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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 3:2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/3-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/40_Mat_03_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 3:2 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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seek God’s purpose for your life], for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near! ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and saying, &#8220Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />He said, "Turn back to God! The kingdom of heaven will soon be here." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Turn away from your sins," he said, "because the Kingdom of heaven is near!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Repent, because the kingdom from heaven is near!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />and saying, ?Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and saying "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Repent," he said, "for the Kingdom of the Heavens is now close at hand."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and saying, “Convert, for the kingdom of the heavens has come near,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and saying, 'Reform, for come nigh hath the reign of the heavens,'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And saying, Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And saying: Do penance: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />and saying: “Repent. For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />[and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Saying, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And he said, “Return to God, the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />and saying: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />saying, Repent ye, for the kingdom of the heavens is at hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is nigh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Repent," he said, "for the Kingdom of the Heavens is now close at hand."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />saying, "Repent ye for the Kingdom of Heaven has drawn near;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/3-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=460" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">saying,</a> <a href="/greek/3340.htm" title="3340: Metanoeite (V-PMA-2P) -- From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.">“Repent,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileia (N-NFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/1448.htm" title="1448: ēngiken (V-RIA-3S) -- Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach.">is near.”</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-15.htm">Mark 1:15</a></span><br />“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-3.htm">Luke 13:3</a></span><br />No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-38.htm">Acts 2:38</a></span><br />Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a></span><br />Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/17-30.htm">Acts 17:30</a></span><br />Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a></span><br />And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Revelation 2:5</a></span><br />Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-19.htm">Revelation 3:19</a></span><br />Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a></span><br />A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a></span><br />Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/3-12.htm">Jeremiah 3:12-14</a></span><br />Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. / Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. / “Return, O faithless children,” declares the LORD, “for I am your master, and I will take you—one from a city and two from a family—and bring you to Zion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? / For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-24.htm">Daniel 9:24</a></span><br />Seventy weeks are decreed for your people and your holy city to stop their transgression, to put an end to sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</p><p class="hdg">Repent.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a></b></br> From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20</a></b></br> Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Matthew 12:41</a></b></br> The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas <i>is</i> here.</p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3,10,19,20</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-10.htm">Matthew 6:10,33</a></b></br> Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as <i>it is</i> in heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-7.htm">Matthew 10:7</a></b></br> And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/13-7.htm">Close</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-2.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-1.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/micah/4-8.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-13.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-14.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-19.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Close</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/matthew/3-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Reform</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Reign</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">He reprimands the Pharisees,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>and saying,</b><br>This phrase introduces the message of John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament. John is often seen as the forerunner to Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> about a voice calling in the wilderness. His role is to prepare the way for the Lord, and his message is one of urgency and importance.<p><b>“Repent,</b><br>Repentance is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments. It involves a complete change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God. In the Jewish context, repentance was a well-understood concept, often associated with returning to the covenant relationship with God. John's call to repentance is a call to spiritual renewal and readiness for the coming Messiah.<p><b>for the kingdom of heaven</b><br>The "kingdom of heaven" is a term used predominantly in the Gospel of Matthew, synonymous with the "kingdom of God" found in other Gospels. It reflects the Jewish reverence for the name of God, avoiding its direct use. This kingdom is not a political entity but a spiritual reign, where God's will is fulfilled. It signifies the breaking in of God's rule through the ministry of Jesus Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies such as those found in <a href="/daniel/2-44.htm">Daniel 2:44</a> and <a href="/isaiah/9-7.htm">Isaiah 9:7</a>.<p><b>is near.”</b><br>The nearness of the kingdom indicates the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ and the new covenant He brings. This phrase underscores the urgency of John's message, as the long-awaited Messiah is about to begin His ministry. The concept of "nearness" also suggests that the kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope, a tension seen throughout the New Testament. This dual aspect is reflected in Jesus' teachings and parables, emphasizing the need for readiness and vigilance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, John the Baptist, is a pivotal figure in the New Testament. He is known for his role in preparing the way for Jesus Christ through his preaching of repentance and baptism.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness_of_judea.htm">The Wilderness of Judea</a></b><br>This is the location where John the Baptist preached. The wilderness symbolizes a place of spiritual preparation and transformation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a></b><br>A central theme of John's message, repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and turning towards God. The Greek word used here is (metanoeite), which means to change one's mind or purpose.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a></b><br>This phrase refers to God's sovereign rule and reign. It is a central theme in Jesus' teachings and is often synonymous with the Kingdom of God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nearness_of_the_kingdom.htm">The Nearness of the Kingdom</a></b><br>John's proclamation that the kingdom is "near" indicates the imminent arrival of Jesus Christ and the new covenant He would establish.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_repentance.htm">The Urgency of Repentance</a></b><br>Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process in the life of a believer. John's message emphasizes the urgency of turning to God without delay.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven</a></b><br>The Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers are called to live under God's rule now, anticipating its full realization in the future.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_preparation.htm">The Role of Preparation</a></b><br>Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for Christ's return by living in obedience and holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transformative_power_of_repentance.htm">The Transformative Power of Repentance</a></b><br>True repentance leads to a transformed life. It involves a change of mind that results in a change of behavior, aligning one's life with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_proclaim.htm">The Call to Proclaim</a></b><br>Like John, believers are called to proclaim the message of repentance and the nearness of God's kingdom to others, sharing the hope and truth of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_repentance_mindset_change_or_sin_renunciation.htm">Is repentance a mindset change or sin renunciation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_you_repent_and_be_baptized.htm">Should you repent and be baptized?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_john_mean_by_'repent'.htm">What did John mean by "Repent, Kingdom of Heaven near"?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_put_others_first.htm">What did John mean by 'Repent, Kingdom of Heaven near'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Repent.</span>--Etymologically, the word "repent," which has as its root-meaning the sense of pain, is hardly adequate as a rendering for the Greek word, which implies change of mind and purpose. In the Greek version of the Old Testament, the word is used of divine rather than human repentance, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> of a change of purpose implying pity and regret (<a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm" title="And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.">1Samuel 15:29</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/4-28.htm" title="For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.">Jeremiah 4:28</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/18-8.htm" title="If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.">Jeremiah 18:8</a>). In <a href="//apocrypha.org/wisdom_of_solomon/5-3.htm" title="And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves, This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach:">Wisdom Of Solomon 5:3</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/17-24.htm" title="But unto them that repent, he granted them return, and comforted those that failed in patience.">Ecclesiasticus 17:24</a>; <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/48-15.htm" title="For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled and carried out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:">Ecclesiasticus 48:15</a>, it includes the sorrow out of which the change comes. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And</span> (omitted by the Revised Version) <span class="cmt_word">saying</span>. The parallel passages give the substance of John's preaching - the baptism of repentance. St. Matthew takes, as it seems, a sentence that actually fell from his lips, and presents it as the kernel of his message ("preaching... saying"). This is the more interesting as nowhere else are we told any words uttered by him in this the first stage of his ministry before crowds flocked to hear him. <span class="cmt_word">Repent ye... at hand</span>; said word for word by our Lord (<a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a>, note). <span class="accented">Repent ye</span> (<span class="greek">μετανοεῖτε</span>) . The word expresses the central thought of true repentance, in speaking, as it does, of a change of mind. Contrast <span class="greek">μεταμέλεσθαι</span> (<a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Matthew 27:3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8-10</a>). As such it goes deeper than the Old Testament summons "Turn ye" (<span class="hebrew">שובו</span>), or the rabbinic <span class="hebrew">תשובה</span>, for it points out in what part of man the alteration must be. (On <span class="accented">your</span> meaning more than the mere thinking power, and including also the willing faculty, cf. especially Delitzsch, 'Psych.,' p. 211, etc., Eng. trans., 1875.) It is noticeable that the LXX. never, as it seems, translate <span class="hebrew">שוב</span> by <span class="greek">μετανοῖν</span>, but often <span class="hebrew">נחם</span> (of man only in <a href="/jeremiah/8-6.htm">Jeremiah 8:6</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-19.htm">Jeremiah 31:19</a>; and <span class="accented">possibly</span> <a href="/joel/2-14.htm">Joel 2:14</a>; cf. <a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a>), which refers to repentance as a matter of feeling. As Messiah was coming, it was only natural that John should urge repentance. Similarly, we find late Jewish writers expounding <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, "'And the Spirit of God was moving [on the face of the waters].' This is the Spirit of King Messiah, like that which is said in <a href="/isaiah/11-2.htm">Isaiah 11:2</a>, 'And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.' By what kind of merit does it draw near and come? It says, 'upon the face of the waters.' By the merit of repentance, which is compared to water, as it is written (Lain. 2:19), 'Pour out thy heart like water'" ('Bresh. R.,' § 2). But, unfortunately, they assign far too legal a meaning to the word, and their phrase, "do repentance" (<span class="hebrew">עשה תשובה</span>), becomes almost identical with the "do penance" (<span class="accented">poeni-tentiam agite</span>, Vulgate) of the Roman Catholics (cf. Talm. Dab., 'Sanh.,' 97 b). <span class="cmt_word">For the kingdom of heaven</span> (see Introduction, p. 22.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/3-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγων</span> <span class="translit">(legōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Repent,</span><br /><span class="grk">Μετανοεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(Metanoeite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3340.htm">Strong's 3340: </a> </span><span class="str2">From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡ</span> <span class="translit">(hē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kingdom</span><br /><span class="grk">βασιλεία</span> <span class="translit">(basileia)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> </span><span class="str2">From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heaven</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐρανῶν</span> <span class="translit">(ouranōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is near.”</span><br /><span class="grk">ἤγγικεν</span> <span class="translit">(ēngiken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1448.htm">Strong's 1448: </a> </span><span class="str2">Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 3:2 Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/3-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 3:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/3-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 3:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>