Matthew 4:17- did Jesus say "return" or "repent"?

[Eturnal]

http://godsreal.org/?p=46

Matthew 4:17- did Jesus say “repent” or “return”?

I have recently heard a minister teach that Jesus message recorded in Matthew 4:17 translated in your KJV English Bible, ”Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”- actually would be better translated “Return, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The preacher said that the word used here would have been “Tshubah” in the Hebrew, which means to return. Is this what Jesus preached in Matthew 4:17? Is this the word that would have been spoken by our Lord?

Wait, are you kidding me?

Before we go anywhere with this article we need to get some simple facts straight. First; “Tshubah” in the Hebrew would not be recorded anywhere in the original New Testament Manuscripts. Why? Because they were written in Greek. Jesus, however, likely spoke Hebrew and Greek, so it is not impossible for him to use a Hebrew word. Second; in the English KJV “Tshubah” is never once translated “repent”! NOT ONCE! However, the root word from which “Tshubah” is derived from- “Shuwb”- IS translated repent in your KJV; albeit a grand total of 3 times!

Ok, a quick recap

Recapping what we just learned: the word “repent” shows up 22 times in the KJV Old Testament. Out of those 22 times, “Tshubah” is the Hebrew word translated “Repent” 0 times. The word “Shuwb” is translated “repent” 3 times. “Shuwb” is the root word from which “Tshubah” is dirived. Maybe we should leave the translating to the Holy Spirit and those who actually know what they are talking about.

So,

what did Jesus say?

The word “repent” in your Bible should be translated “repent” and not “return“. The person who says it should be translated “return”, especially in the New Testament, is ignorant of the Gospel. Here is why:

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” ~Acts 3:19

So, if you translated the word “repent” here (every time Jesus said repent in the 4 Gospels, it is this same word) as “return”- you would have a problem. Why? Because it says “repent and be converted”- and it is impossible to “return and be converted”, since to convert means to switch for the first time. I repeat, it is 100% impossible for you to “return and convert”- but it is the Gospel that all men “repent and convert”. Therefore, the word “repent” stands as the correct translation. Please study before you talk next time.

[BrianK]

Very nice seems like you spent time on that.

[Forrest]

http://godsreal.org/?p=46

Matthew 4:17- did Jesus say “repent” or “return”?

I have recently heard a minister teach that Jesus message recorded in Matthew 4:17 translated in your KJV English Bible, ”Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”- actually would be better translated “Return, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The preacher said that the word used here would have been “Tshubah” in the Hebrew, which means to return. Is this what Jesus preached in Matthew 4:17? Is this the word that would have been spoken by our Lord?

Wait, are you kidding me?

Before we go anywhere with this article we need to get some simple facts straight. First; “Tshubah” in the Hebrew would not be recorded anywhere in the original New Testament Manuscripts. Why? Because they were written in Greek. Jesus, however, likely spoke Hebrew and Greek, so it is not impossible for him to use a Hebrew word. Second; in the English KJV “Tshubah” is never once translated “repent”! NOT ONCE! However, the root word from which “Tshubah” is derived from- “Shuwb”- IS translated repent in your KJV; albeit a grand total of 3 times!

Ok, a quick recap

Recapping what we just learned: the word “repent” shows up 22 times in the KJV Old Testament. Out of those 22 times, “Tshubah” is the Hebrew word translated “Repent” 0 times. The word “Shuwb” is translated “repent” 3 times. “Shuwb” is the root word from which “Tshubah” is dirived. Maybe we should leave the translating to the Holy Spirit and those who actually know what they are talking about.

So,

what did Jesus say?

The word “repent” in your Bible should be translated “repent” and not “return“. The person who says it should be translated “return”, especially in the New Testament, is ignorant of the Gospel. Here is why:

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” ~Acts 3:19

So, if you translated the word “repent” here (every time Jesus said repent in the 4 Gospels, it is this same word) as “return”- you would have a problem. Why? Because it says “repent and be converted”- and it is impossible to “return and be converted”, since to convert means to switch for the first time. I repeat, it is 100% impossible for you to “return and convert”- but it is the Gospel that all men “repent and convert”. Therefore, the word “repent” stands as the correct translation. Please study before you talk next time.

Are repent and return really that different? Both mean a change of direction. The real question is a change in what? Many think Jesus is saying change your behavior. But as James says…

James 3:1 (KJV) My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

…the man who controls what he says controls his behavior. But James also says no man can tame the tongue. Yet Jesus says…

Mat 12:34-35 (KJV) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. {35} A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

…it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks and good and evil come forth. So how does whatever is in our heart get their? Solomon says…

…as a man thinks in his heart so he is!

It is our thinking that needs to change. Indeed when Jesus says repent is He not also saying return to God’s way of thinking and doing?

Perhaps a paraphrase of this well known verse…

Mat 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

…Seek God’s way of doing things. Isn’t THAT the call to repentance?

The question remains how to do that. It is not by the study of theology. It is not even by grasping sound doctrine. It is by having your mind renewed to where you start to think like Christ. There is only one way to do that. Hang out with Him!

Ever notice how people who spend a lot of time together think alike?

Phil 2:1-2 (NIV) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, {2} then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

[jdole]

What a rude ending to your answer... And you still didn't define the word repent...Im sure you think it means to turn from sin... And, I might add, perhaps You should study before you post !

μετανοέω= strongs greek lexicon
to change one's mind
Meta=change
Noeo=mind