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  Rethinking “ Repentance”: A Linguistic and Theological Clarification Introduction: Why Repentance Is Misunderstood The English word “ repent” evokes ideas of sorrow, guilt, and turning away from sin. But this common interpretation can sometimes oversimplify or misrepresent the original meanings of key biblical terms in Hebrew and Greek . Part of the confusion stems from the Latin Vulgate translation, which often used the word paenitentia ( penance) to translate Hebrew and Greek concepts— giving rise to associations with remorse, confession, and punishment rather than covenantal return or transformational rethinking. Let us explore the five major terms often rendered as “ repent” and recover their rich, original intent . 1. נִחַם ( nacham) — “ to be moved” / “ to relent” / “ to be comforted” Sample verse: “ And the LORD repented ( וַיִּנָּחֶם) that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” — Genesis 6: 6 ( KJV) Meaning: The root nacham car...

  "Mellō" (μέλλω) and the Power of the Coming Age: A New Testament and Greek World Study The Greek verb μέλλω (mellō) plays a subtle yet crucial role in New Testament eschatology. Often translated as “to be about to,” "to intend,” or “to be destined,” μέλλω speaks not just of possibility or nearness, but of divine purpose, impending fulfillment, and teleological direction. This article will explore its semantic range in Koine Greek, its use in the New Testament—especially in connection to the resurrection —and its theological resonance with both Hellenistic and Hebraic thought worlds. I. Semantic and Classical Background of μέλλω In classical and Hellenistic Greek literature, μέλλω often functions in three key ways: Temporal imminence : "is about to" — e.g., Xenophon uses it for actions immediately forthcoming. Destined purpose : "is destined to" — implying certainty, often with divine or cosmic overtones (e.g., Homer’s heroes who are “about to die...