ἐπιλανθάνομαι

epilanthánomai /ep-ee-lan-than'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice from ἐπί and λανθάνω; to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect
KJV usage(be) forget(-ful of).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word epilanthánomai, represented by G1950, means to lose out of mind or, by implication, to neglect. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. This term covers a range of meanings from a simple lapse in memory to a more significant failure to care for or remember something of importance.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, G1950 describes both divine and human memory. God is presented as one who cannot forget, as he is not unrighteous G94 to forget the work and labor of love shown by the saints Hebrews 6:10. Even a sparrow is not forgotten before God Luke 12:6. In contrast, humans are depicted as forgetful. The disciples had forgotten to take bread (Matthew 16:5, Mark 8:14), and a man who beholds himself in a mirror "straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was" James 1:24. The word is also used as a command against neglect, such as to "be not forgetful to entertain strangers" Hebrews 13:2 and not to forget to do good Hebrews 13:16. In a distinct use, Paul speaks of intentionally forgetting the things which are behind to press forward Philippians 3:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G1950 is used:

  • G2041 érgon (deed, doing, labour, work): This is directly connected in Hebrews 6:10, where God is praised because he is not unrighteous to forget the work and labor of believers.
  • G2638 katalambánō (to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess... apprehend, attain): In Philippians 3:13, forgetting what is behind is contrasted with the effort to apprehend what is ahead, showing it as a necessary part of spiritual pursuit.
  • G5381 philonexía (hospitableness... entertain stranger, hospitality): Believers are explicitly commanded not to be forgetful G1950 of hospitality, linking the act of forgetting directly to the neglect of this specific virtue Hebrews 13:2.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1950 is significant, highlighting key spiritual concepts.

  • Divine Faithfulness: The word underscores God's perfect and just memory. He does not forget the deeds of His people, contrasting with the fallibility of human memory and character Hebrews 6:10.
  • Forgetfulness as Neglect: The term is frequently used in commands not to forget, framing forgetfulness as a moral failure to perform essential Christian duties like doing good, communicating, and showing hospitality (Hebrews 13:16, Hebrews 13:2).
  • Intentional Forgetting for Spiritual Focus: In a unique application, Paul reframes forgetting as a positive and deliberate spiritual discipline. By forgetting past things, a believer can focus entirely on reaching for the future goal in Christ Philippians 3:13.

Summary

In summary, G1950 is a versatile word that moves beyond a simple definition of memory loss. It can signify a mundane lapse, a state of spiritual heedlessness, or a deliberate act of spiritual discipline. It powerfully contrasts the complete faithfulness of God, who never forgets His creation or His people's labor, with human frailty and the need for constant, active remembrance of our duties to God and one another.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural 2×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • 2nd Aorist Middle Deponent Infinitive 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (3 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Luke
1
Philippians
3
Hebrews
1
James

Verse Explorer

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