A Word About Definitions

Before beginning with the subject matter, I want to say a few things about word definition. It will help the reader understand where I'm coming from and also form the foundation for our approach to this subject.

The definition of words is very important in all areas of study and communication. Without a precise definition of words, communication is hindered...and clear thinking is impossible. A definition is like a real estate property line. A property line is both inclusive and exclusive. It specifies exactly the area of real estate that belongs to you. Likewise, a definition of a word will place limits upon that specific word... limits that include and exclude specific things.

The question arises, “Where will we go to get our definition?” Webster’s Dictionary is useful in many ways, but is not a final nor the best resource for Theological studies. A study tool such as Strongs Concordance, which has a Hebrew and Greek dictionary, is very helpful to the bible student. In addition, there are other Lexicons that can be useful to the serious student.

However, even with these resources there will be times when the definition of a particular word is not as clear or precise as we might like. When this is the case, there are several basic bible study principles the student may utilize. Here are three:

1. Careful attention to the context
2. Comparison of all passages dealing with the same subject
3. The law of first occurrence (first occasion of usage in the scripture)

The first and third principles (noted above) are the ones I have utilized here. The first occurrence of the word repent is in Genesis 6:6. The context provides the panorama to view the dynamics at work in the process of repentance.

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. An d the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. Genesis 6: 5-7

Notice that I have emphasized four verbal clauses in the previous verses. Together they form a logical and coherent progression of action:

1. A view of sin -------- (God saw)
2. A mind change ------- (it repented the Lord)
3. An emotional change----(it grieved the Lord)
4. A will change -------------- (I will destroy)

The progression of action in these verses leads us to these observations:

• In this larger context, repentance is a complex process. It exercises all the faculties of a rational being--the mind, the emotions, and the will.
• As God is the subject of repentance in its first occurrence in scripture, it amplifies the fact that He is the moving cause of genuine repentance in sinners.

In our study of Repentance, I will utilize the principles and observations drawn from these verses. It is clear that these verses relate Repentance to God. If for that reason, objection be raised against the validity of applying these observations to a sinner, I offer the following explanation.

"If we were analyzing Repentance as it occurs in sinners, the clutter of impure motives and emotions,which are interwoven and bound up in the sinner’s heart, would cloud and dim our view. On the other hand, in this first occurrence of Repentance, we observe the dynamics at work in their purest form...in an infinitely pure and holy being...God. Thus we are enabled to clearly view the dynamics of Repentance at work, then apply these principles as our study expands to include the process working within a sinner." (eag)

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