Meaning of Metanoia
Basic Sense: Change of Mind
The pre-Christian meaning of metanoia as a change of mind is its basic NT sense as well. This can readily be seen in Heb 12:17 which reads: "For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit a blessing, he [Esau] was rejected, for he found no place for metanoia, though he sought it diligently with tears." What was it that Esau could not find? It was not a turning from sinful behavior. It was not penance. What he could not find was a way to change his father's mind. The matter was settled. No matter how much he pleaded, he couldn't change Isaac's mind.
All NT uses include the sense of a change of mind present. However, if the context clearly indicates what one is changing his mind about, it could be that a more polished English translation can be found. For instance, if one is to change his mind about his sinful deeds, the term repentance conveys that thought nicely. (a)
Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary provides the following definition of repentance:
re•pen•tance \ri-'pent-en(t)s\ n: the action or process of repenting esp. for misdeeds or moral shortcomings syn see PENITENCE
For many, Webster’s definition represents the common understanding of repentance within the structure of faith in God. Man’s action, taken to right a relationship with God, broken by sinfulness for which we do penance.
Prior to the Christian meaning we have inherited, which for the most part is similar to Webster’s definition, the Classical Greek metanoia meant something quite different—changing one’s mind or heart about someone or something.
In the Old Latin and Latin Vulgate metanoia was translated as paenitentia which came to mean penance or acts of penance that had to be done if one hoped to obtain grace.
Both Luther and Calvin wished to remove the concept of penance from the meaning of repentance. They pointed instead at the root of the meaning of the word. (b)
Jerry: Still today Reformed teachers continue to add to root of the meaning of the word "metanoia" with "turning from sin, penance, contrition, sorrow for sin, etc.
Example:
Strong's #3340 - μετανοέω
From G3326 and G3539; to think differently
Jerry: So far so good.
....or afterwards, that is, reconsider (morally to feel compunction): - repent.
Jerry: He added to the root word his own meaning.
John MacArthur:
The predominate no-lordship view on repentance is simply to redefine repentance as a change of mind— (c)
Jerry: Pastor MacArthur is denying the root meaning of metanoia that goes back before the Lordship Salvation controversy.
...not a turning from sin or a change of purpose. (c)
Jerry: Pastor MacArthur is adding his own meaning to the root of metanoia.
Strepho Compounds are never translated as "repentance," the compounds of strepho in some contexts carry the idea of turning from sins. The basic sense of these compounds is turning from or to someone or something. These compounds are the true corresponding terms to the OT word shub.
"Turning to the Lord" is used in the NT, as it was in the OT, as an expression for faith and conversion.70 When Paul reported in Acts 15:3 that Gentiles were turning to the Lord, he was simply saying that Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ, were being saved.
Nowhere in the NT are these verbs used to indicate that one must turn from his sins to obtain eternal salvation. (a)
This view states, "In both the Old and New Testaments repentance means 'to change one's mind' " (Ryire, So Great Salvation, 92). "Is repentance a condition for receiving eternal life? Yes, if it is repentance or changing one's mind about Jesus Christ. No if it means to be sorry for sin or even resolve to turn from sin" (SGS 99). Repentance by that definition is simply a synonym for the no-lordship definition of faith. It is simply an intellectual exercise. (c)
Jerry: Metanoia is more than an intellectual exercise. The whole volition, emotions and will are involved that transfromed an unbeliever to a believer in the good new found in Jesus' death burial and resurrection. After this the sinner is justified and and the saint is progressively santified by the Holy Spirit.
Notes:
(a) New Testament Repentance: Lexical Considerations
(b) Metanoia Ministries
(c) What Is Biblical Repentance? by John MacArthur Jul 13, 2009
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