To repent is to turn from sin back to God. Jesus began His preaching with "repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), and "the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4), for "godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Repentance is one of the first words of the gospel. John the Baptist preached it in the wilderness, and Jesus took it up from the first day of His ministry. In both Hebrew and Greek the idea is a turning: a change of mind that turns a person around and brings them home to God. These twelve King James verses cover what repentance means, the kindness of God that leads us to it, and what turning back looks like in real life. It is a fitting Advent theme, and in early 2027 it leads into Lent. For God's side of the story, see forgiveness.
What repentance means
1. Matthew 3:2
"And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus with one word: repent. His preaching is a traditional reading for the second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2026. Getting ready for Christmas includes getting ready to receive the King.
2. Mark 1:15
"And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."
Repentance and faith go together. Turning from sin is not a way to earn God's favor; it is turning toward the good news that the kingdom has come near in Jesus.
3. Acts 17:30
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
Paul preached this in Athens, a city full of idols. Repentance is for everyone, not only for people who think of themselves as religious, and God's call is for now. See also idols.
4. 2 Corinthians 7:10
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
Paul contrasts two kinds of sorrow. Worldly sorrow is regret that ends in despair; godly sorrow leads us to God, to change and to salvation, and it leaves no regret behind.
God's kindness leads us to repent
5. Romans 2:4
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
We often think fear drives repentance, but Paul says God's goodness does. His patience with us is not approval of sin; it is an open door to come home.
6. 2 Peter 3:9
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
If you wonder why Jesus has not returned yet, Peter gives one reason: God is patient and wants everyone to come to repentance. It is a verse to pray for loved ones who are far from God.
7. Ezekiel 18:32
"For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye."
God takes no pleasure in anyone's ruin. His command is also an invitation: turn and live. Repentance is the way out of death, not a punishment.
8. Luke 15:10
"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Jesus told three stories in Luke 15: a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. Each ends in joy, because heaven celebrates when one person repents. See also rejoicing.
What turning back looks like
9. Luke 15:18
"I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,"
The prodigal son came to himself, got up and went home with honest words. Repentance can be that simple: admit the truth and go to the Father, who ran to meet his son while he was still a great way off (Luke 15:20).
10. Proverbs 28:13
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."
Hiding sin keeps it alive; confessing and forsaking it opens the door to mercy. Confession is first to God, and where it is wise, also to a trusted believer (James 5:16).
11. Matthew 3:8
"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:"
Real repentance shows. John asked for fruit: changed habits, restored relationships and new choices. Fruit grows after the turning; it is not the price of forgiveness.
12. Luke 19:8
"And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold."
Zacchaeus did not wait to be told. Meeting Jesus moved him to give generously and repay what he had taken. Where you can, repentance includes making things right with people you have hurt. See restoration.
A short prayer
Father, I have sinned against heaven and before You. Thank You that Your goodness leads me to repentance and that You run to meet those who come home. Show me what I need to turn from, give me godly sorrow without despair, and help me bear fruit that shows a changed heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Go deeper: a SOAP study prompt
Pick one verse above and write: - Scripture: copy the verse by hand. - Observation: what does it say? Who is speaking, to whom? - Application: what does it mean for you today? - Prayer: turn it into a two-line prayer.
New to this method? See our Bible study guide or pick a Bible reading plan.
Download our free SOAP study page · Get the SOAP Bible Study Journal · Pray and confess daily with the 30-Day Prayer Journal
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to repent?
To repent means to change your mind and turn around: away from sin and toward God. It includes honest confession, trust in Jesus and a new direction. The prodigal son shows it: he admitted his wrong, left the far country and went home to his father (Luke 15:17-20).
What is the difference between repentance and forgiveness?
Repentance is our turning; forgiveness is God's gift. When we confess, God promises: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:9). See forgiveness for more, and salvation for how to begin with Christ.
Can I repent too many times, or be too far gone?
God's patience is greater than ours; Jesus told Peter to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22). Ezekiel 18:32 says God has no pleasure in anyone's death and calls, "turn yourselves, and live ye." Many pastors note that the desire to come back is itself a sign that God is drawing you.
How do I repent of my sins?
Pray honestly, name what you have done and ask God for forgiveness through Jesus, as David did in Psalm 51. Then take a step: stop the sin, make things right where you can, as Zacchaeus did, and ask a pastor or trusted friend to help you stay accountable. Repentance is a daily turning, not a one-time feeling.
Repentance is turning to God, not punishing yourself. If guilt or shame feels overwhelming, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, please talk to a pastor, doctor or licensed counselor. In the US you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Sources: All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain in the United States. References were checked against the KJV text from bible-api.com.
Related: Bible verses about forgiveness · Bible verses about salvation · Bible verses about Lent · Bible verses about revival · Bible verses about mercy · Bible verses about seeking the Lord · Bible verses about restoration
Explore more: All Bible verses by topic · KJV Bible verses · Verse of the day · Prayers · Bible study · Bible reading plans
