Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 22. That perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. The word perhaps, as the interpreters commonly observe on this and other places, many times does not imply any doubt or uncertainty. There could be no doubt, says Saint John Chrysostom only as to his repenting: if he repented, it is certain he would find remission of his sins. Witham.—S. Augustin (ep. cviii.) understands the text, μετανοησον απο, and so forth of penance done for heinous offences in the primitive Church, and teaches us to translate it thus, as it is in the Vulg. both here and 2 Corinthians 12:21. Revelation 9:21 and adds, that very good men do daily penance for venial sins, by fasting, prayer, and alms.