What does it mean to "repent?"
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 2:38 is a key to understanding what one need to do to achieve one's salvation.
Understanding the key words in this Scripture are so huge toward understanding God’s awesome plan.
Therefore it should be important to us to attempt to fully comprehend each of these terms; for I feel that many of the very words used by the Holy Ghost in Acts 2:38 are often glossed over by many and left with less of the intended meaning.
If we truly attempt to learn what each of these words mean, not just the language, but the importance of the concept as it is applied and taught through the living Word of God, then we, too, may have a better grasp of doing what is required to receive the Salvation of Almighty YHWH.
Acts 2:36-40 (KJV)
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
The very first reply from Peter to the question posed "what shall we do" was the word “REPENT...” Therefore “REPENT” will be the focus of this study which looks at the content of this one Scripture uttered by Peter, the rock upon whom the church was founded, and the man whom Christ left the keys to the Kingdom.
Matthew 16:17-20 (KJV)
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. [20] Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
REPENT is a word I often call on my visitors and those reading this website to do.
Why should we repent? What does the Bible say about REPENT and Repenting?
The first use of the word "repent" is found in Exodus 13:17
Exodus 13:17 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:
nacham, Hebrew 5162, Strong’s
nacham, naw-kham'; a primitive root; prop. to sigh, i.e. breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, i.e. (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflex.) rue; or (unfavorably) to avenge (oneself) :- comfort (self), ease [one's self], repent (-er, -ing, self).
The act of repentance can often be associated with regretting one's past actions; in this case the people leaving the land of Egypt.
In this next scripture we see the more common meaning of the word repent, to be sorry, or to pity.
Here, Moses is speaking directly to God, pleading for the children of Israel, who have sinned.
Exodus 32:12-14 (KJV)
Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people. [13] Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. [14] And YHWH repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
Moses is pleading for God to have mercy and “to pity” His disobedient children of Israel. Then we read that God did listen to the plea of Moses, and YHWH “repented of the evil which he though to do” to punish the children of Israel.
So God pitied or had mercy on the children of Israel, despite their grievous sins.
Having shown this example of God’s great mercy, YHWH makes it clear in the next Scripture that HE has nothing to repent for, for God is all righteous and there is no sin in Him , nor does He lie, as all men do.
Numbers 23:19 (KJV)
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
God is not a man, who is sinful by nature, therefore God requires man to repent of his sins.
Romans 5:12-13 (KJV)
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [13] (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
While YHWH does not repent, He can have mercy on the sins of His people of Israel.
Deuteronomy 32:36 (KJV)
For YHWH shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.
YHWH is saying here when Israel is powerless and without hope, YHWH will have pity and display His mercy.
Again, we see this that God does not repent for He sins not.
1st Samuel 15:29 (KJV)
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
Here we see the story of king Saul’s fall from grace with God through disobeying God’s commandments and losing the kingdom of Israel.
1st Samuel 15:22-31 (KJV)
And Samuel said, Hath YHWH as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of YHWH? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of YHWH, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
[24] And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of YWWH, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. [25] Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship YHWH. [26] And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee from being king over Israel. [27] And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. [28] And Samuel said unto him, YHWH hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. [29] And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. [30] Then he said, I have sinned: yet honour me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship YHWH thy God. [31] So Samuel turned again after Saul; and Saul worshipped YHWH.
From this Scripture we can see that Saul is fearful and repentant before Samuel and God. He repents of his sins for disobeying the commandments of YWHH, which Yah gave to the children of Israel. In this case, Saul’s sin was not waiting on YHWH in His time and for Samuel to come to offer the sacrifice, which is specifically commanded by YHWH to be done by an appointed high priest, at a specific time.
We can see here that YHWH does not have to repent for Saul. While YHWH may have some mercy, He does not totally forgive this sin of Saul, reminding us that mercy is a grace given by God.
God, in fact, taught Moses this very lesson.
Exodus 33:19 (KJV)
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of YHWH before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
In the next Scripture king Solomon is speaking in prayer to YHWH before the raising of first great Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon is praying to God for future mercies on his people, that when they turn again to God, thus He will have mercy hearing their prayers for help.
1st Kings 8:47 (KJV)
Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;
Here, the word "repent" is to mean to ‘return back’, figuratively speaking, to ‘come back’—in this case to seek God.
shuwb, Hebrew 7725, Strong’s
shuwb, shoob; a primitive root; to turn back (hence, away) transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverb again :- ([break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep]) × again, (cause to) answer (+ again), × in any case (wise), × at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call [to mind], carry again (back), cease, × certainly, come again (back) × consider, + continually, convert, deliver (again), + deny, draw back, fetch home again, × fro, get [oneself] (back) again, × give (again), go again (back, home), [go] out, hinder, let, [see] more, × needs, be past, × pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, + say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, × surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw.
The word “supplication” in this sense communicates the very action of repenting.
chanan, Hebrew 2603, Strong’s
chanan, khaw-nan'; a primitive root [compare Hebrew 2583 (chanah)]; properly to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causat. to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition) :- beseech, × fair, (be, find, shew) favour (-able), be (deal, give, grant) gracious (-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, × very.
1st Kings 8:47 (KJV)
Yet if they shall bethink themselves in the land whither they were carried captives, and repent, and make supplication unto thee in the land of them that carried them captives, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness;
In essence, Solomon is speaking about when God’s people Israel will “Repent” or turn back and seek and ask for mercy or pity from God saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have committed wickedness. This is a confession of their sins before God.
Judges 10:10 (KJV)
And the children of Israel cried unto YHWH, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.
Daniel 9:3-15 (KJV)
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: [4] And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; [5] We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: [6] Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. [7] O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. [8] O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. [9] To YHWH our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; [10] Neither have we obeyed the voice of YHWH our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. [11] Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. [12] And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem. [13] As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before YHWH our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. [14] Therefore hath YHWH watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for YHWH our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. [15] And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.
Luke 18:13 (KJV)
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
The next use of the word repent is in the Book of Job.
Job 42:6 (KJV)
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Job is pitying himself or he is being sorry for whatever he has done. Job says “I abhor my self,” or to loathe, Job rejects his self while he repents.
Dust and ashes were often used to mourn before God and ask of His mercy for one sins having been committed, or in a time of devastation and destruction asking for the assistance and mercy of YHWH.
Psalm 90:13 (KJV)
Return, O YHWH, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
Here David is asking in this Psalm for God’s mercy that God would “comfort,” or “ease” Israel of His judgments on the children of Israel.
Psalm 135:14 (KJV)
For YHWH will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.
YHWH will have pity (mercy) in a favorable sense toward his people—the children of Israel.
In these Scriptures God is repenting or removing his wrath from His people for their actions or His pity or His mercy, as may be the case.
Jeremiah 18:8 (KJV)
If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.
Note the condition. If the nation turns back from their evil, (the same as to repent) then God will turn back his evil He purposed to do.
Jeremiah 18:10 (KJV)
If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
God can also “repent of the good” if a nation or someone does evil works before Him.
Jeremiah 26:3 (KJV)
If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.
Again YHWH wants us to turn from our former or present evil ways to do (HIS) righteousness.
Jeremiah 26:13 (KJV)
Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of YHWH your God; and YHWH will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.
Jeremiah 42:10 (KJV)
If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.
Ezekiel 14:6 (KJV)
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
This use of the word “repent” is again the Hebrew word shuwb, Hebrew 7725, Strong’s meaning to return again, return back to. To ‘return (again) back to’ God, and turn away from Idolatry, as in this case.
Ezekiel 18:30 (KJV)
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord God. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
Again, this expresses the idea to ‘return back to GOD, to seek Him and return from all the sin (transgressions) that were committed.
Ezekiel 24:14 (KJV)
I YHWH have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord God.
Here YHWH makes it clear that HE will not repent according to actions or sins of the person, those actions to sin—transgressions committed against God law —shall judge that person unless the person repents —returning back to God seeking his pity and live not sinning.
Since we have now almost exhausted the Hebrew meaning for the word REPENT, it is now time to look at the New Testament Greek.
This brings us to the first use of the word Repent in the New Testament.
Matthew 3:2 (KJV)
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
metanoeo, Greek 3340, Strong’s
metanoeo, met-an-o-eh'-o; from Greek 3326 (meta) and Greek 3539 (noieo); to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (moral feel compunction) :- repent.
meta, Greek 3326, Strong’s
meta, met-ah'; a primary preposition (often used adverb); properly denoting accompaniment; “amid” (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (general association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between Greek 575 (apo) or Greek 1537 (ek) and Greek 1519 (eis) or Greek 4314 (pros); less intimate than Greek 1722 (en), and less close than Greek 4862 (sun)) :- after (-ward), × that be again, against, among, × and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-) on, + our, × and setting, since, (un-) to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.
noieo, Greek 3539, Strong’s
noieo, noy-eh'-o; from Greek 3563 (nous); to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figurative) to comprehend, heed :- consider, perceive, think, understand.
The definition of “repent” in the Greek is very similar requiring one to think differently or afterward of something, to reconsider one’s past ways, to ponder on one’s past, to do so with a moral compulsion, a feeling of deep regret, or remorse, or need to reconsider or return to understand or perceive another better way of doing something than before hand.
Matthew 4:17 (KJV)
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Mark 1:15 (KJV)
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Again looking at both the Hebrew and the Greek we can see that Jesus is calling on His people to return back to God, or reconsider their ways, to be mindful of their past ways, to be remorseful in spirit in the fear of God and his judgment on their souls.
There is an urgency in His calling those to REPENT!
Mark 6:12 (KJV)
And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Notice that this was a key requirement commanded from JESUS and those preaching the kingdom message of God.
Jesus made it very clear this was required.
Luke 13:3 (KJV)
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Luke 13:5 (KJV)
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
In this next Scripture, Jesus teaches the parable of a man who is rich and a beggar who is poor and the difference between the two, and their lives; one evil, one just living as best he could.
Luke 16:19-31 (KJV)
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Christ is showing many things in this parable, that man’s selfishness is a great sin and not being kind-hearted. The rich man speaking from the hot fires of hell says to Abraham in heaven, if one was sent from the dead to the living, those of his own kinsmen living in selfishness and sin, they might then return away from their sins and ask for mercy or forgiveness from God, and refrain from living in their self-centered sinful ways.
Of course the truth is spoken that even if one did arose from the dead, many would still not repent of their sinful ways, for Christ was going to do just that.
Luke 17:3-4 (KJV)
Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. [4] And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
We can see that repenting and forgiveness go hand in hand. If one repents—asking for forgiveness, for mercy, for clemency of one’s sins or transgressions— then that same one shall be forgiven. Christ here is teaching His disciples, and us all, to forgive all those who shall genuinely repent of their past wrongs, or doings, their sins.
In this next Scripture, we now can begin we see what Peter meant when he commanded the children of Israel and all to “repent.”
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Surely, Peter was asking everyone to consider or perceive their ways, be remorseful toward God asking for His mercy, pleading for forgiveness, thinking on the sins and transgressions they have committed, seeking God to return back to Him in truth in a confession of full repentance. This was the first step of many which Peter commands those listening to him.
Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Repenting is a part of the converting process, submitting to God in the act of repentance, to be forgiven by God for your sins, in the hope that He will, as He promised to do, blot away the past sins or transgressions against His Righteous law.
Acts 8:22 (KJV)
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
This same idea asking in prayer to God for HIS mercy, his forgiveness upon your soul.
In the next Scripture we can see GOD commands ALL MEN, EVERYWHERE, to REPENT.
Acts 17:30 (KJV)
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Acts 26:20 (KJV)
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Notice that this is speaking to those who believe in Christ, His first Christians who were of both Jews ( house of Judah) and Gentiles (lost Israel) should repent and return back to God and do works worthy (“meet”) of “repentance.”
The word “repentance” in the Greek here is metanoia.
metanoia, Greek 3341, Strong’s
metanoia, met-an'-oy-ah; from Greek 3340 (metanoeo); (subject) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another's] decision) :- repentance.
A compunction or compulsion for guilt which results in a reformation, or reversal of the past way, or former doings, to be made better—more holy , more right, or righteous in the eyes of God.
2nd Corinthians 7:8 (KJV)
For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
Paul here is saying though he made the church of Corinth sorry by his words toward them, they were still necessary for which he need not repent (take back his words or feel guilty for), yet Paul does repent.
The action and definition of “repent” is to “perceive” that a thing or action needs to be reformed or corrected from its former being. This is true repentance, where it involves the mind, the act of realizing one’s wrong past ways and the need to make them right before God.
Revelation 2:5 (KJV)
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
The ability to repent is to realize or remember the past wrongs or where we fell in sin and committed transgressions against God and His law.
Revelation 2:16 (KJV)
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Spirit is commanding those in the church (body of believers of Christ) to “repent!” to turn back to doing the former holy things, be remorseful, asking for forgiveness of God, and seek his mercy, or else!
God is speaking to those in a particular church, or time of a church age as many believe, where a female prophetess has been allowed to lead the church, leading it astray by false doctrines and in general without the authority to lead so.
Here Christ is warning that this prophetess was given plenty of time repent to return to do what is holy but failed to do this and now the Spirit gives the church likely built upon her foundation time to repent of doing the same sins and false doctrines.
Revelation 2:21-22 (KJV)
And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. [22] Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
This next Scripture is to the church of Sardis which needed to repent as well of its works.
Revelation 3:3 (KJV)
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
We should all remember as well, as we are abstaining from sin, we should all think it worthy to repent to God for sins we know not we have, or may have committed unaware.
We should always retain a repentant spirit toward God throughout our existence, for it is God Whom Wills and Gives His pity and mercy and grace.
Revelation 3:19 (KJV)
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
We should all be zealous for God and repent to Him for He, and He alone deserves such humble servitude.
The word “repentance” is a related study in itself.
Hosea 13:14 (KJV)
I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Hosea 13:14 is speaking about Ephraim or those of the ten tribes of the house of Israel.
Hosea 13:12-16 (KJV)
The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up; his sin is hid. [13] The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he is an unwise son; for he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children. [14] I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
[15] Though he be fruitful among his brethren, an east wind shall come, the wind of the Lord shall come up from the wilderness, and his spring shall become dry, and his fountain shall be dried up: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. [16] Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.
YHWH is speaking though his prophet Hosea, that Ephraim's repentance should he repent will be hid from HIS eyes. God's judgment has come upon the ten tribes of Israel for their sins and they will be taken by Assyria, the east wind, to captivity amongst the Gentiles (nations) and Ephraim shall not return until God chooses to have mercy and redeems his children.
Amazingly, the word “repentance” is only used the one time in the entire Hebrew Old testament (King James Translation noted).
nocham, Hebrew 5164, Strong’s
nocham, no'-kham; from Hebrew 5162 (nacham); ruefulness, i.e. desistance :- repentance.
The first uses of repentance in the New Testament are used in the book of Matthew.
Matthew 3:1-12 (KJV)
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, [2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. [3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, [6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: [9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. [10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: [12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
It’s here we can see that John the Baptist is one calling for fruits meet (or worthy) of repentance. John baptized, or immersed in water, those for as he himself states “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance” to reform you.
metanoia, Greek 3341, Strong’s
metanoia, met-an'-oy-ah; from Greek 3340 (metanoeo); (subject) compunction (for guilt, including reformation); by implication reversal (of [another's] decision) :- repentance.
John’s baptism is seeking a reformed person where the one repenting and baptized seeks to change what is wrong and admits his guilt, his sin, needing a new change in his life. A contrite and humble heart before God is necessary for the fruits of repentance.
The idea of the water that washes away the old man and makes pure the new man who now has repented of his sins.
Matthew 9:13 (KJV)
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance
Jesus was trying to teach to the Pharisees and His disciples that God seeks from man, mercy first toward his fellow man (and in so doing , man receives Mercy from God), not ritualistic sacrifice or necessarily praises in sacrifice.
Christ did not come to earth in the flesh to call those already who are living righteous, (for they are already blessed) but those who were sinners to repent of their sin and in doing so obtain righteousness and mercy of God.
Mark 1:4 (KJV)
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
We see that John preached for a baptism of repentance for the remission or the deliverance from sins.
aphesis, Greek 859, Strong’s
aphesis, af'-es-is; from Greek 863 (aphiemi); freedom; (figurative) pardon :- deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.
“Remission” means to be ‘free’ from or pardoned, or delivered from, forgiven of, to have liberty from something, in this case from sins committed against God and His Law.
What is sin, but the transgression of the law of GOD Almighty YHWH.
1st John 3:4-5 (KJV)
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. [5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Mark 2:17 (KJV)
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
So Christ was calling sinners those who are guilty under the law of God to full repentance, deliverance from all their sins.
Luke 3:3 (KJV)
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Here, we see repeatedly testifying of John the Baptist that the act of water baptism and repentance went hand in hand for or toward obtaining the remission of one’s sins.
Luke 24:46-49 (KJV)
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.
[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
We also see that repentance and remission of sins go hand in hand associated to calling on Holy Name of the Christ, that is YHWH’s Christ, his Servant who was prophesied to save the children of Israel from their sins. The Christ is Israel’s redeemer, the Savior of Israel.
Acts 5:31 (KJV)
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 11:18 (KJV)
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
The word ‘Gentiles’ often is translated ‘the nations’, in some cases to mean ‘non-Israelite nations’ depending on the exact context (many cases where gentiles refer to Israel specifically lost in the gentiles or among non-Israelite nations)
We can see here that YHWH not only calls for Israel, but is also calling the stranger or the alien, those of the non-Israelite nations to save them from their sins that they too might have mercy be forgiven and be granted life.
In the next Scripture we see that John preached only to the children of Israel, for they only were under the law.
Acts 13:24 (KJV)
When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Acts 19:4 (KJV)
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Christ also only preached primarily to the Jews— the visible remaining southern House of Israel, the house of Judah (Jews). But Christ being of GOD in the flesh also later took His Gospel —the good news of Salvation —to all His earthly creation to “the Gentiles.” This is why John said that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus, the Anointed one sent of YHWH.
Jesus in turn, taught this exact concept.
John 12:44-45 (KJV)
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. [45] And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
John 17:3 (KJV)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 13:16 (KJV)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
John 3:17 (KJV)
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
The Gospel of Christ was given to His disciples to preach to the world : both those of Israel and those of non-Israel to return back to God and have faith in Jesus the Christ.
Acts 20:21 (KJV)
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:20 (KJV)
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Again here is a commandment from Christ to his disciples to first preach the Gospel to the scattered abroad decendents of the house of Judah —those living in Damascus, Jerusalem and all the coast of Judea (the Jews)—and to the Gentiles—non-Israel as well as the ten tribes of the children of Israel (lost into the gentile nations).
Romans 2:4 (KJV)
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
It is easier for one living in some righteousness to repent of his or her sin than one who cares not of righteousness or one who enjoys willfully living in their sins and the things that cause sin and by their actions multiply that sin.
Therefore the fruits of repentance are goodness, forbearance, long suffering doing well and living righteously with one another.
Romans 2:1-11 (KJV)
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. [2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. [3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? [4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? [5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds: [7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; [10] But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: [11] For there is no respect of persons with God.
It must be remembered repentance is also a gift, given and accepted by God, “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” We have repentance because of God’s grace and His mercy.
A gift or calling from God is without repentance.
Romans 11:24-32 (KJV)
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: [27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. [28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. [29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. [30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: [31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. [32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
This means that God, when He states or gives to make a promise, He does not repent of that promise, or gift. YHWH said He would save the children of Israel from their sins, and he has done this through HIS Christ.
Paul is merely trying to get this point across to the children of Israel, in his letter to the Romans speaking of ‘the olive tree’ an image representative of Israel, all twelve tribes.
Paul is speaking not about Jews and Gentiles, but rather the children of twelve tribes of Israel who would be saved.
Since many of Israel are lost into the Gentiles (nations) such as Rome would be, the Gentiles must be fulfilled with the Gospel of Christ to reach all of Israel so all Israel would be saved according YAH’s promise —"For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
This includes those of the house of Judah who no longer were visibly known as ‘Jews’ if they converted into Christ rather as ‘Christians’ who lived amongst the gentiles. This might also include any of Judah who was lost among the Gentiles in the Babylon and Assyrian captivities.
In the following Scripture we see there are several kinds of repentance.
2nd Corinthians 7:9-10 (KJV)
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Sorrow is necessary in the act of repentance. There are two types of sorrow. One is “Godly sorrow” this is being truly sorry asking for forgiveness. The other sorrow is a dead feeling sorry or fake sorrow, often emotional, but not of seeking or asking of forgiveness, not seeking to be truly reformed for one's misdeeds. This kind of sorrow worketh unto death, sin and sin is death.
Romans 6:23 (KJV)
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 8:6 (KJV)
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
It is God who gives any of us the gift or the spirit of repentance
2nd Timothy 2:24-26 (KJV)
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
It is God who causes one to open their heart to repentance— it's His will— therefore the person must be seeking God or in a state of being to be ready to seek God and His repentance. It is God who allows one to come to the knowledge the truth.
Repentance is the foundation of coming to God through Christ. Faith is also required before one can repent for it through one’s faith— believing— we have need for repentance to God.
Hebrews 6:1-9 (KJV)
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [3] And this will we do, if God permit. [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, [5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, [6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. [7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: [8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. [9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Paul says that once having come to the truth to willfully sin and choose the old ways from which we repented of and sought his mercy and grace, is to crucify Christ again— causing Him the pain of His first sacrifice for our purging away of our former sins. Therefore, after such there remains no remission of sins, no saving or hope, no promise.
Below Paul is teaching using the example of Esau, who lost the birthright and his lack of Godly sorrow in his lack of repentance having lost his birth right.
Hebrews 12:12-17 (KJV)
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; [13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. [14] Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: [15] Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; [16] Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. [17] For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
The last Scripture of repentance in the Bible is a most revealing one.
2nd Peter 3:9 (KJV)
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Understand that God wishes ALL MEN should come to repentance, a foundation beginning step, and a key to achieving one’s very precious salvation of one's soul and everlasting life with God.
Luke 15:7 (KJV)
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:10 (KJV)
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Won't you begin that path toward your own salvation?
REPENT to God of YOUR SINS then obey what the Holy Bible records as Jesus commanded, and his disciples continued; to be BAPTIZED in the NAME OF JESUS the Christ, for the REMISSION OF YOUR SINS.
Acts 2:36-40 (KJV)
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
You shall receive the GIFT from GOD —of the HOLY GHOST—for THE PROMISE is unto you as many as YHWH our GOD shall call.
Are you being “called” right now?
Have you been “washed in the blood of the Lamb?”
Do you know Jesus?
Learn what it means to "BE BAPTIZED"