholy; dismal; gloomy; mournful. 3. (a.) Poor; mean; worthless; as, a sorry excuse. Greek 3076. lupeo -- to distress, to grieve ... sorrowful (1). cause grief, grieve, make sorry. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad -- cause grief, grieve ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3076.htm - 8k 4036. perilupos -- very sad 627. apologia -- a speech in defense Strong's Hebrew 5162. nacham -- to be sorry, console oneself... 5161, 5162. nacham. 5163 . to be sorry, console oneself. Transliteration: nacham Phonetic Spelling: (naw-kham') Short Definition: comfort. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/5162.htm - 6k 1672. daag -- to be anxious or concerned, to fear 6087. atsab -- to hurt, pain, grieve 2470a. chalah -- to be weak or sick 5999. amal -- trouble, labor, toil 2347. chus -- to pity, look upon with compassion 5110. nud -- to move to and fro, wander, flutter, show grief 2470. chalah -- to be weak or sick Library Of the Occasion on which the Disciples were Exceeding Sorry when ... On Contrition Faith (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, December 5, 1865) 2 Cor. vii. 8 Whether There is Sorrow in the Demons? True Repentance Toleration 2 Cor. I. 23 Whether Sorrow for one Sin Should be Greater than for Another? Whether Man Should be Contrite on Account of the Punishment, and ... Thesaurus Sorry (27 Occurrences)... 2. (a.) Melancholy; dismal; gloomy; mournful. 3. (a.) Poor; mean; worthless; as, a sorry excuse. Multi-Version Concordance Sorry (27 Occurrences). ... /s/sorry.htm - 14k Sorrowful (29 Occurrences) Godly (50 Occurrences) Intended (38 Occurrences) Reformation (24 Occurrences) Exceedingly (167 Occurrences) Exceeding (101 Occurrences) Repent (74 Occurrences) Felt (40 Occurrences) Sorrow (277 Occurrences) Resources How to repent'what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about apologizing? | GotQuestions.org Witnessing to Muslims - what is the key? | GotQuestions.org Sorry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sorry (27 Occurrences)Matthew 14:9 Matthew 17:23 Matthew 18:31 Matthew 21:29 Matthew 21:32 Mark 6:26 Luke 17:3 Luke 17:4 2 Corinthians 2:2 2 Corinthians 2:4 2 Corinthians 7:8 2 Corinthians 7:9 2 Corinthians 7:11 Genesis 6:6 Genesis 6:7 Exodus 2:6 Judges 21:6 Judges 21:15 1 Samuel 22:8 1 Chronicles 21:15 Nehemiah 8:10 Job 16:2 Psalms 38:18 Psalms 90:13 Isaiah 51:19 Jeremiah 13:14 Ezekiel 24:14 Subtopics Related Terms |