There are two words in the NT which convey the idea of repentance, metanoéō and epistréphō (1994), to come back, convert, turn about. These words derive their moral content not from Greek, but from Jewish and Christian thought, since nothing analogous to the biblical concept of repentance and conversion was known to the Greeks. Metanoéō presents repentance in its negative aspect as a change of mind or turning from sin while epistréphō presents it in its positive aspect as turning to God. Both, however, have much the same content of meaning. Christ’s call to repentance (Matt. 4:17) has as its motive the nearness of the kingdom, participation in which is conditioned upon the new disposition (Matt. 18:3). It is addressed, not as in the OT to the nation, but to the individual; and not merely to flagrant sin, but to all sin (Luke 13:3), both great and small. The inner and radical character of the change required is illustrated by the figure of the tree and its fruits. The first four Beatitudes may be taken as descriptive of elements of true repentance. Poverty of spirit (the confession of one’s spiritual helplessness–see ptōchós [4434], poor), sorrow for sin, meekness, and hunger and thirst for righteousness are all characteristics of the soul that is turning to God from sin. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus draws a picture of the true penitent person. Such is assured of the forgiveness of the Father whose love has anticipated his return and gone out to seek and save (Luke 15:4). Of fastings and other external accompaniments Christ says little, as indicated in the parable of the publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10–14). No external acts can take the place of an internal sorrow for one’s sins.
Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
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