Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 3:2

"Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." — Matthew 3:2 (ASV)

Repent — Etymologically, the English word “repent,” with its root meaning of pain, does not fully capture the meaning of the Greek word, which implies a change of mind and purpose. In the Greek version of the Old Testament, the word is used for divine rather than human repentance—that is, a change of purpose implying pity and regret (1 Samuel 15:29; Jeremiah 4:28; Jeremiah 18:8). In Wisdom 5:3, Sirach 17:24, and Sirach 48:15, it includes the sorrow from which this change arises.

The kingdom of heaven — This phrase is used by St. Matthew about thirty times, and he is the only New Testament writer to use it. In Greek, the form is plural, “the kingdom of the heavens,” likely as an equivalent for the Hebrew word, which had a dual form. As a description of the Messiah’s kingdom, the name originates in the vision of Daniel 7:13, where the kingdom of “one like the Son of Man” is contrasted with the kingdoms of earthly rulers.

The term “kingdom of the heavens” could have been misleading to Gentile readers, as it might suggest the visible sky rather than God’s invisible dwelling place. For this reason, the Gospels intended for them use the phrase “the kingdom of God” instead (a term that also appears occasionally in Matthew, as in Matthew 6:13 and 12:28). It is probable that both terms were used interchangeably by John the Baptist and our Lord. This systematic change suggests that the Gospel writers did not feel bound to a purely literal report or translation of their words.

Is at hand — This phrase is better translated as has come near.