What does repent or repentance really mean in the Bible? Most Christians really don’t understand the word repent in the context of the Bible and salvation. Often times when you hear the gospel preached, you will hear people say repent and believe to be saved, and how they are defining repentance is stopping sin. Don’t do bad things anymore. That God will only accept you, if you are obeying God’s rules enough. This is not a condition of salvation and not the Biblical definition of repent.

What is the true meaning of repent or repentance (metanoia, metanoeō) in the Greek? “Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not a turning from sin. The Greek word translated “repentance” is metanoia, and the meaning is simply “a change of mind.” In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.”

“Repentance is often associated with salvation in Scripture. What happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work to bring a person to salvation? The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and infallible conviction that the facts concerning his spiritual state are true. Those facts are his personal sin, the eternal punishment due him for his sin, the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for his sin, and the need for faith in Jesus to save him from his sin. From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), the sinner repents—he changes his mind—about sin, the Savior, and salvation.” Read more about the word repentance at: Gotquestions.org.

Ryan, at NeedGod.net, posted an excellent video on what repent means in the context of the Bible and salvation. Check out this short video below. He also had a discussion about what repentance is and is not with a viewer on his nightly Youtube live feed.

Wrapping Up with Key Insights on Repentance

The Greek word for repentance is μετάνοια (metanoia) or the related verb μετανοέω (metanoeō), which literally translates to “a change of mind” or “to change one’s mind”. This goes beyond mere regret to encompass a profound shift in one’s thinking, motivations, and direction. 

Deeper meaning: It implies a comprehensive change in perspective, thinking, and purpose, rather than just feeling sorry.

μετάνοια (metanoia): The noun form, meaning a “change of mind” or “conversion”. 

μετανοέω (metanoeō): The verb form, meaning “to change one’s mind” or “to repent”. 

Etymology: The word is a combination of meta- (“after,” “beyond”) and nous (“mind” or “thought”). 

How have you defined repent/repentance in relationship to salvation and in the context of the Bible?