Bible Strands
Matthew 3:2
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — John the Baptist addresses the crowds in the wilderness of Judea at the outset of his public ministry. He announces his message to them as he begins his preaching work.
The words — The Greek μετανοεῖτε (metanoeite) issues a direct command to change one's mind and course, while ἤγγικεν (ēngiken) declares that the βασιλεία (basileia) of heaven has already drawn near.
The thread — The text states the same proclamation in Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 4:17) and parallels the gospel announcement in Mark 1:15, while pointing toward the permanent establishment of God's reign described in Daniel 2:44.
Why it lands — The passage demands immediate mental and moral realignment because the kingdom has already arrived, leaving no justification for postponement or indifference.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Cross-references
- Mark 1:15 “The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
- Matthew 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
- Daniel 2:44 In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever.
- Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- Matthew 10:7 As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’
- Luke 24:47 and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
- Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,
- Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
- Matthew 13:44 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field.