All Verses Using “Repent” or Its Forms (KJV)

Across every occurrence in Scripture, repent and its forms always mean a change of mind, purpose, or direction, never the act of turning from sin to earn salvation.

When God repents, He changes His purpose in judgment or mercy.

When men repent, they change their mind about God, His word, or their own error.

In Paul’s gospel, repentance is intellectual acknowledgment of truth leading to faith in Christ’s finished work, not emotional confession or ritual action.

Part 1 – Genesis through Deuteronomy

1. Genesis 6:6

“And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.”

↳ God changed His mind toward mankind because of their wickedness, not because of personal wrongdoing.

2. Genesis 6:7

“And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth … for it repenteth me that I have made them.”

↳ God altered His purpose concerning His creation due to man’s corruption.

3. Exodus 13:17

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.”

↳ Here repent means to change one’s mind or purpose, not to feel sorrow. God foresaw Israel might change their mind about leaving Egypt when faced with conflict.

4. Exodus 32:12

“Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains … Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.”

↳ Moses pleads with God to change His intended course of judgment against Israel.

5. Exodus 32:14

“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.”

↳ God changed His intended action toward Israel after intercession, demonstrating mercy.

6. Numbers 23:19

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent …”

↳ God’s nature and promises do not require repentance as man’s do. His decisions are perfect and righteous.

7. Numbers 23:20

“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.”

↳ The implied sense continues from verse 19, showing God does not change His mind about His declared blessings.

8. Deuteronomy 32:36

“For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone …”

↳ God will change His dealings toward Israel from judgment to mercy when they are powerless and dependent on Him.

Part 2 – Joshua through 2 Chronicles

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9. Judges 2:18

“For the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.”

↳ God changed His course toward Israel in mercy, responding to their distress and cries under oppression.

10. Ruth —

↳ No form of the word repent appears in Ruth.

11. 1 Samuel 15:11

“It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments.”

↳ God changed His purpose concerning Saul’s kingship because of Saul’s rebellion.

12. 1 Samuel 15:29

“And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.”

↳ God’s nature and word are unchanging. He does not repent as man repents, though His dealings may change according to righteousness.

13. 2 Samuel 24:16

“And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people, It is enough: stay now thine hand.”

↳ God ceased His judgment once His purpose was complete. His repentance shows mercy, not inconsistency.

14. 1 Kings —

↳ The book of 1 Kings contains no use of repent or its forms.

15. 2 Kings —

↳ The book of 2 Kings also contains no use of repent or its forms.

16. 1 Chronicles 21:15

“And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand.”

↳ Same historical account as 2 Samuel 24:16. God changed His action out of compassion toward His people.

17. 2 Chronicles 6:37

“Yet if they bethink themselves in the land whither they are carried captive, and turn and pray unto thee in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done amiss, and have dealt wickedly.”

↳ The word repent does not appear directly, but Solomon describes Israel changing their mind in captivity. It reflects the concept of repentance as a change of mind and acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

Part 3 – Job through Psalms

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18. Job 42:6

“Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

↳ Job changes his mind about his self-righteousness after seeing God’s greatness. His repentance is a change of understanding, not an emotional act for salvation.

19. Psalm 90:13

“Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.”

↳ Moses prays for God to change His dealings of wrath and show mercy toward His people.

20. Psalm 106:45

“And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.”

↳ God changed His course toward Israel because of His covenant faithfulness and mercy, not because of error or guilt.

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Part 4 – Proverbs through Isaiah

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21. Proverbs —

↳ No occurrence of repent or its forms.

22. Ecclesiastes —

↳ No occurrence of repent or its forms.

23. Song of Solomon —

↳ No occurrence of repent or its forms.

24. Isaiah 46:8–10 (implied concept)

↳ The specific word repent is not used, though God contrasts His unchanging purpose with man’s changeable mind.

25. Isaiah 57:15 (concept)

↳ The word does not appear, yet the verse reflects a contrite heart, which accompanies true repentance.

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Part 5 – Jeremiah

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26. Jeremiah 4:28

“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.”

↳ God confirms He will not change His declared judgment upon Judah.

27. Jeremiah 8:6

“I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done?”

↳ Israel refused to change their mind about sin, showing rebellion rather than humility.

28. Jeremiah 15:6

“Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting.”

↳ God expresses that He has repeatedly changed His course toward them, but their continued rebellion has exhausted His longsuffering.

29. Jeremiah 18:8

“If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.”

↳ God states His principle that He changes intended judgment when people change their mind toward Him.

30. Jeremiah 18:10

“If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.”

↳ God reverses blessing into judgment when disobedience replaces faithfulness.

31. Jeremiah 26:3

“If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.”

↳ God shows His willingness to change His actions based on the people’s response.

32. Jeremiah 26:13

“Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.”

↳ God’s repentance is a change in planned judgment, connected to His mercy and their obedience.

33. Jeremiah 26:19

“Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them?”

↳ Historical example of divine change of purpose because of humility and prayer.

34. Jeremiah 31:19

“Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh …”

↳ Israel’s change of mind after correction. Repentance here means re-thinking and acknowledging God’s truth.

35. Jeremiah 42:10

“If ye still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you.”

↳ God changes from judgment to restoration if they remain obedient.

Part 6 – Lamentations through Amos

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36. Lamentations 3:39–42 (concept)

↳ The exact word repent is not used, but the idea of turning and examining our ways is expressed, which aligns with repentance as a change of mind and direction toward God.

37. Ezekiel 14:6

“Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.”

↳ God commands Israel to change their mind and turn from idolatry under the law program. This repentance concerns national restoration, not salvation by grace.

38. Ezekiel 18:30

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

↳ Israel is called to change their mind and return to obedience under the Mosaic covenant.

39. Ezekiel 24:14

“I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways … shall they judge thee.”

↳ God confirms His judgment will not be reversed, emphasizing His faithfulness to justice.

40. Hosea 11:8

“How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? … mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.”

↳ God’s inner compassion is described as repentings. It expresses His struggle between judgment and mercy toward Israel.

41. Joel 2:13

“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

↳ God’s repentance is His change of intended action in mercy toward a repentant nation.

42. Joel 2:14

“Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him …”

↳ Israel hopes for God’s change of course from wrath to blessing. This verse reflects national restoration, not individual salvation.

43. Amos 7:3

“The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD.”

↳ God changed His intended judgment after intercession, showing His willingness to withdraw wrath.

44. Amos 7:6

“The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD.”

↳ Another instance where God reversed a decision of judgment, illustrating His mercy.

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Part 7 – Jonah through Malachi

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45. Jonah 3:9

“Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?”

↳ The Ninevites express hope that God will change His mind regarding their destruction.

46. Jonah 3:10

“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”

↳ God changed His course toward Nineveh, showing His mercy when they believed His warning.

47. Jonah 4:2

“For I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.”

↳ Jonah acknowledges God’s nature as merciful, showing repentance as a divine change of action, not moral fault.

48. Nahum 1:7–8 (concept)

↳ Although repent does not appear, God’s mercy and judgment are contrasted, consistent with His ability to change His dealings according to His purpose.

49. Zechariah 8:14

“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I repented not, saith the LORD of hosts.”

↳ God declares He did not change His mind at that time regarding punishment because of Israel’s rebellion.

50. Malachi —

↳ The book of Malachi does not use repent or its forms, though it calls Israel to return to God in spirit, which carries the same principle.

Part 8 – Matthew through Acts

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51. Matthew 3:2

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

↳ John the Baptist calls Israel to change their mind and return to God’s covenant program in preparation for the promised earthly kingdom.

52. Matthew 3:8

“Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.”

↳ John demands visible works that prove Israel’s change of mind toward God’s law and covenant, not grace salvation.

53. Matthew 3:11

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance …”

↳ John’s baptism was a ceremonial expression of Israel’s change of mind and readiness to receive their Messiah.

54. Matthew 4:17

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

↳ Christ continues John’s message to Israel, calling them to change their national mind and prepare for the kingdom, not to believe in His death and resurrection.

55. Matthew 9:13

“… I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

↳ Christ’s ministry to Israel focused on turning covenant breakers back to obedience under the law.

56. Matthew 11:20

“Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.”

↳ Israel’s cities refused to change their mind about their Messiah despite witnessing His miracles.

57. Matthew 11:21

“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”

↳ The Lord compares Israel’s hardness to Gentile humility, showing repentance as a change of attitude toward truth.

58. Matthew 12:41

“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 is here.”

↳ Nineveh changed its collective mind toward God’s warning, unlike unbelieving Israel.

59. Matthew 12:42–45 (concept)

↳ The emphasis remains on Israel’s failure to change their mind about Christ, showing unclean spiritual condition.

60. Matthew 21:29

“He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.”

↳ The son changed his mind and obeyed, illustrating repentance as a mental reversal, not an emotional event.

61. Matthew 21:32

“For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

↳ Israel’s leaders refused to change their mind and believe John’s kingdom message.

62. Matthew 27:3

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver …”

↳ Judas changed his mind and felt remorse but was not forgiven or saved. His repentance was regret, not faith.

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63. Mark 1:4

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

↳ Repentance here refers to Israel’s change of mind about their covenant standing, expressed in water baptism, under the kingdom gospel.

64. Mark 1:15

“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”

↳ The message concerns Israel’s kingdom gospel, not Paul’s gospel of grace. The repentance is national acknowledgment of Messiah.

65. Mark 2:17

“… I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

↳ Christ’s call to Israel to return to covenant faithfulness.

66. Mark 6:12

“And they went out, and preached that men should repent.”

↳ The twelve apostles continue Christ’s kingdom message to Israel.

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67. Luke 3:3

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

↳ Same as Mark 1:4, addressing Israel’s preparation for Messiah’s arrival.

68. Luke 3:8

“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance …”

↳ John demands visible evidence of their changed mind toward God’s covenant.

69. Luke 5:32

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

↳ Christ’s ministry appeals to Israel’s moral and covenantal restoration.

70. Luke 10:13

“Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! … they would have repented long ago.”

↳ Repetition of the same truth as Matthew 11, condemning Israel’s unbelief.

71. Luke 11:32

“The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas.”

↳ Gentile repentance stands as a rebuke to unbelieving Israel.

72. Luke 13:3

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

↳ Christ warns Israel that failure to change their mind about Him will bring national destruction.

73. Luke 13:5

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”

↳ Same as verse 3, emphasizing national judgment, not personal justification.

74. Luke 15:7

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth …”

↳ God rejoices over a sinner who changes his mind and returns to Him.

75. Luke 15:10

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

↳ The same emphasis on rejoicing over the restoration of the lost within Israel’s program.

76. Luke 16:30

“And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.”

↳ The rich man believes his brethren will change their mind if confronted by a miracle.

77. Luke 17:3–4

“… and if he repent, forgive him.”

↳ Repentance here is relational, a change of attitude and behavior toward a brother, not about eternal salvation.

78. Luke 24:47

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

↳ The risen Christ commissions the apostles to continue the kingdom program through repentance and remission, beginning with Israel.

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79. Acts 2:38

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins …”

↳ Peter preaches Israel’s opportunity to change their mind about killing their Messiah and be baptized for kingdom remission.

80. Acts 3:19

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.”

↳ Peter’s message calls Israel to national repentance for the return of Christ and the millennial kingdom.

81. Acts 5:31

“Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”

↳ Repentance here is a divine gift to Israel as a nation, offered through their Messiah.

82. Acts 8:22

“Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.”

↳ Peter rebukes Simon for his sinful motive, calling for a change of mind.

83. Acts 11:18

“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

↳ The apostles acknowledge God’s new work extending repentance, a change of mind toward God, to Gentiles.

84. Acts 13:24

“When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.”

↳ Summary of John’s preparatory ministry to Israel before Christ.

85. Acts 17:30

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.”

↳ Under Paul’s preaching, repentance means changing the mind from ignorance and idolatry to faith in the risen Christ.

86. Acts 19:4

“Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance …”

↳ Paul explains John’s past message as preparatory to Christ, not for the Body of Christ today.

87. Acts 20:21

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

↳ Paul describes a change of mind toward God that leads to faith in Christ’s finished work.

88. Acts 26:20

“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem … that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”

↳ Paul recounts his ministry calling men to change their mind toward God, showing evidence consistent with faith.

Part 9 – Romans through Revelation

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89. 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?”

↳ Paul declares that God’s grace and longsuffering are meant to lead men to a change of mind toward Him and His truth, not to reform behavior for salvation.

90. Romans 11:29

“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”

↳ God never changes His purpose or calling toward Israel. This verse refers to His unchangeable promises under prophecy, not personal salvation.

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91. 2 Corinthians 7:8

“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent …”

↳ Paul uses repent to describe a temporary change of mind about his severe letter, showing that repentance simply means reconsidering a course of action.

92. 2 Corinthians 7:9

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance …”

↳ Godly sorrow produced a genuine change of mind in the Corinthians about sin, aligning them with truth.

93. 2 Corinthians 7:10

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of …”

↳ True repentance produces a permanent change of mind that results in deliverance from error and discipline, not eternal salvation by works.

94. 2 Corinthians 12:21

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.”

↳ Paul grieves over believers who have not changed their minds about their sin. Repentance here refers to a correction of thinking and conduct in grace.

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95. 2 Timothy 2:25

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”

↳ God grants a change of mind through understanding sound doctrine. This repentance is intellectual and doctrinal, not emotional.

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96. Hebrews 6:1

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.”

↳ The Hebrew audience is urged to move beyond the old covenant mindset and change their understanding about works-based righteousness.

97. Hebrews 6:6

“If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance …”

↳ Repentance here refers to returning to covenant obedience, not Pauline salvation.

98. Hebrews 7:21

“… The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

↳ God will not change His mind concerning Christ’s eternal priesthood.

99. Hebrews 12:17

“For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.”

↳ Esau could not change Isaac’s decision. Repentance here refers to a change of mind in another, not sorrow.

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100. 2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise … but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

↳ Peter describes God’s desire that all change their mind toward Him and receive life. This extends to all, including Israel and Gentiles.

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101. Revelation 2:5

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works …”

↳ Christ calls the Ephesian assembly under the kingdom program to change their mind and return to their earlier zeal.

102. Revelation 2:16

“Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

↳ Warning to change mind and conduct or face judgment.

103. Revelation 2:21

“And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.”

↳ The false prophetess at Thyatira refused to change her mind about her sin.

104. Revelation 3:3

“Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.”

↳ Christ calls the assembly at Sardis to change their mind and obey His instruction.

105. Revelation 3:19

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

↳ God’s correction aims to produce a change of mind and renewal of obedience.

106. Revelation 9:20

“And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands …”

↳ During tribulation judgments, mankind refuses to change their mind toward God.

107. Revelation 9:21

“Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”

↳ Humanity’s stubbornness continues under judgment, revealing hardened hearts.

108. Revelation 16:9

“And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God … and they repented not to give him glory.”

↳ Even severe judgment does not produce a change of mind among the wicked.

109. Revelation 16:11

“And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.”

↳ The final rebellion of men refusing to change their mind or acknowledge God’s authority.