The Gospels Never Use the Word for Repentance About Judas — Only a Word That Means Regret
Did you know the Greek word describing Judas after the betrayal is not the word Jesus used when He preached "repent"?
"Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders." — Matthew 27:3 (KJV)— Matthew 27:3
When Jesus opened His public ministry with "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17), the Greek word was μετάνοια (metanoia, Strong's G3341) — a change of mind that redirects the whole life.
But when Matthew describes Judas after the betrayal, he reaches for a different word: μεταμέλομαι (metamelomai, Strong's G3338) — regret, remorse. Judas felt sorry enough to throw the thirty pieces of silver back into the temple (Matthew 27:3). He was never sorry enough to turn around.
Paul names the same divide in 2 Corinthians 7:10: godly sorrow works repentance (metanoia) leading to life, while the sorrow of the world — mere regret — works death. Regret looks backward and feels bad. Repentance looks at Jesus and turns. Explore the full word study →
Why It Matters
Feeling terrible about a sin is not the same as repenting of it. God is not asking you to perform enough guilt — He is inviting you to change your mind and turn toward Him, where the Father is already running to meet you.
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