The Greek term metanoia, commonly translated in modern biblical texts as “repentance,” may originally have conveyed a broader meaning involving transformation of perception or consciousness. This paper examines the hypothesis that the central teaching associated with Jesus of Nazareth emphasized an interior reorientation of awareness rather than primarily moral repentance. Drawing upon historical analysis of first-century Judea, linguistic examination of Greek terminology, comparative study of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic mystical traditions, and modern interpretations from psychology and philosophy of consciousness, the study explores how the concept of metanoia may have evolved through successive layers of interpretation. The analysis also considers how teachings grounded in experiential insight often undergo reinterpretation as they pass through processes of narrative transmission, institutional consolidation, and cultural adaptation. By situating metanoia within a broader cross-cultural grammar of spiritual transformation, the paper suggests that shifts in perception may play a significant role in ethical development and civilizational change. While historical certainty regarding the original intentions of the historical Jesus remains limited, the concept of metanoia continues to offer a compelling framework for understanding the relationship between inner transformation, moral imagination, and the evolution of human societies.
