repent

Everyday

1. To repent is to feel truly sorry for something wrong you have done and to want to change. tree →
2. (church, Bible) To turn away from sin and turn back to God: in the Gospels John the Baptist and Jesus called people to repent. tree →
3. (formal) To regret a choice: «He repented of his decision». tree →

In the lessons

In religious education, repentance is a key idea in Christianity, Judaism and Islam: saying sorry to God and to the person hurt, and changing. In stories, a villain may repent at the end. Phrases: «repent of your sins», «repent and be forgiven», «repent at leisure» (from «marry in haste, repent at leisure»).

Examples

• The thief repented and gave the money back. tree →
• John the Baptist told the people to repent. tree →
• She repented of the mean things she had said. tree →
• Christians believe God forgives those who truly repent. tree →
• The giant repented and became the village's friend. tree →
• Marry in haste, repent at leisure, says the old proverb. tree →
• He did not repent until he saw how sad his friend was. tree →
• Act in haste and repent at leisure--and often in pain. tree →

Note

Regular verb, past «repented». Noun: repentance; adjective: repentant (opposite: unrepentant). Often «repent of» something. Repenting is more than saying sorry: it means wanting to change.

In Jewish tradition

Tradition explains these words as a way of speaking in human terms. Moses' prayer led God to spare the people after the golden calf. In the primary lessons: In religious education, repentance is a key idea in Christianity, Judaism and Islam: saying sorry to God and to the person hurt, and changing. In stories, a villain may repent at the end. Phrases: «repent of your sins», «repent and be forgiven», «repent at leisure» (from «marry in haste, repent at leisure»).

Examples

• Turn from Thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against Thy people. (Torah EXO.32.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the LORD repented of the evil which He said He would do unto His people. (Torah EXO.32.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• And it repented the LORD that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. (Torah GEN.6.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• And let it repent Thee concerning Thy servants. (Writings PSA.90.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD repented concerning this; 'It shall not be', saith the LORD. (Prophets AMO.7.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• Wherefore I abhor my words, and repent, seeing I am dust and ashes. (Writings JOB.42.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb, past «repented». Noun: repentance; adjective: repentant (opposite: unrepentant). Often «repent of» something. Repenting is more than saying sorry: it means wanting to change.