Sunday, February 28, 2021

The Weymouth NT Definition of "Repent" in Matthew 3:2

The
Weymouth New Testament with notes has a footnote for the word "Repent" in Matthew 3:2 that supports the Free Grace understanding of repentance as a change of mind and heart. The footnote for the word "Repent" in Matthew 3:2 reads as follows: "5. repent] Or 'change your minds.'"1 This understanding of repentance as a change of mind is borne out in the text of the Weymouth NT in several places. For instance, Matthew 3:8 ("Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance;" NASB) in the WNT reads: "Therefore let your lives prove your change of heart" (Matt. 3:8, WNT). The parallel passage in Luke 3:8 reads similarly: "Live lives which shall prove your change of heart" (Lk. 3:8, WNT). This is the proper order, first change your minds and hearts (repent), and then as a result of your repentance, "let your lives prove your change of heart". Thank you Mr. Weymouth for clarifying that the word "Repent" in Matthew 3:2 means "change your minds"!

Reference:

1 R. E. Weymouth, The New Testament in Modern Speech (London: 1915), p. 7, see note 5 on "Repent" in Matthew 3:2.

The Weymouth NT,
definition of "Repent"


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