The doctrine of repentance is much broader than a dictionary’s definition. When Jesus said “repent,” His disciples recorded that command in the Greek language with the verb metanoeo.24 This powerful word has great significance. In this word, the prefix meta means “change.”25 The suffix relates to four important Greek terms: nous, meaning “the mind”;26gnosis, meaning “knowledge”;27pneuma, meaning “spirit”;28 and pnoe, meaning “breath.”29
Thus, when Jesus said “repent,” He asked us to change—to change our mind, knowledge, and spirit—even our breath. A prophet explained that such a change in one’s breath is to breathe with grateful acknowledgment of Him who grants each breath.
(Russell M. Nelson, “Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign, May 2007, 102–5)
Thus, when Jesus said “repent,” He asked us to change—to change our mind, knowledge, and spirit—even our breath. A prophet explained that such a change in one’s breath is to breathe with grateful acknowledgment of Him who grants each breath.
(Russell M. Nelson, “Repentance and Conversion,” Ensign, May 2007, 102–5)
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