Contrite; Contrition
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Contrite; Contrition in the Bible?
A contrite heart represents a state where natural pride and self-sufficiency are subdued by guilt, while contrition specifically refers to the grief experienced as a consequence of the revelation of sin through the preaching of the law.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding contrition clarifies the biblical requirement for genuine repentance, emphasizing that true forgiveness follows the sincere acknowledgment and regret of sin rather than mere external compliance.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Contrite; Contrition. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Contrite; Contrition in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Contrite; Contrition clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Contrite; Contrition." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/contrite-contrition/