### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπαναμιμνήσκω (epanamimnḗskō) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning "upon," "on," or "in addition to," and the verb ἀναμιμνήσκω (anamimnḗskō) `{{G363}}`, which means "to remind" or "to recall to mind." The base verb ἀναμιμνήσκω itself is formed from ἀνά (ana), meaning "up" or "again," and μιμνήσκω (mimnḗskō) `{{G3403}}`, "to remember."
Therefore, ἐπαναμιμνήσκω carries the core meaning of "to remind of" or "to put in mind." The prefix ἐπί likely adds a nuance of emphasis, direction, or purpose to the act of reminding. It suggests a deliberate and specific act of bringing something back to someone's memory, perhaps "to remind *again*," "to *emphatically* remind," or "to remind *upon* a particular matter or truth." It implies an external agent causing remembrance, rather than an individual recalling something on their own. The semantic range is narrow, focused precisely on the act of causing another to remember.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπαναμιμνήσκω (epanamimnḗskō) is exceedingly rare in the New Testament, appearing only once, in the Epistle to the Romans.
**[[Romans 15:15]]**: "But on some points I have written to you very boldly, as if *to remind you* (ἐπαναμιμνήσκων) of them, because of the grace given me by God."
In this singular occurrence, the Apostle Paul uses the participle ἐπαναμιμνήσκων to explain the nature of his bold communication to the Roman believers. He is not introducing entirely new doctrines or correcting fundamental errors, but rather stirring up their memory concerning truths they have already received or should be familiar with. Paul's humility is evident; he does not present himself as a new instructor but as one who, by divine grace, has the privilege and responsibility to reinforce established truths.
The context immediately following this verse (Paul's role as a minister to the Gentiles, [[Romans 15:16]]) further clarifies his purpose: his ministry is one of service, ensuring that the Gentiles are a sanctified offering to God. His "reminding" is therefore part of his apostolic duty to ensure the spiritual health and understanding of the churches. It suggests that even mature believers benefit from having foundational truths brought back to the forefront of their minds, preventing complacency or drift.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐπαναμιμνήσκω is enhanced by examining its relationship to other terms in the Greek lexicon related to memory and instruction:
* **ἀναμιμνήσκω (anamimnḗskō) `{{G363}}`**: The direct base verb, meaning "to remind" or "to recall." ἐπαναμιμνήσκω adds the intensifying or directional nuance of ἐπί.
* **ὑπομιμνήσκω (hypomimnḗskō) `{{G5279}}`**: "To remind," "to put in mind." This word, also a compound of μιμνήσκω with ὑπό (hypo, "under" or "by"), suggests a more subtle or underlying reminder, often used in pastoral exhortations (e.g., [[2 Timothy 2:14]], [[Titus 3:1]]).
* **μιμνήσκω (mimnḗskō) `{{G3403}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to remember" or "to call to mind."
* **μνεία (mneia) `{{G3417}}`**: A noun meaning "remembrance" or "mention."
* **μνημονεύω (mnēmoneuō) `{{G3421}}`**: A verb meaning "to remember" or "to keep in mind."
* **διδάσκω (didaskō) `{{G1321}}`**: "To teach." While related, ἐπαναμιμνήσκω is distinct from teaching. Teaching imparts new knowledge, whereas reminding reinforces existing knowledge or brings forgotten truths back to consciousness. Paul's use in [[Romans 15:15]] explicitly frames his writing as a reminder, not a primary instruction.
* **παρακαλέω (parakaleō) `{{G3870}}`**: "To exhort," "to encourage," "to comfort." This often involves reminding believers of God's promises or commands.
These related terms highlight a spectrum of communication, from imparting new knowledge (διδάσκω) to various forms of recalling, stirring up, and reinforcing (ἀναμιμνήσκω, ὑπομιμνήσκω, ἐπαναμιμνήσκω).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐπαναμιμνήσκω in [[Romans 15:15]] carries significant theological implications for Christian ministry and discipleship:
1. **The Necessity of Reminders in Spiritual Growth**: Even mature believers, like those in Rome, require regular reminders of foundational truths. This acknowledges human forgetfulness, spiritual complacency, and the constant need for the truth of the Gospel to be kept fresh in the mind and heart. It is not a sign of spiritual immaturity, but a universal human need addressed by divine grace.
2. **Pastoral Humility and Authority**: Paul's use of this term models a crucial aspect of pastoral leadership. He asserts his apostolic authority, yet frames his strong words as a loving act of "reminding" rather than a condescending "teaching." This demonstrates that true authority in ministry is often exercised through gentle, persistent exhortation and the reinforcement of known truths, rooted in God's grace.
3. **Preservation of Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy**: Reminding believers of established truths is vital for maintaining doctrinal purity (orthodoxy) and right living (orthopraxy). It serves as a safeguard against error, spiritual drift, and the allure of worldly influences.
4. **Grace-Empowered Ministry**: Paul explicitly links his act of reminding to "the grace given me by God" ([[Romans 15:15]]). This underscores that effective ministry, even in the seemingly simple act of reminding, is not a human endeavor but a divine enablement. It is God's grace working through His servants to keep His people grounded in truth.
5. **The Ongoing Work of the Spirit**: While Paul is the human agent, the ultimate work of bringing truth to remembrance is often attributed to the Holy Spirit (e.g., [[John 14:26]]). The human act of reminding serves as a means through which the Spirit can quicken and apply truth to the hearts of believers.
### Summary
ἐπαναμιμνήσκω (epanamimnḗskō) is a rare but significant Greek verb meaning "to remind of" or "to put in mind," with a nuance of emphasis or specific purpose. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 15:15]] reveals the Apostle Paul's pastoral heart, as he describes his bold writing not as imparting new revelation, but as a grace-empowered act of bringing established truths back to the forefront of the Roman believers' minds. This highlights the crucial role of reminders in Christian discipleship and ministry, underscoring the ongoing need for believers to be re-engaged with foundational truths to ensure spiritual stability, growth, and the preservation of sound doctrine and practice. It exemplifies a ministry that, while authoritative, is rooted in humility and divine grace, consistently drawing believers back to what they already know and need to live by.
TRV