μεταμέλλομαι (metamellomai)
metamellomai
to repent
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb metamellomai describes a shift in perspective that leads to regret or a change of heart. It literally suggests changing one’s care or interest, moving from one standpoint to another. In the New Testament, it appears five times, often carrying the weight of feeling sorry for a previous action or decision.
While it is frequently translated as "repent," it differs subtly from the more common metanoeō. Metanoeō implies a fundamental reorientation of one’s entire life and mind toward God. Metamellomai, by contrast, focuses more on the emotional response of regret or the practical change of plan that follows. This distinction helps explain its use in Matthew 21:30-32, where a son initially refuses to work in the vineyard but later changes his mind and goes, illustrating a shift in decision rather than necessarily a deep spiritual conversion.
The word also appears in Hebrews 7:21 regarding God’s oath concerning Melchizedek. Here, it underscores that God does not change His mind or regret His promise, highlighting the reliability of divine commitment against human fickleness. Translators must carefully weigh whether the context calls for a simple change of plan or a deeper repentance, as the Greek term allows for both depending on the speaker’s intent.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face difficult choices or painful mistakes, it is natural to feel regret. The Greek word metamellomai captures this feeling of changing one’s mind after an action has been taken. It describes a shift in perspective that leads to sorrow for what was done or a change in plans. While it shares roots with the call to spiritual repentance, it often focuses on the emotional weight of looking back at a decision with new understanding.
In Matthew 21:29, a son initially refuses to work but later changes his mind and goes. This illustrates how metamellomai can describe a practical change of heart that leads to action. It reminds us that our initial responses are not always final. God meets us in our moments of hesitation and regret, offering space for realignment.
Hebrews 7:21 uses this word to contrast human fickleness with divine faithfulness. God does not change His mind or regret His promises. This offers deep comfort. While we may struggle with shifting emotions or second-guessing our path, God’s commitment to us remains steady and reliable.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will change His mind;1×
- having repented1×
- having regretted [it]1×
- did repent1×
- I was regreting [it],1×
- I do regret [it];1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεταμεληθεὶς2×
- μετεμελόμην,1×
- μετεμελήθητε1×
- μεταμέλομαι·1×
- μεταμεληθήσεται·1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 21:29
He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.
This verse shows the word describing a practical change of decision where a son returns to work after initially refusing.
-
Hebrews 7:21
(for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but he with an oath by him that says of him, “The Lord swore and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’”
Here the term is used negatively regarding God to emphasize that He does not regret or reverse His solemn oath.
-
Matthew 27:3
Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Judas feels remorse after seeing Jesus condemned, illustrating the emotional weight of regret following a betrayal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does metamellomai mean in the Bible?
How is it different from metanoeo?
Does God ever feel regret according to this word?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 3 verses
He answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind, and went.
Matthew 21:32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…
Matthew 27:3Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of…