Word Study: Repent

Delving into the depth of what a word intends to express enhances the beauty of the message itself and the author behind it. Whether the words are polished or raw and unrefined, uncovering the story being crafted is a delight.

So let us begin: REPENT

Repent is a word we may be familiar with; however, in today's culture, it is not commonly used in our everyday interactions or at all. Let us start with a biblical snapshot of the word.

Strong Concordance - Hebrew (5162)

As in Exodus 13:17

a primary root: properly to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexive) rue or (unfavorably) to avenge

Strong Concordance - Greek (3340)

As in Luke 13:3

to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally feel compunction)- repent

"And saying, Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand" – Matthew 3:2

Definition - Merriam Webster

Repent - 1. to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

2. a.) to feel regret or contrition b.) to change one's mind

Synonyms

apologize

atone

deplore

bewail

lament

reform

regret

relent

rue

sorrow

feel remorse

see errors of ways

be sorry

Scripture - KJV

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

-Matthew 3:8

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

-Luke 13:3

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;

-Acts 3:19

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:

-Acts 17:30

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

-2 Peter 3:9

Repentance In Relationships

Even if we don't often use the word "repent" in our conversations, we grasp the concept in our relationships. We've all encountered individuals who said "sorry" but didn't change their behavior.

This type of recurring dynamic destroys our trust and ultimately the relationship.

Over time, we begin to see that their sorry was not sincere or was simply an avoidance of unpleasant consequences. Essentially, one only apologized because they got caught with their hand in the cookie jar, not because they stole the cookie.

We know this pain in our relationships; however, when we are met with God's requirement of repentance to restore the relationship, we are often offended.

We reject God's law, His supernatural principles.... we reject the boundaries set by a just and Holy Being to have relationship with him because it would cost us something..... our pride and our selfish desires.

Though if someone infused our relationship with their pride and selfish choices, constantly disregarding our boundaries, we would walk away.

Nevertheless, in His mercy and patience, God continues to wait for you. He waits for your sincerity so that he may connect with you and lavish His love upon you.