54 Important KJV Bible Verses About Repentance

Repentance is a key part of the Christian faith. It means turning away from sin and turning back to God. The Bible talks about repentance many times throughout its pages. These verses show us how important it is to change our hearts and seek God’s forgiveness.

The King James Version gives us beautiful and powerful words about repentance. God calls all people to repent and come to Him. When we truly repent, He forgives us and makes us new. These 54 verses will help you understand what the Bible teaches about genuine repentance and God’s amazing grace.

Bible Verses About Repentance – Definition

Repentance, according to Wordnik, is a deep feeling of regret or sorrow for past sins, leading to a sincere change of heart and behavior. It’s not just feeling sorry, but turning away from sin completely.

Bible Study Tools explains repentance as “a change of mind and purpose,” or “a heartfelt regret that leads one to return to God.”

In essence, true repentance is both emotional and spiritual — it involves recognizing our wrongs and choosing to walk in obedience to God’s will.

Exodus 13:17 – God Did Not What His People To Change Their Minds After Leaving Egypt

“And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.” (KJV)

God wisely chose a longer route for the Israelites instead of the short path through Philistine territory. He knew they were not ready for battle and might lose courage. If they faced war too soon, they would regret leaving Egypt and want to go back. God protected their faith by guiding them carefully through the wilderness.

Matthew 12:41 – Some People Did Not Repent When Jesus Preached

“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.” (KJV)

Jesus pointed out that the people of Nineveh repented when Jonah preached to them. Yet the people in Jesus’ own time refused to repent, even though someone greater than Jonah was right in front of them. This shows how hard some hearts can be, even when God Himself comes to call them. The ancient Ninevites will stand as witnesses against those who rejected Jesus’ message.

Matthew 21:29 – The Repentant Son Did His Father’s Will

“He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.” (KJV)

Jesus told a story about a son who first refused to work in his father’s vineyard. At first, he said no and walked away from his duty. But later, he changed his mind and went to do the work anyway. This shows that true repentance means more than just feeling sorry—it means taking action and doing what is right, even after we’ve made a wrong choice.

Matthew 27:3 – Judas Changed His Mind But Did Not Repent To Jesus

“Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.” (KJV)

Judas felt terrible regret after betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. He realized his awful mistake and tried to return the money to the religious leaders. However, his sorrow was not true repentance because he never turned back to Jesus for forgiveness. This shows us that feeling guilty is not the same as genuine repentance—real repentance means returning to God with a humble heart.

2 Corinthians 7:8 – Paul Knew The Necessity of Repentance of Sin

“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.” (KJV)

Paul wrote a tough letter to the Corinthians that made them feel bad about their sins. At first, he felt sorry for causing them pain, but then he changed his mind. He saw that their sorrow led them to true repentance and change. Sometimes godly correction hurts, but it brings us back to the right path.

Bible Verses About Repentance – For Salvation

Repentance is essential for receiving God’s salvation. The Bible clearly teaches that we must turn from our sins and turn to God to be saved. Without repentance, we cannot truly accept God’s gift of eternal life. These verses show us that repentance and faith go hand in hand on the path to salvation.

God desires everyone to come to repentance and be saved. He is patient and loving, waiting for people to turn to Him. When we genuinely repent and believe in Jesus Christ, God forgives all our sins. True repentance opens the door to a new life and a restored relationship with our Creator.

Matthew 3:2 – John the Baptist Preached Repentance

“And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (KJV)

John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repent. He warned them that God’s kingdom was coming soon and they needed to change their ways. His message was simple but powerful—turn from sin because God is near. Repentance was the first step to being ready for the Savior who was about to appear.

Mark 1:15 – Jesus Echoed John’s Message of Repentance

“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (KJV)

Jesus began His ministry with the same urgent message as John the Baptist. He announced that God’s promised kingdom had arrived and people needed to respond. Jesus called everyone to repent and believe the good news of salvation. This shows that repentance and faith are both necessary to enter God’s kingdom.

Mark 16:16 – Jesus Said Repentance Is Necessary for Salvation.

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (KJV)

Jesus made it clear that belief is essential for salvation. Those who believe and are baptized will be saved from eternal judgment. But those who refuse to believe will face condemnation. This verse shows that faith in Jesus is the dividing line between salvation and damnation, and true faith includes turning away from sin.

Luke 15:7 Repentance Brings Joy In Heaven

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” (KJV)

Jesus taught that heaven celebrates when even one person turns from sin to God. There is more rejoicing over one repentant sinner than over many who are already righteous. This shows how precious each soul is to God and how much He loves it when people come back to Him. Every act of genuine repentance causes joy among the angels.

Luke 24:47 – Repentance Is for All Humans

“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (KJV)

Jesus commanded His disciples to preach repentance and forgiveness to every nation on earth. This message was not just for the Jewish people but for all humanity. Starting in Jerusalem, the gospel would spread to the ends of the world. God’s call to repentance is universal because everyone needs His forgiveness and grace.

John 3:36 – Repentance Is Necessary to Avoid the Wrath of God

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (KJV)

Jesus made it clear that believing in Him leads to eternal life. Those who reject the Son of God will face His wrath instead of salvation. Without faith and repentance, God’s anger remains on the unbeliever. This verse warns us that turning to Jesus is the only way to escape judgment and receive eternal life.

John 8:24 – Repentance Is Part of Belief

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (KJV)

Jesus warned that refusing to believe in Him leads to dying in sin. Without faith in Jesus as the Messiah, there is no escape from spiritual death. Believing in who Jesus is requires turning away from our old sinful life. True belief includes repentance, or we remain trapped in our sins with no hope of salvation.

Acts 2:38 – Peter Preached Repentance

“Then 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.” (KJV)

On the day of Pentecost, Peter told the crowd to repent and be baptized. This was the way to receive forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. Peter’s message was clear—repentance must come first before God’s blessings can follow. Thousands of people responded that day and turned their lives over to Jesus Christ.

Acts 3:19 – Repentance For Forgiveness of Sins

“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.” (KJV)

Peter urged people to repent so their sins could be completely erased. Repentance leads to conversion and brings spiritual refreshing from God’s presence. When we truly turn from our sins, God wipes our record clean. This promise shows that repentance opens the door to forgiveness and renewal in our relationship with the Lord.

Acts 17:30 – No One Has An Excuse

“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” (KJV)

Paul declared that God overlooked past ignorance, but now commands everyone to repent. No person in any place has an excuse to continue in sin. God’s call to repentance reaches all people everywhere without exception. Since Jesus came and revealed the truth, everyone is responsible to turn from their sins and come to God.

Acts 20:21 – Repentance And Faith Are Connected

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

Paul preached the same message to both Jews and Greeks without distinction. He taught that repentance toward God and faith in Jesus go together. You cannot have one without the other for true salvation. Both turning from sin and trusting in Christ are essential parts of the gospel message.

Acts 22:16 – Paul Repented and Was Baptized

After Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, Ananias urged him not to delay. Paul was told to get up, be baptized, and have his sins washed away. He needed to call on the Lord’s name for salvation without waiting any longer. Paul’s immediate response shows us that true repentance leads to quick obedience and public commitment to Christ.

Romans 2:4 – God’s Goodness Leads To Repentance

“Or despisers thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leaded thee to repentance?” (KJV)

Paul reminds us that God’s kindness is meant to bring us to repentance. His patience and mercy are not signs of weakness but invitations to change. When we experience God’s goodness, it should soften our hearts toward Him. Those who ignore His kindness miss the very thing designed to turn them from sin.

Romans 6:23 – The Gift Which Follows Repentance

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (KJV)

Sin earns us death, which is what we deserve for our wrongdoing. But God offers eternal life as a free gift through Jesus Christ. When we repent and turn to Jesus, we receive life instead of death. This verse shows the beautiful exchange that happens when we leave our sins and accept God’s grace.

Romans 10:13 – Repent, Then Call To God

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (KJV)

Paul promises that anyone who calls on the Lord’s name will be saved. This invitation is open to everyone without exception or limitation. Calling on God means turning to Him with a repentant heart for salvation. No one is too far gone or too sinful to be saved when they genuinely cry out to the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:10 – Godly Sorrow Is A Good Thing

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (KJV)

Paul explains there are two kinds of sorrow—godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to true repentance and brings salvation without regret. Worldly sorrow is just feeling bad about getting caught and leads to death. The difference is that godly sorrow changes our hearts and draws us closer to God.

Ephesians 2:8 – Repent First Of Unbelief

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (KJV)

Salvation comes only by God’s grace and is received through faith in Jesus. We cannot earn it through our own good works or efforts. It is a free gift that God offers to everyone who believes. Before we can receive this gift, we must repent of our unbelief and trust completely in Christ alone.

2 Peter 3:9 – God Calls All To Repentance

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (KJV)

God is patient and does not want anyone to perish in their sins. He delays judgment because He desires all people to come to repentance. His seeming slowness is actually mercy giving everyone more time to turn to Him. God’s heart is that every person would repent and be saved from eternal destruction.

Bible Verses About Repentance – After Salvation

Repentance doesn’t end at salvation; it continues as a daily walk with God. Even after being saved, believers are called to turn from sin, renew their hearts, and seek God’s grace for continual spiritual growth.

2 Chronicles 7:14 – Repentance Involves Humility

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (KJV)

God promises restoration when His people humble themselves and repent. True repentance requires humbling our hearts, praying earnestly, and turning from sin. When we meet these conditions, God hears our prayers and forgives us. He even promises to heal and restore what was broken by our disobedience.

Psalm 51:1-4 – David Prayer of Repentance

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.” (KJV)

David cried out to God for mercy after his sin with Bathsheba. He asked God to wash him clean and acknowledged his guilt fully. David understood that all sin is ultimately against God Himself. This prayer shows true repentance—confessing sin honestly and seeking God’s forgiveness with a broken heart.

Proverbs 28:13 – Repentance Leads To Mercy

“He that covered his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confessed and forsakes them shall have mercy.” (KJV)

Those who hide their sins will not succeed or find blessing. But those who confess and turn away from their sins will receive God’s mercy. True repentance means both admitting our wrongs and stopping the sinful behavior completely.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – Repentance Is Man’s Duty Before God

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (KJV)

Solomon concludes that fearing God and keeping His commands is our entire duty. Every action we take will be judged by God, even the things we do in secret. Repentance prepares us for judgment day by turning us back to obedience and reverence for God.

Isaiah 44:22 – God Has Mercy On Those Who Repent

“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.” (KJV)

God promises to completely remove our sins like clouds disappearing from the sky. He calls us to return to Him because He has already provided redemption. When we repent, God shows mercy by erasing our wrongdoings entirely and welcoming us back with open arms.

Ezekiel 18:30 – God Tells People To Repent

“Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.” (KJV)

God warns that He will judge each person according to their actions. He urgently commands everyone to repent and turn from their sins. Repentance is the way to avoid being destroyed by our own wickedness and to escape God’s judgment.

1 John 1:8 – Sinners Need To Repent

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (KJV)

Anyone who claims to be without sin is lying to themselves. We all have sinned and need God’s forgiveness. Denying our sinfulness shows we lack truth and understanding. Recognizing our sin is the first step toward genuine repentance.

1 John 1:9 – Confession Precedes Forgiveness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (KJV)

God promises to forgive us when we honestly confess our sins to Him. He is faithful and will cleanse us from all wrongdoing. Confession is the key that unlocks God’s forgiveness and purification in our lives.

Revelation 2:5 – God Counsels To Repent Or Suffer The Consequences

“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (KJV)

Jesus warns the church at Ephesus to remember their former devotion and repent. He tells them to return to their first love and good works. If they refuse to repent, He will remove their lampstand and take away their spiritual influence.

Bible Verses About Repentance -Forgiveness To Others

True repentance is shown through a forgiving heart. When we forgive others as God forgives us, we reflect His mercy and love, allowing healing and peace to flow in our relationships.

Leviticus 19:17 – Communication Is Part of Repentance

“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” (KJV)

God commands us not to hold hatred in our hearts against others. We should lovingly confront our neighbor when they sin instead of staying silent. Speaking truth helps others recognize their need to repent and keeps us from sharing in their guilt.

Matthew 18:15 – Open Communication For Repentance

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (KJV)

Jesus teaches us to go directly to someone who sins against us. We should speak privately with them about their offense first. If they listen and repent, we restore the relationship and gain back our brother in Christ.

Luke 17:3&4 – The Process of Repentance and Forgiveness

“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (KJV)

Jesus teaches us to confront sin and forgive those who repent. Even if someone sins against us repeatedly in one day, we must forgive them each time they repent. This shows that genuine repentance should always be met with forgiveness, no matter how often it happens.

Bible Verses About Repentance – Does God Repent?

The Bible sometimes uses the word “repent” for God, but it doesn’t mean He sins or changes His divine nature. Instead, it shows God’s compassion — His willingness to relent or change His actions in response to human repentance and prayer.

Genesis 6:6 – Man’s Wickedness Caused God To Repent

“And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” (KJV)

God was deeply grieved by the wickedness that filled the earth. Humanity’s sin was so great that God regretted creating mankind. This verse shows how seriously God views sin and how deeply it hurts His heart when people choose evil over good.

Exodus 32:12 – Moses Begged God To Repent

“Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.” (KJV)

Moses interceded for Israel after they worshiped the golden calf. He asked God to turn from His anger and change His mind about destroying them. Moses appealed to God’s reputation and His promises to show mercy to His people.

Exodus 32:14 – God Changed His Mind About Bringing Judgment

“And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.” (KJV)

God heard Moses’ prayer and decided not to destroy the Israelites. He changed His plan of judgment because of Moses’ intercession. This shows God’s mercy and His willingness to relent when His people have an advocate pleading on their behalf.

Numbers 23:19 – God Does Not Repent Like Man Does

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV)

God is not like humans who change their minds out of weakness or error. His promises are always reliable and He keeps His word perfectly. When God makes a decree, He will fulfill it because He is faithful and unchanging in His character.

Deuteronomy 32:36 – God Has Mercy

“For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.” (KJV)

God will judge His people but also shows compassion on them. When He sees they are completely helpless and have no strength left, He will have mercy. God’s heart turns with compassion toward His servants when they reach the end of themselves.

1 Chronicles 21:15 – God In His Mercy Repented

“And God sent an angel unto Jerusalem to destroy it: and as he was destroying, the LORD beheld, and he repented him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed, It is enough, stay now thine hand.” (KJV)

God sent judgment on Jerusalem because of David’s sin in numbering Israel. But when He saw the destruction, His mercy moved Him to stop the angel. God commanded the angel to halt, showing that His compassion triumphs even in the midst of righteous judgment.

Jonah 3:10 – God Had Mercy On Nineveh

“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.” (KJV)

When the people of Nineveh repented and turned from their wicked ways, God saw their changed hearts. He decided not to destroy them as He had planned. This shows God’s mercy is greater than His judgment when people genuinely repent and turn back to Him.

1 Samuel 15:29 – God Does Not Have To Repent

“And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.” (KJV)

Samuel declares that God, the Strength of Israel, does not lie or change His mind like humans do. Unlike people who must repent because of sin or mistakes, God is perfect and unchanging. His nature is constant and His purposes are firm because He never acts wrongly or in error.

Psalm 110:4 – God Did Not Change His Mind About Jesus

“The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” (KJV)

God made an oath and will never change His mind about it. He declared that the Messiah would be a priest forever like Melchizedek. This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and unchangeable according to God’s unbreakable promise.

Psalm 135:14 – God Has Mercy On His People

“For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants.” (KJV)

God will judge His people fairly, but He also shows compassion toward them. He has mercy on His servants and relents from severe punishment. This verse reminds us that even when God disciplines us, His heart is moved with compassion for those who belong to Him.

Jeremiah 18:10 – God Will Reserve Judgment As He Sees Fit

“If it does evil in my sight, that it obeys not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.” (KJV)

God reserves the right to withhold blessings if people turn to evil and disobey Him. Even when He promises good things, continued rebellion can cause Him to change His plans. This shows that God’s blessings are connected to our obedience and response to His voice

Jeremiah 26:3 – When Man Repents, Sometimes God Repents Too

“If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.” (KJV)

God sent Jeremiah to warn the people, hoping they would listen and turn from sin. If they repented, God would change His plan to bring judgment upon them. This shows God’s desire is always for people to repent so He can show mercy instead of punishment.

Jeremiah 26:13 – Repentance Can Stop God’s Judgement

“Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.” (KJV)

Jeremiah urged the people to change their ways and obey God’s voice. If they would truly repent, God would turn away from the disaster He planned. This verse shows that genuine repentance has the power to avert God’s judgment and bring His mercy instead.

Jeremiah 26:19 – God Suspends Judgment When Man Repents

“Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the LORD, and besought the LORD, and the LORD repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.” (KJV)

The people remembered how King Hezekiah feared God and sought His mercy. When Hezekiah repented, God held back the judgment He had declared. This example shows that true repentance moves God’s heart to withhold punishment and give another chance.

Frequently Asked Question 

What does the KJV Bible say about repentance? 

The KJV Bible teaches that repentance means turning away from sin and turning back to God, which is essential for salvation and receiving His forgiveness.

Why is repentance important in the Bible? 

Repentance is important because it leads to forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

What is true repentance according to the KJV? 

True repentance involves godly sorrow for sin, confession, turning away from wickedness, and returning to obedience to God with a changed heart.

How do you repent according to the Bible KJV? 

According to the KJV, you repent by acknowledging your sins, confessing them to God, turning away from evil, and believing in Jesus Christ for salvation.

What did Jesus say about repentance in the KJV? 

Jesus said “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” and preached that repentance and faith in the gospel are necessary to enter God’s kingdom.

Can God forgive without repentance? 

The Bible teaches that God’s forgiveness comes when we confess and forsake our sins, showing that repentance is necessary to receive His mercy.

What is the difference between remorse and repentance? 

Remorse is worldly sorrow that leads to death, while godly repentance leads to salvation and involves genuine turning away from sin toward God.

CONCLUSION

Repentance is a vital part of the Christian journey and essential for salvation. These 54 KJV Bible verses show us that God calls all people to turn from their sins and come to Him. When we truly repent, God forgives us completely and gives us new life through Jesus Christ.

God’s heart is full of mercy for those who humble themselves and repent. He does not want anyone to perish but desires all to come to repentance and be saved. Let these powerful scriptures guide you toward genuine repentance and a closer relationship with our loving and forgiving God.