repentance

Everyday

1. Repentance is being truly sorry for something wrong you have done and wanting to change and not do it again. tree →
2. (church, Bible) Repentance is turning away from sin and back to God; Christians believe God forgives those who truly repent. tree →

In the lessons

In religious education, Bible stories and sermons repentance is a key idea: John the Baptist called people to repent, and the prodigal son came home in repentance. In stories about ethics it tells the reader a character has changed inside, not just said «sorry». Phrases: «show repentance», «a sign of repentance», «repentance and forgiveness».

Examples

• The boy's tears showed real repentance. tree →
• The judge noted that the man showed no repentance for the crime. tree →
• Christians believe repentance means turning back to God. tree →
• John the Baptist preached repentance by the river Jordan. tree →
• The prodigal son came home full of repentance. tree →
• Saying sorry is easy; repentance means you also change. tree →
• Lent is a time of prayer and repentance for many Christians. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «a repentance» or «repentances». The verb is «repent», the adjective «repentant» (and «unrepentant» = not sorry at all). Repentance is deeper than an apology: it includes the wish to change. Spelling: -ance, not -ence.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means a change of mind or regret, and God says He will not have it, meaning He will not relent from the coming punishment.

Interpretation. Usually repentance (teshuvah, "return") is central to Judaism, but here the sages read it as a warning that punishment will come when people refuse to return.

Examples

• Repentance be hid from Mine eyes! (Prophets HOS.13.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «a repentance» or «repentances». The verb is «repent», the adjective «repentant» (and «unrepentant» = not sorry at all). Repentance is deeper than an apology: it includes the wish to change. Spelling: -ance, not -ence.