The most common term in the Old Testament for repentance is šûb; the verbal forms appear well over 1,050 times, although translated “repent” only 13 times, and the substantive “repentance” occurs only once in the New International Version. More commonly the translation is “turn” or “return

Two requisites of repentance included in sûb are “to turn from evil, and to turn to the good.” Most critical theologically is the idea of returning to God, or turning away from evil.

One may detect two sides to this turning/converting. There is the free sovereign act of God’s mercy, and a conscious decision to turn to God (a turning that goes beyond sorrow and contrition).

Confession of sins is both commanded and frequently illustrated (e.g., in the penitential prayers, as Pss. 25 and 51). When one is guilty of various sins, “he must confess in what way he has sinned” in order to receive atonement and forgiveness (Lev. 5:5; 26:40–42). Thus, confession belongs to repentance, and is needed for divine forgiveness (cf. 1 John 1:9). A great prophecy/promise is given in the Book of Isaiah: “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins” (59:20).