“Repentance” Doesn’t Mean What You Think The Greek Word Jesus Actually Used
The Greek word for repentance used in the New Testament is metanoia, which literally means a change of mind or a shift in perspective, rather than feeling deep sorrow or performing penance. Derived from meta (change/beyond) and nous (mind/perception), the term emphasizes a cognitive reorientation toward the reality of God’s kingdom. This distinction is critical …