What does the word repentance mean in Romans 11:29?
In Romans 11:29, repentance means a change of mind or change of thinking, not grieving or weeping over sin. The verse teaches that God's gifts and calling are without repentance—that is, God does not change His mind concerning Israel, because His promises trace back to the patriarchs.
Les explains that the word "repentance" in Romans 11:29 has been badly misunderstood, almost as much as any word in English. He says it is not falling on your face and weeping in sorrow for sin. Instead, the repentance spoken of here is a change of mind, a change of thinking. When this is applied to God's dealing with Israel, the question is whether God has changed His mind, and the answer is no. So the verse reads, in effect, that the gifts and calling of God are without changing His mind. Les then directs attention back to the Old Testament and Genesis 12, tying God's continuing regard for Israel to the patriarchs such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses.
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.