Change the Mind (μετανοέω)

The Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō) means, “to change the mind”. It is derived from the word for “mind,” with a preposition added that means “after.” In English translations of the Bible, this word is rendered as “repent.” However, the current understanding of "repent" actually stems from the Latin repoenitere, which entered French as repenter, meaning "to be sorry" or "to regret." This term was adopted into English around the 14th century as repent.

Today, “repent” is generally defined as carrying a sense of contrition, sorrow, and turning away from sin. Yet, this definition does not convey the concept of the original Greek word. In the New Testament (written in Greek), the concept of repentance is primarily conveyed by the word μετανοέω (metanoeō), which literally means “to change one's mind.” It is composed from the combination of the prefix meta- (after) with -noeō (to think). Thus, inherently it has nothing to do with sin. Instead, it refers to a change of one’s mind concerning a matter.

In Matthew chapter 3, John the Baptist proclaimed in the wilderness of Judea to Israel they should change their mind concerning the Kingdom of the Heavens. His coming fulfilled the prophecy spoke by the prophet Isaiah who described a voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3). Israel was not believing in the coming of the Messiah, even though God had specifically told them when He would come. John was not instructing Israel to repent of sins but to change their mind concerning the coming of the Messiah—the one promised through David to take away the sins of the people.

During Peter’s first address to Israel after the resurrection of Christ and the coming of the Holy Spirit, he informed them that Jesus, whom they put to death, God raised from the dead. This occurred according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:34-36). The devout Jews who listened to Peter and saw the signs God preformed through him and the other disciples, were cut to the heart by his message of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:37). In response to their question about what they should do, Peter instructed them to change their mind about the fact that Christ was raised from the dead. This would result in immersion by water, because of the fact that their sins have been sent away by the death and resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:38).

Then Peter spoke facing them, you all change the mind and be immersed, each one of you upon the basis of the name of Jesus Christ because of the sending away of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit-Acts 2:38.

Paul warns the Corinthian saints concerning permitting those among their ranks that are habitually sinning that if he comes and finds those who continue in sin and have not changed their mind about their uncleanness, fornication, and licentiousness, he will be very harsh in correcting them (2 Corinthians 12:21). Such behaviors are not to named among the saints (Ephesians 5:3). Those who persist in these practices are to be separated from the assembly—not permitted to meet with the congregation—until they change their mind (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

A change of mind (repentance) when confronted with the truth leads to a full experiential knowledge of truth. Truth is seeing things as they really are. When we change our mind, our action will reflect this change, resulting in a lifestyle that applies this truth, enabling us to experience it rather than merely intuitively knowing it.

One of the duties of a pastor is to be consistent with the Word, tolerant, and with an objectivity of mind, child-training those who appose themselves. The purpose is to bring them to a change of mind that they may escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his desirous will (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

And a servant of the Lord, it is necessary not to be quarrelsome but to be gentle towards all, able to teach, tolerant, in objectivity of mind child-training the ones apposing themselves, if perhaps the God should give them to a change of mind unto a full experiential knowledge of truth and they should come to their senses out from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him for the purpose of doing his desirous will – 2 Timothy 2:24-26.

Grief that is according to God leads us to a change of mind. We are grieved so that the Holy Spirit may move us away from sinful practices and toward the truth. Our lifestyle of sin becomes deeply grievous to us. Not all grief we face in this life comes in a godly manner, but the grief that is always leads to a change of mind for the good of the one grieved (2 Corinthians 7:8).

When we read the term “repent” in our English Bibles, it is important to attach the proper definition to the word to avoid imposing a meaning upon Scripture that it does not support. Changing the mind involves one’s actions and practices. Repentance (a change of mind) leads to conversion that results in the blotting out of sin (Acts 3:19). The Jews come out from a faith—are turned back to God—and the Gentiles come into a faith (Romans 1:17). We do not repent of our sins to gain salvation. Salvation is by grace through faith, not through repentance of sins. Faith in the fact that Christ died on behalf of our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures is the result of a change of mind that produces salvation through faith, not through remorse for sin (1 Corinthians 15:1–5).