METANOEITE - change yourself

#METANOEI

#wordstudy #gospel #greeknewtestament #classicalgreek

One of the first direct quotes from Jesus in Mark's Gospel is a statement that includes the word METANOEITE,( Mark 1:15) generally translated as REPENT, however its actually more a command to think again about previous actions and thoughts, you change because you have changed your mind or NOOS.

Note that Jesus doesnt say repent your sins but just METANOEITE!

You can check the LSJ online Lexicon sitehttp://stephanus.tlg.uci.edu/ to confirm this but I want to recommend you look at one of Wesleys Sermons: VII of the 44 collected sermons. NO I'm not a Methodist but I found a copy of his sermons at a book sale and allowing for the 18th century context there is much sound common sense in them.

Some quotes from Wesley: " 'repent"; that is, know yourselves."

and further along "cease from evil, and learn to do well,

Modern readers may find his discussion of sin and guilt disturbing but bear in mind he also advises his listeners and readers to "be deeply sensible of this,"

Awareness of error is part of changing your mind.

Why cite Wesley. Remember he was a scholar who studied Latin and Greek before he became a preacher.

Metanoeite could also be literally translated as "Have after thoughts" or Consider your previous actions. Note also this is place before the words have faith in the Gospel.

Repentance is change. Metanoei Metaballei

What Jesus Said : Matthew 4:17 Repent

 Matthew 4: 17 in Greek reads 

Μετανοεῖτε˙ ἤγγικεν γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

A word for word translation 

Repent / change your mind approaches for the realm of the heavens

Μετανοεῖτε Μετανοέω to perceive afterwards or too late to change one's mind later to repent. Thats from the Liddell and Scott lexicon by the way.

 Meta change alter after with + noeoo mind consciousness to think 

So repentance is not merely regret and sorrow but an active process of change.

Ἤγγικεν is at hand has drawn near comes closer approaches

Perfect Tense of ἐγγίζω which comes from ἐγγύς an adverb near nigh close coming near

Note the use of the Perfect and not the Imperative or an Aorist Subjunctive.

Change your mind for heaven has been and is coming closer!

Notice also sin is not mentioned just the importance of change?