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    Bible Verses About Repentance — The Complete KJV Guide

    The complete KJV guide to repentance, confession, and turning back to God

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    Find renewal in KJV Bible verses about repentance. Scripture on confessing sin, turning back to God, and receiving His forgiveness and restoration.

    "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, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." — 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

    Repentance is the doorway to restoration. It involves acknowledging our sin, turning away from it, and returning to God with a humble heart. Scripture promises that when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. These verses call us to genuine repentance and reveal God's merciful response.

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    The complete KJV guide to repentance, confession, and turning back to God

    What the Bible says about repentance

    Repentance in Scripture is a change of mind that produces a change of direction. John the Baptist, Jesus, and Peter all begin preaching with the same word: repent. Acts 3:19 pairs it with its purpose — repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.

    Godly sorrow versus regret

    2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes godly sorrow, which worketh repentance to salvation, from the sorrow of the world, which worketh death. Judas and Peter both feel terrible about betraying Christ; only one of them returns. Feeling bad is not the same as turning back.

    What repentance looks like

    The Bible expects fruit: restitution where possible (Luke 19:8), confession (1 John 1:9), and a break with the pattern rather than a promise to try harder. Repentance is treated as a gift God grants (2 Timothy 2:25), which is why it can be prayed for.

    How to use this page

    Read the verses below slowly and honestly. Then follow the links to forgiveness, confession, salvation, and grace, and open 1 John 1 in the KJV reader.

    Today's Verse for Repentance
    "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

    — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

    Being made a new creature through repentance — old things pass, all becomes new. Repentance is the gateway to God's re-creation project.

    Read in context All 30 daily verses on repentance Subscribe via RSS / JSON

    Most-searched repentance verses

    John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Romans 10:9

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

    John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    1 John 1:9

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

    Psalm 103:12

    As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

    Romans 6:23

    For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

    Psalm 51:10

    Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

    Numbers 6:24-26

    The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

    John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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    10 Scriptures About Repentance

    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, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
    Read in context

    Acts 3:19

    "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"
    Read in context

    1 John 1:9

    "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
    Read in context

    Isaiah 55:7

    "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
    Read in context

    Joel 2:12-13

    "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil."
    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

    Ezekiel 18:30

    "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin."
    Read in context

    Psalm 51:10

    "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."
    Read in context

    Acts 17:30

    "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
    Read in context

    Proverbs 28:13

    "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
    Read in context

    Reading Plans for Repentance

    Go deeper with a guided KJV reading plan on repentance.

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    What Does the Bible Say About Repentance?

    Repentance is one of the most important concepts in the Bible — it is the gateway to salvation, restoration, and spiritual renewal. The Greek word 'metanoia' means a complete change of mind and direction. It is more than feeling sorry; it is a deliberate turning away from sin and turning toward God. John the Baptist launched his ministry with the call, '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 sermon at Pentecost concluded with, 'Repent, and be baptized every one of you' (Acts 2:38). Repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong posture of humility before God.

    God's Response to Genuine Repentance

    The Bible reveals that God responds to genuine repentance with extraordinary mercy. 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises, 'If my people...shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.' 1 John 1:9 assures us, 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) beautifully illustrates God's joyful response to a repentant heart — the father ran to meet his returning son, embraced him, and threw a feast. Heaven itself rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).

    How to Practice Genuine Repentance

    Genuine repentance involves several steps. First, acknowledge your sin honestly — call it what God calls it, without excuses or minimization. Second, feel godly sorrow — not mere regret at being caught, but genuine grief over offending a holy God (2 Corinthians 7:10). Third, confess specifically to God in prayer, and to others when appropriate (James 5:16). Fourth, turn away from the sin — repentance means changing direction, not just feeling bad. Fifth, make restitution where possible — Zacchaeus repaid those he had cheated fourfold (Luke 19:8). Sixth, accept God's forgiveness and don't carry guilt that Christ has already borne. Seventh, rely on the Holy Spirit's power to walk in newness of life.

    A Prayer for Repentance

    Lord, I come to You with a humble and contrite heart. I acknowledge my sins and turn away from them today. I am sorry for the ways I have offended You and hurt others. Thank You for Your promise that when I confess, You are faithful and just to forgive and cleanse me. Help me to walk in newness of life by the power of Your Spirit. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Repentance in the Bible

    What is repentance in the Bible?

    Repentance (metanoia in Greek) means a complete change of mind and direction — turning away from sin and turning toward God. It involves acknowledging sin, feeling genuine sorrow for it, confessing it, and choosing to walk in a new direction. Repentance is both an initial response to the Gospel and an ongoing practice throughout the Christian life.

    What is the best Bible verse about repentance?

    2 Chronicles 7:14 is one of the most powerful: '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, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.' Acts 3:19 and 1 John 1:9 are also essential repentance verses.

    What is the difference between repentance and confession?

    Confession is admitting your sin — telling God (and sometimes others) what you have done. Repentance goes further — it includes confession but adds the commitment to change direction and walk away from the sin. You can confess without truly repenting (feeling sorry without changing), but you cannot truly repent without confessing. Genuine repentance always involves a change of heart and behavior.

    Is it ever too late to repent?

    As long as you are alive and hear God's call, it is not too late to repent. The thief on the cross repented in his final moments and received Jesus' promise of paradise (Luke 23:42-43). God's mercy is available to anyone who turns to Him with a sincere heart. However, the Bible warns against hardening our hearts (Hebrews 3:15), so respond to God's conviction promptly rather than delaying.

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    Cite this page

    By Bible Sundays Editorial Team · Reviewed August 27, 2026 · How we source

    All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version. You are welcome to quote or link to this page — please credit Bible Sundays.

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    Bible Sundays. "Bible Verses About Repentance — The Complete KJV Guide." Bible Sundays, last reviewed August 27, 2026. https://www.biblesundays.com/topics/repentance

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    Word Meaning

    Repentance (μετάνοια (Metanoia))

    A complete change of mind and direction, turning from sin to God

    Strong's

    Strong's G3341 — Repentance

    μετάνοια (Metanoia) • A complete change of mind and direction, turning from sin to God

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