What Do The Bible Words For Repentance Mean? 

Repentance always means turning around, changing-turning from sin and our own ways to God. The common Bible words (O.T. Hebrew and N.T. Greek) bring out differences in emphasis; but they over- lap in the basic meaning of change.

The Hebrew language uses two words to describe repentance; the first emphasizes emotional stirring, while the second emphasizes a moral decision to forsake sin and return to God.

(1) Naham means “to feel sorry, to lament, to grieve, to sigh, or to groan.” The word literally refers to difficulty in breathing while one experiences intense emotion. It includes, however, the results of emotion in urging a change of behavior and character. David did not stop with feeling bad-he turned around. 

(2) Shubh means “to turn back, to make a radical change in attitude toward sin and God.” It includes both the conscious moral separation, and a personal decision to come back to God. This word was the one most often used by the Old Testament prophets when they called God’s people to turn to God once more, or re- turn. 

 The Greek language uses two complementary terms to describe genuine repentance.The first word denotes the negative aspect of repentance; the second brings out the positive change of position and relationship which results from repentance.

(1) Metanoia expresses the intellectual and spiritual change which occurs when a sinner turns to God. The meaning of metanoia is “to have another mind” or “to change one’s mind, attitude, and purpose regarding sin.” It describes an inner turning around. 

(2) Epistrepho indicates the distinct change which results from repentance-a change of position in relation to God. This word can be summarized as a spiritual transition from sin to God, from death to life.