The noun metanoia and the corresponding verb metanoein are only rarely used in the LXX: 27 times in all, the verb occurring 22 times, the noun only 5 times. The NT uses them more frequently, and they are found 24 times in the Synoptic Gospels, 7 times in the Pauline writings, once in 2 Pet and 12 times in Apoc. In common Greek usage, the words indicate a change of mind, which is the predominant sense in the classical period, or regret for past conduct, which is predominant among the Stoic writers of th…