Repentance
תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah)
A turning back to God — a complete change of heart, mind, and direction.
Teshuvah is the Hebrew word for repentance, meaning 'to return' or 'to turn back.' It describes a wholehearted turning away from sin and returning to God, encompassing sorrow, confession, and changed behavior.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." — Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Key Verses
2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven.”Read in context
Luke 15:7
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G3341 — Repentance (תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah) appears.
Open Strong's G3341Etymology and Original Meaning
Teshuvah comes from the Hebrew verb shuv, meaning 'to turn' or 'to return.' It is not primarily about feeling sorry but about changing direction — turning away from sin and turning back to God. The Greek equivalent, metanoia, emphasizes the mental dimension: a change of mind that leads to a change of life.
Repentance in the Old Testament
The prophets constantly called Israel to repent — to return to the covenant relationship they had abandoned through idolatry and injustice. Hosea pleads, 'O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God' (Hosea 14:1). Joel calls for rending hearts, not garments (Joel 2:13). True repentance involved corporate and individual confession, restitution, and renewed obedience.
Repentance in the New Testament
John the Baptist launched his ministry with 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 3:2). Jesus began His public ministry with the same message (Mark 1:15). Peter's Pentecost sermon culminated in the command to repent (Acts 2:38). Repentance is the gateway to the kingdom — not merely remorse but a radical reorientation of life toward God.
The Gift of Repentance
Remarkably, Scripture presents repentance as both a human responsibility and a divine gift. God's kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). He grants repentance to the Gentiles (Acts 11:18). The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, creating the desire and ability to turn. Repentance is not earning God's favor but responding to His gracious initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does repentance mean in the Bible?
Repentance (teshuvah) means turning away from sin and returning to God. It involves a change of mind, heart, and direction — not just feeling sorry but actually changing one's life.
Is repentance a one-time event or ongoing?
Both. Initial repentance marks conversion, but believers continue to repent as the Spirit reveals areas of sin. Martin Luther's first thesis stated that the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Repentance"?
Acts 3:19 — "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (KJV). It also appears in 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 15:7.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Repentance" matter?
Teshuvah comes from the Hebrew verb shuv, meaning 'to turn' or 'to return.' It is not primarily about feeling sorry but about changing direction — turning away from sin and turning back to God. English uses one word, "Repentance", where the Hebrew תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah) carries the fuller sense: a turning back to god — a complete change of heart, mind, and direction.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Repentance (μετάνοια (Metanoia))
A complete change of mind and direction, turning from sin to God
Strong's G3341 — Repentance
μετάνοια (Metanoia) • A complete change of mind and direction, turning from sin to God
Repentance Bible Quiz
Turn from sin and turn to God — a change of mind and heart.
Fast (צוֹם (Tsom))
To abstain from food for spiritual purposes — prayer, repentance, or seeking God.
Strong's H6685 — Fast
צוֹם (Tsom) • To abstain from food for spiritual purposes — prayer, repentance, or seeking God.
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
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