When I lived in Africa, I became pretty proficient at translating French to English, and vice versa. I have also studied other African and western languages. I only mention this to establish that I know how easy it is to make mistakes in translation. Trust me, I’ve made a few.
It is even harder when the languages being translated do not have one-word direct translations like most nouns. Ideas and concepts tend to require more words to come across clearly.
Perhaps my easiest example is when I was speaking English to an Armenian audience. I might say a two second sentence and the translator went on for at least ten seconds to convey the idea. Often hand gestures were also involved.
The Greek word metanoia could fit into this category. Metanoia is about a change of
Mindset, which is is a pattern thinking that ultimately guides our actions.
Changing our way of thinking is important for growing and learning, especially when we are aligning with the Bible.
And when I say “Bible,” I mean the original languages. The translations we read are not always direct or simple. (That might explain for the why there are so many translations in English alone.)
Metanoia is almost always translated to English as “repentance.”
And when we use repentance in English,
one word is not a complete translation of metanoia.
It is a concept after all.
I have taught wrongly for decades that “repentance/metanoia,” meant a 180 degree turn away from sin.
When in truth, the concept means to turn to God.
Turning is involved in both. The difference is subtle, yet notable.
Let me elaborate on why this difference is shifting my mindset.
It is true, that when we turn to God, we are turning away from sin. As I have been contemplating all this something occurred to me.
I am learning to rest.
Metanoia is easier than repentance because it is inspired and empowered by God.
The character of God invites and empowers us to change our mindsets. “Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4b
Without the Holy Spirit empowering us, turning from sin too often becomes a work that we struggle with. If we have fear of people, or other poor motivations pushing us, burn out is likely on our path.
Better yet, all of this exchange is in the context of our love relationship with our Creator.
The more we experience the love of God, by keeping our gaze on Him and not on sin, the less we have to turn from.
Abba, thank You for making it possible for us to become more like you every day. You love us, invite us, empower us, and you never leave let go of us. You saw, and provided for, our needs before you made us. Thank you for continually inviting us to turn to you, and in you is where I choose to rest. Amen
