Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Contrition”
The biblical word “Contrition” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (Hebrew: nishbar (נִשְׁבַּר, broken), Greek: lupē (λύπη, grief, sorrow)), where it meant “Grief and sorrow for sin; a broken spirit and remorseful heart”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Sincere remorse and regret for wrongdoing; the emotional state of being sorry for sin”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Greek/Hebrew
Hebrew / GreekHebrew: nishbar (נִשְׁבַּר, broken), Greek: lupē (λύπη, grief, sorrow)Grief and sorrow for sin; a broken spirit and remorseful heart
Psalm 51:17 speaks of a broken and contrite heart (nishbar); Greek lupē appears in 2 Corinthians 7:10 (worldly sorrow brings death, but godly sorrow brings repentance).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatincontritioDeep sorrow and remorse for sin, with intention to reform; prerequisite for sacramental forgiveness
From Latin conterere (to wear away, crush). Medieval scholastics defined contrition as the disposition necessary before sacramental confession.
Modern English
EnglishcontritionSincere remorse and regret for wrongdoing; the emotional state of being sorry for sin
Via Old French from Latin. In Catholic theology, contrition is distinguished from attrition and is essential to the sacrament of penance.