from μετανοέω; (subjectively) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication, reversal (of (another's) decision):--repentance.
Transliteration:metánoia
Pronunciation:met-an'-oy-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G3341 (μετάνοια - metanoia) is derived from the verb G3340 (μετανοέω - metanoeō), which is a compound of G3326 (μετά - meta, signifying change or after) and G3539 (νοέω - noeō, to perceive, think, understand). At its core, G3341 signifies "a change of mind" or "a change of perception." However, its semantic range in biblical usage extends far beyond a mere intellectual shift. It encompasses:
* **A fundamental reorientation:** Not just a change in opinion, but a comprehensive transformation of one's inner disposition, worldview, and moral compass.
* **Compunction for guilt:** It involves a deep sorrow and regret over past actions, particularly sin, recognizing one's offense against God. This sorrow is not merely regret for consequences, but for the act itself.
* **Reformation and turning:** This inner change invariably leads to an outward change in behavior and direction. It is a turning *from* sin and *towards* God, involving a decisive break with past patterns of life.
* **Implication of reversal:** While the base definition includes "reversal (of (another's) decision)," in the context of G3341, it predominantly refers to the human turning from sin, not God changing His mind (which is usually associated with the verb G3340 in the Septuagint, though the New Testament emphasizes God's unchanging nature). For humans, it is a reversal of one's former life choices and allegiances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3341 (μετάνοια) is a foundational concept throughout the New Testament, appearing frequently in crucial contexts:
* **John the Baptist's Ministry:** John preaches "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" ([[Mark 1:4]], [[Luke 3:3]]). Here, G3341 is presented as the necessary precursor to receiving divine pardon, emphasizing its role in preparing hearts for the Messiah.
* **Jesus' Proclamation:** Jesus begins His public ministry with the command, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" ([[Mark 1:15]]). This pairing of G3341 with faith (G4102 - πίστις) highlights them as the twin responses required for entry into God's kingdom.
* **Apostolic Preaching in Acts:** G3341 is central to the evangelistic message of the early church. Peter calls the crowd on Pentecost to "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" ([[Acts 2:38]]). Later, he declares that God has exalted Jesus "to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" ([[Acts 5:31]]). Paul likewise preaches that God "commands all people everywhere to repent" ([[Acts 17:30]]) and testifies to "both Jews and Greeks to repentance toward God and of faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" ([[Acts 20:21]]). These passages underscore G3341 as a universal divine command and a prerequisite for salvation.
* **Pauline Epistles:** While Paul often uses other terms for turning to God, G3341 appears in significant contexts. In [[Romans 2:4]], God's kindness is intended to lead one to G3341. In [[2 Corinthians 7:9-10]], Paul distinguishes between worldly sorrow and "godly sorrow that produces repentance leading to salvation, without regret." This highlights that true G3341 is not superficial remorse (G3338 - μεταμέλομαι) but a profound, God-centered sorrow that results in a life-altering change.
* **Hebrews:** The author speaks of the impossibility of a second G3341 for those who have deliberately and utterly fallen away after experiencing the truths of Christ ([[Hebrews 6:6]]), which emphasizes the decisive and foundational nature of genuine G3341.
* **Revelation:** Jesus calls several of the churches to G3341 from specific failings ([[Revelation 2:5]], [[Revelation 2:16]], [[Revelation 3:3]], [[Revelation 3:19]]). This demonstrates that G3341 is not only a one-time event at conversion but also an ongoing need for believers to address sin and align with God's will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of G3341 is enriched by its relationship with several other key biblical terms and ideas:
* **G3340 (μετανοέω - metanoeō):** The verbal form, meaning "to repent" or "to change one's mind." G3341 is the resulting state or act.
* **`{{H7725}}` (shuv - שׁוּב):** This Hebrew verb, meaning "to turn back" or "to return," is the primary Old Testament concept that parallels G3341. Prophets frequently called Israel to `{{H7725}}` to Yahweh, implying a turning away from idolatry and disobedience and a return to covenant faithfulness. This provides the rich theological backdrop for the New Testament's call to G3341.
* **G1994 (ἐπιστροφή - epistrophē) / G1994 (ἐπιστρέφω - epistrephō):** Meaning "turning around" or "conversion." Repentance (the internal change of mind and heart) often leads to conversion (the external act of turning to God). They are intimately connected, with repentance being the internal catalyst for the outward turning.
* **G4102 (πίστις - pistis):** "Faith." Repentance and faith are consistently presented together as the two essential human responses to the Gospel ([[Mark 1:15]], [[Acts 20:21]]). One turns *from* sin (repentance) *to* God *in* faith.
* **G1843 (ἐξομολογέω - exomologeo):** "To confess." Confession of sin often accompanies genuine repentance, as acknowledging wrong is part of turning from it.
* **G3338 (μεταμέλομαι - metamélomai):** "To regret" or "to feel remorse." This is distinct from G3341. While G3338 can be a component of G3341 (sorrow), it does not necessarily lead to a change of heart or action. Judas's remorse ([[Matthew 27:3]]) is a classic example of G3338 without G3341.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3341 is profound and multifaceted:
* **A Divine Imperative:** G3341 is not merely an option or a suggestion but a direct command from God to all people everywhere ([[Acts 17:30]]). It underscores God's holiness and His expectation that humanity respond to His call.
* **Gateway to Salvation:** It is presented as an indispensable prerequisite for receiving the forgiveness of sins and entering into a right relationship with God ([[Acts 2:38]], [[Luke 24:47]]). It marks the initial, decisive turning point in the journey of faith.
* **Work of God and Human Response:** While G3341 is a human act, the Scriptures also portray it as something enabled by God's grace. God's kindness leads to G3341 ([[Romans 2:4]]), and the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, making G3341 possible ([[John 16:8]]). Thus, it is both a gift from God and a commanded human response.
* **Transformation, Not Just Behavior Modification:** True G3341 is not simply a change in outward behavior to avoid punishment. It is a deep, internal transformation of the mind and heart that leads to a new way of life, motivated by a desire to please God and live in accordance with His will.
* **Ongoing Dimension for Believers:** While a decisive event at conversion, G3341 also possesses an ongoing dimension for the Christian life. Believers are continually called to repent of specific sins, to re-align their lives with Christ, and to pursue sanctification ([[1 John 1:9]], [[Revelation 2:5]]).
### Summary
The Greek word G3341 (μετάνοια - metánoia) denotes a profound "change of mind" that extends beyond mere intellectual assent or superficial regret to encompass a fundamental reorientation of one's entire being. Derived from G3340 (μετανοέω), it signifies a transformative turning away from sin and a turning towards God. This concept is central to the New Testament message, presented by John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles as a non-negotiable command and the essential gateway to forgiveness and salvation ([[Mark 1:15]], [[Acts 2:38]]). It contrasts sharply with mere remorse (G3338) by leading to genuine reformation and a transformed life. Theologically, G3341 is a divine imperative, a work initiated by God's kindness and the Holy Spirit, yet requiring a human response of genuine sorrow for sin and a decisive shift in allegiance. It is inextricably linked with faith (G4102) and finds its Old Testament parallel in the concept of `{{H7725}}` (shuv), the call to "turn back" to God. While marking a decisive beginning in the Christian life, G3341 also implies an ongoing, daily process of turning from sin and pursuing righteousness for the believer.
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