Biblical theme · Faith and spiritual life
Repentance in the Bible
Turning from sin back to God: the prophets’ calls, examples from David to Zacchaeus, the preaching of John, Jesus and the apostles, and the difference between regret and repentance.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Repentance means turning: away from sin and back to God, with a change of heart that shows in life. The prophets call Israel to return, and the New Testament begins with John the Baptist and Jesus calling people to repent. Ezekiel 18:30–32Mark 1:14–15
Scripture distinguishes sorrow that leads to change from regret that does not, and shows repentance bearing fruit, sometimes by making amends. 2 Corinthians 7:10Luke 19:8
Central passages
- Joel 2:12–13
“Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD your God; for he is gracious and merciful.”
- Ezekiel 18:30–32
“Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions… for I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies.”
- Matthew 3:1–8
John the Baptist calls people to repent and to produce fruit worthy of repentance.
- Mark 1:14–15
Jesus: “The Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
- Acts 2:37–38
Peter tells the crowd at Pentecost to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of sins.
- Luke 15:7
There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8–11
Godly sorrow produces repentance; worldly sorrow produces death.
Across Scripture
Each passage is labelled with why it belongs: central teaching, narrative example, supporting passage, comparison, contrast or interpretive connection.
“Return to me”
The prophets call God’s people to turn back, with a change of heart rather than outward show.
- Joel 2:12–13 Central teaching
“Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the LORD your God; for he is gracious and merciful.”
- Ezekiel 18:30–32 Central teaching
“Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions… for I have no pleasure in the death of him who dies.”
- 2 Chronicles 7:13–14 Supporting passage
God’s answer to Solomon about Israel: if my people humble themselves, pray and turn, I will hear. Spoken to Israel at the dedication of the temple.
People who turned
The stories show repentance in a king, a city, a tax collector and a runaway son.
- 2 Samuel 12:1–13 Narrative example
Confronted by Nathan, David says, “I have sinned against the LORD.”
- Jonah 3:5–10 Narrative example
Nineveh believes God, fasts and turns from violence, and God relents.
- Luke 19:1–10 Narrative example
Zacchaeus gives half his goods to the poor and repays fourfold anyone he has cheated.
- Luke 15:17–21 Narrative example
The younger son comes to himself, goes home and confesses.
“Repent and believe”
John, Jesus and the apostles all call for repentance as the first response to God’s message.
- Matthew 3:1–8 Central teaching
John the Baptist calls people to repent and to produce fruit worthy of repentance.
- Mark 1:14–15 Central teaching
Jesus: “The Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
- Acts 2:37–38 Central teaching
Peter tells the crowd at Pentecost to repent and be baptised for the forgiveness of sins.
- Luke 15:7 Central teaching
There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
Godly sorrow
The letters describe the kind of sorrow that leads to change, and God’s patience in giving time to repent.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8–11 Central teaching
Godly sorrow produces repentance; worldly sorrow produces death.
- 2 Peter 3:9 Supporting passage
The Lord is patient, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- 1 John 1:9 Supporting passage
If we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive.
Stories that show this theme
- Jonah and Nineveh Illustrates the theme
A whole city turns from violence. Jonah 3:5–10
- The Prodigal Son Illustrates the theme
The son comes to himself and returns. Luke 15:17–20
- Pentecost
Peter’s first sermon ends with a call to repent. Acts 2:38
- The Conversion of Saul
Saul turns from persecuting Jesus’ followers to proclaiming him. Acts 9:20–22Acts 26:19–20
- The Fall
The chapter shows the opposite of repentance: hiding and blaming. Genesis 3:10–13
People associated with this theme
- David
David confesses his sin when confronted. 2 Samuel 12:13
- John the Baptist
John’s preaching calls for repentance and its fruit. Matthew 3:8
Distinctions and questions of interpretation
- Regret and repentance
- Paul contrasts sorrow that leads to repentance with sorrow that leads to death. Feeling bad is not the same as turning. 2 Corinthians 7:10
- Repentance and making amends
- The law of Moses required restitution with an added fifth, and Zacchaeus goes further. Repentance can include repairing harm where that is possible. Numbers 5:6–7Luke 19:8
- Repentance and earning forgiveness
- In the parable the father runs to the son before he finishes his confession. Repentance turns toward a welcome; it does not pay for it. Luke 15:20–22
Related themes
- Forgiveness
Turning from sin and receiving forgiveness are often spoken of together. Acts 3:19
- The Kingdom of God
Jesus’ announcement of the kingdom calls for repentance. Mark 1:15
Life situations
- Temptation
Turning away from sin. James 4:7–8
- Guilt and Regret
Turning from wrong toward God. Acts 3:19
Questions for reflection
Written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What does Joel 2:13 mean by tearing your heart and not your garments?
- How does Zacchaeus show that he has changed (Luke 19:8)?
- What is the difference between the two kinds of sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7:10?
- What does the father’s welcome in Luke 15:20-22 say about how God receives those who turn back?