--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Repentance is but want of power to sin." description: "\"Repentance is but want of power to sin.\" — John Dryden" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/john-dryden-491_power_repentance-is-but-want-of-power-to-sin-6_696320.jpg" --- # Repentance is but want of power to sin. ![“Repentance is but want of power to sin.” quote by John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/john-dryden-491_power_repentance-is-but-want-of-power-to-sin-6_696320.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/john-dryden-491_power_repentance-is-but-want-of-power-to-sin-6_696320.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/60a/john-dryden-491_power_repentance-is-but-want-of-power-to-sin-6_696320.jpg) > “Repentance is but want of power to sin.” [John Dryden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dryden/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Repentance is merely a desire for the power to sin, not true remorse. **In simple terms:** Repentance can be a desire for sin. Key Takeaway Seek genuine remorse, not just desire. Themes theology morality repentance human nature Mood reflective serious Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - religious confession - personal growth - moral decision making Key Concepts self‑deception ethical introspection Questions to Reflect On - What distinguishes true remorse from selfish desire? - How can one cultivate sincere repentance? A Different Perspective Desire for sin may mask deeper issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Regret](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/regret/) [Repentance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/repentance/) [Sin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sin/) ## Related quotes > [If thou hast sinned, lie not down without repentance; for the want of repentance, after one has sinned, makes the heart yet harder and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-bunyan/if-thou-hast-sinned-lie-not-down-without-repentance-for-the-want-of/) [John Bunyan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-bunyan/) > [“We often want our enemies’ next step to be repentance because we want them to admit what they did to hurt us or how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/todd-stevens/we-often-want-our-enemies-next-step-to-be-repentance-because-we-want/) Todd Stevens > [“Strangely enough, when you get older the things you didn't understand when you were a child start to make sense. 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