Greek word · Strong's G3340

μετανοέω

metanoéō · verb · “to repent”

In a sentence

Metanoeō is the verb form of metanoia — to change one’s mind and turn. It is the action verb of biblical repentance: not just feeling sorry but turning to God.

Metanoeō pairs meta (after, change) with noeō (think): to change the way one thinks. But it is never merely intellectual. It is the action of turning — away from sin and self, toward God.

John the Baptist and Jesus both begin their preaching with metanoeite — “repent.” Peter, on Pentecost, calls his hearers to do the same. To respond rightly to the gospel is to turn and to trust.

Strong's reference

Definition: to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction)

KJV usage: repent

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Mark 1:15 ““The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”” Acts 2:38 “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Luke 13:3 “No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.