Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Original Language Analysis
μετανοήσατε
Repent ye
G3340
μετανοήσατε
Repent ye
Strong's:
G3340
Word #:
1 of 19
to think differently or afterwards, i.e., reconsider (morally, feel compunction)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιστρέψατε
be converted
G1994
ἐπιστρέψατε
be converted
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
4 of 19
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξαλειφθῆναι
may be blotted out
G1813
ἐξαλειφθῆναι
may be blotted out
Strong's:
G1813
Word #:
7 of 19
to smear out, i.e., obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅπως
when
G3704
ὅπως
when
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
11 of 19
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἔλθωσιν
G2064
ἔλθωσιν
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
13 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἀναψύξεως
of refreshing
G403
ἀναψύξεως
of refreshing
Strong's:
G403
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, a recovery of breath, i.e., (figuratively) revival
ἀπό
from
G575
ἀπό
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
προσώπου
the presence
G4383
προσώπου
the presence
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
17 of 19
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
Cross References
Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Matthew 18:3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 13:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Psalms 51:9Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.2 Thessalonians 1:7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,Lamentations 3:40Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.Acts 11:21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.Acts 28:27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Historical Context
Spoken in Solomon's porch after healing the lame beggar, addressing Jews amazed at the miracle. Peter attributes the healing to faith in Jesus' name (v.16), then calls hearers to repentance. The 'blotting out' metaphor would resonate with Jews familiar with Exodus 32:32-33's 'book' and Isaiah 43:25's promise of erased transgressions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'be converted' (active turning) differ from passive reception of salvation?
- What 'times of refreshing' do you experience now versus awaiting Christ's return?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Repent ye therefore, and be converted (μετανοήσατε οὖν καὶ ἐπιστρέψατε)—Peter's second sermon command uses stronger language: 'epistraphō' (be converted) means radical turning, complete reversal of life direction. That your sins may be blotted out (εἰς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι)—the Greek pictures erasing or wiping away written debt, echoing Psalm 51:1's plea and Colossians 2:14's cancellation of legal demands. When the times of refreshing shall come connects personal salvation with eschatological restoration, suggesting both immediate spiritual renewal and future cosmic restoration at Christ's return. Repentance remains the constant gospel demand from John Baptist through Acts.