Bible Verses About Repentance

An open Scripture scroll and a worn Bible on a wooden table in warm candlelight

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture calls us to turn back to God. The Hebrew word for repentance, teshuvah, simply means return. Below is a curated collection of Bible verses about repentance — from the Torah, the Prophets, the words of Yeshua (Jesus), and the apostles — each with a short reflection to help you pray and apply it.

Repentance in the Torah and the Writings

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

— 2 Chronicles 7:14

Repentance is never merely private. God ties the healing of a land to the humble return of His people.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

— Psalm 34:18

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

— Psalm 51:10

The call of the Prophets

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."

— Isaiah 55:6-7

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments."

— Joel 2:12-13

"Repent and turn away from all your offenses... Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit."

— Ezekiel 18:30-32

The words of Yeshua (Jesus)

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

— Matthew 4:17

"I tell you... there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

— Luke 15:7

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."

— Matthew 3:8

The apostles and the promise of forgiveness

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

— Acts 3:19

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

— 1 John 1:9

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret."

— 2 Corinthians 7:10

How to use these verses

Choose one verse and pray it back to God in your own words. Ask Him to show you anything you need to turn away from, then take one concrete step today. To walk this out over time, begin the 30-day repentance journey, learn the meaning of teshuvah, or read our step-by-step guide, How Do I Repent?

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Bible verse about repentance?
Many point to 2 Chronicles 7:14 or Acts 3:19 as the clearest summaries, but the right verse is the one that moves your heart to turn back to God today.
Where does the Bible first talk about repentance?
The theme appears early — God's warning to Cain to master sin (Genesis 4:7) — and runs through the Law, the Prophets, and the New Testament.
What did Jesus say about repentance?
Yeshua's first public words were "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" (Matthew 4:17), and He taught that heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7).

Sources & further study