Repentance
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
In Old Testament scholarship, the Hebrew term 'nacham' often describes a divine change of mind or emotional reaction to human actions, whereas New Testament analysis of the Greek term 'metanoia' emphasizes a cognitive and volitional transformation involving a deliberate turn from sin toward divine alignment.
What is the meaning of Repentance in the Bible?
In Old Testament scholarship, the Hebrew term 'nacham' often describes a divine change of mind or emotional reaction to human actions, whereas New Testament analysis of the Greek term 'metanoia' emphasizes a cognitive and volitional transformation involving a deliberate turn from sin toward divine alignment.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between divine responsiveness and human volition clarifies the biblical narrative of covenant relationship and the mechanism by which individuals are expected to respond to divine instruction.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Repentance in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Repentance clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.