# repent, repentance #

## Definition: ##

The terms "repent" and "repentance" refer to turning away from sin and turning back to God.

* To "repent" literally means to "change one's mind."
* In the Bible, "repent" usually means to turn away from a sinful, human way of thinking and acting, and to turn to God's way of thinking and acting.
* When people truly repent of their sins, God forgives them and helps them start obeying him.

## Translation Suggestions: ##

* The term, "repent" can be translated with a word or phrase that means, "turn back (to God)" or "turn away from sin and toward God" or "turn toward God, away from sin."
* Often the term, "repentance" can be translated using the verb "repent." For example, "God has given repentance to Israel" could be translated as, "God has enabled Israel to repent."
* Other ways to translate "repentance" could include "to turn away from sin" or "turning to God and away from sin."

(See also: [forgive](../kt/forgive.md) **·** [sin](../kt/sin.md) **·** [turn](../kt/turn.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [Acts 03:19-20](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/03/19)
* [Luke 03:3](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/03/03)
* [Luke 03:8](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/03/08)
* [Luke 05:29-32](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/05/29)
* [Luke 24:45-47](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/24/45)
* [Mark 01:14-15](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mrk/01/14)
* [Matthew 03:1-3](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/03/01)
* [Matthew 03:10-12](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/03/10)
* [Matthew 04:17](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/04/17)
* [Romans 02:3-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/rom/02/03)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

* __[16-02](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/16-02)__ After many years of disobeying God and being oppressed by their enemies, the Israelites __repented__  and asked God to rescue them.
* __[17-13](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/17-13)__ David __repented__  of his sin and God forgave him.
* __[19-18](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/19-18)__ They (prophets) warned people that God would destroy them if they did not __repent__.
* __[24-02](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/24-02)__ Many people came out to the wilderness to listen to John. He preached to them, saying, "__Repent__, for the kingdom of God is near!"
* __[42-08](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/42-08)__""It was also written in the scriptures that my disciples will proclaim that everyone should repent in order to __receive__  forgiveness for their sins. "
* __[44-05](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/44-05)__"So now, __repent__  and turn to God so that your sins will be washed away."