from μετά and νοιέω; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent.
Transliteration:metanoéō
Pronunciation:met-an-o-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb μετανοέω (metanoéō) is a compound word derived from μετά (metá), meaning "after," "with," or indicating a change, and νοέω (noéō), meaning "to perceive," "to think," or "to understand." Literally, it signifies "to think differently afterwards" or "to change one's mind." However, its semantic range in the biblical context extends far beyond a mere intellectual shift. It denotes a profound moral and spiritual reorientation, a fundamental reconsideration that leads to deep compunction and a decisive turning from a former way of life. It implies a complete change of direction, not just regret for past actions, but a transformation of one's inner disposition and outward conduct.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μετανοέω is a pivotal term in the New Testament, frequently appearing in the Synoptic Gospels, the book of Acts, and Revelation.
* **John the Baptist's Proclamation:** The ministry of John the Baptist commenced with an urgent call for μετανοέω, preparing the way for the Messiah: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([[Matthew 3:2]]; also [[Mark 1:4]], [[Luke 3:3]]). This established repentance as the necessary gateway to God's reign.
* **Jesus' Initial Ministry:** Jesus himself echoed this call, making μετανοέω central to His inaugural message: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" ([[Mark 1:15]]). He lamented the cities that witnessed His miracles yet failed to μετανοέω ([[Matthew 11:20-24]], [[Luke 10:13-15]]), highlighting the moral imperative of this change.
* **Apostolic Preaching:** After Pentecost, Peter commanded the crowd to "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" ([[Acts 2:38]]). He later urged them to "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out" ([[Acts 3:19]]). Paul likewise preached μετανοέω to both Jews and Gentiles, urging them to turn "to God, and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Acts 20:21]]), and emphasizing a turning from idols to the living God ([[Acts 17:30]], [[Acts 26:20]]).
* **Letters to the Churches in Revelation:** The call to μετανοέω is also directed to believers in the letters to the seven churches, indicating that even those within the church may need to repent from specific sins, spiritual lukewarmness, or doctrinal compromise ([[Revelation 2:5]], [[Revelation 2:16]], [[Revelation 2:21]], [[Revelation 3:3]], [[Revelation 3:19]]).
Across these contexts, μετανοέω is consistently presented as a foundational, active, and often ongoing requirement for salvation, spiritual renewal, and a right relationship with God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μετάνοια (metanoia) `{{G3341}}`:** This is the noun form of μετανοέω, directly meaning "repentance." It signifies the act or state of changing one's mind, often accompanied by regret or remorse, leading to a transformation of behavior. It is the concrete outcome of μετανοέω.
* **ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) `{{G1994}}`:** Meaning "to turn around," "to return," or "to convert," this verb frequently appears alongside or in conjunction with μετανοέω. While μετανοέω emphasizes the internal change of mind and purpose, ἐπιστρέφω highlights the outward action of turning away from sin and towards God ([[Acts 3:19]], [[Acts 9:35]], [[Acts 14:15]], [[Acts 26:20]]).
* **λύπη (lupē) `{{G3077}}` / λυπέω (lupeō) `{{G3076}}`:** Meaning "sorrow" or "to grieve." The Apostle Paul distinguishes between "godly sorrow" which "produces μετάνοια (repentance) leading to salvation without regret," and "worldly sorrow [which] produces death" ([[2 Corinthians 7:10]]). This clarifies that mere sorrow or regret is insufficient; true μετανοέω involves a sorrow that propels one towards a decisive change.
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The primary Old Testament concept aligning with μετανοέω is שוב (shuv) `{{H7725}}`, meaning "to turn," "to return." This term is central to the prophetic calls for Israel to "return" to Yahweh from idolatry, disobedience, and covenant breaking. It underscores the relational aspect of repentance as a restoration of proper alignment with God.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Command and Human Response:** μετανοέω is not an optional suggestion but a fundamental divine command, the necessary human response to God's gracious offer of salvation through Christ.
* **Gateway to the Kingdom:** It is consistently presented as the prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God, receiving forgiveness of sins, and experiencing reconciliation with God ([[Luke 24:47]], [[Acts 5:31]]).
* **Holistic Transformation:** True μετανοέω involves a comprehensive transformation affecting the entire person: the intellect (a new understanding of sin and God), the emotions (godly sorrow for sin), and the will (a decisive turning away from sin and towards God). It is a radical reorientation of one's life's direction.
* **Initial and Ongoing:** While there is an initial, decisive act of μετανοέω at conversion, the New Testament also portrays it as an ongoing posture for believers. Christians are called to continually turn from sin and conform their lives more fully to Christ, as evidenced by the calls for repentance within the churches of Revelation.
* **Enabled by Grace:** Though a human act, μετανοέω is ultimately enabled by God's grace and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that God grants, leading to life ([[Acts 5:31]], [[Acts 11:18]], [[2 Timothy 2:25]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb μετανοέω (metanoéō) denotes a profound and transformative "change of mind" that extends beyond mere intellectual assent to encompass one's moral and spiritual orientation. Derived from μετά (change) and νοέω (to think/perceive), it signifies a decisive reconsideration leading to compunction and a fundamental reorientation of one's life. Throughout the New Testament, from the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus to the apostolic preaching, μετανοέω is presented as a foundational command and prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God and receiving forgiveness of sins ([[Mark 1:15]], [[Acts 2:38]]). It is closely related to μετάνοια (repentance) `{{G3341}}` and ἐπιστρέφω (to turn) `{{G1994}}`, emphasizing both the inner change of disposition and the outward turning away from sin towards God. Theologically, μετανοέω is a holistic, Spirit-enabled human response to God's grace, essential for initial salvation and an ongoing posture of the believer, leading to continuous reconciliation and transformation.
TRV