from a derivative of ἐπιλανθάνομαι; negligence:--X forgetful.
Transliteration:epilēsmonḗ
Pronunciation:ep-ee-lace-mon-ay'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G1953}}` (epilēsmonḗ) is derived from the verb `{{G1950}}` (epilanthánomai), which means "to forget" or "to neglect." As a noun, epilēsmonḗ signifies the state or condition of forgetfulness, negligence, or heedlessness. It describes not merely a momentary lapse of memory, but a settled disposition of mind characterized by a failure to retain or act upon what has been heard or understood. Its semantic range thus extends beyond simple amnesia to encompass a moral or spiritual indifference that leads to a lack of practical application of truth. It suggests a wilful or culpable inattention to that which ought to be remembered and acted upon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G1953}}` (epilēsmonḗ) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of James:
* **[[James 1:25]]**: "But he who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets (ἀκροατὴς ἐπιλησμονῆς) but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
In this sole occurrence, epilēsmonḗ is used in the genitive case to describe the "hearer" (ἀκροατὴς) as one "of forgetfulness" or a "forgetful hearer." The context is crucial. James contrasts such a hearer with one who actively "looks into" (παρακύψας, a deep, penetrating gaze) the "perfect law, the law of liberty," and "perseveres" (παραμείνας). The "hearer of forgetfulness" is one who hears the word but fails to internalize it and, crucially, to act upon it. This forgetfulness is not an accidental oversight but a practical failure to appropriate and embody the truth. It renders the hearing of the word ineffective and barren, leading to a lack of spiritual blessing. James implies that true spiritual engagement requires not just reception of the word, but steadfastness and active obedience, contrasting the transient glance of the forgetful hearer with the persistent gaze and active doing of the blessed individual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb `{{G1950}}` (epilanthánomai), from which `{{G1953}}` is derived. `{{G1950}}` itself is used in the New Testament to describe various forms of forgetting, including forgetting God ([[Hebrews 12:5]]), duties ([[Philippians 3:13]]), or even people ([[Luke 12:6]]). The noun epilēsmonḗ encapsulates the *state* or *condition* of this forgetfulness, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical cognates, include:
* **Negligence/Carelessness:** The idea of spiritual apathy or a lack of diligence in applying divine truth.
* **Disobedience:** As epilēsmonḗ leads to a failure to act, it is closely linked to disobedience, which is the practical outcome of such forgetfulness.
* **Self-Deception:** James explicitly states that the hearer who forgets "deceives himself" ([[James 1:22]]). This type of forgetfulness is a form of spiritual self-delusion, where one imagines themselves righteous merely by hearing, without the necessary transformation of life.
* **Spiritual Barrenness:** The opposite of the blessing promised to the doer, the forgetful hearer remains unfruitful.
Conversely, the concept of `{{G3421}}` (mnēmē, memory) and `{{G3403}}` (mimnēskomai, to remember) stand in direct opposition to epilēsmonḗ, emphasizing the importance of retaining and recalling God's truth for faithful living.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of `{{G1953}}` in [[James 1:25]] carries profound theological weight, underscoring a central theme of James's epistle: the inseparable link between hearing God's word and doing it. The "hearer of forgetfulness" represents a significant spiritual danger – that of intellectual assent or passive reception of truth without corresponding transformation of life.
This concept challenges a superficial understanding of faith. It teaches that genuine faith is not merely cognitive but volitional and active. To be forgetful in this context is not a benign mental lapse, but a spiritual failure that prevents the "perfect law of liberty" from bringing its intended blessing. The law, though perfect and liberating, requires sustained engagement and active application; it is not a mirror into which one glances and then walks away unchanged.
Theologically, epilēsmonḗ highlights the importance of perseverance and diligence in the Christian life. It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and emphasizes that true blessedness comes from active, obedient engagement with God's revealed will. It underscores the call to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only," revealing that the opposite of doing is not merely inaction, but a culpable forgetfulness that renders hearing futile.
### Summary
`{{G1953}}` (epilēsmonḗ) denotes a state of profound spiritual forgetfulness or negligence, stemming from a failure to retain and, crucially, to act upon divine truth. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, in [[James 1:25]], its context is highly significant. James contrasts the "hearer of forgetfulness" with the one who diligently looks into the "perfect law of liberty" and perseveres as a "doer of the word." This forgetfulness is not a simple memory lapse but a moral and spiritual condition that leads to self-deception and prevents the individual from experiencing the blessings promised to those who obey. The word thus serves as a potent warning against passive religiosity, emphasizing that genuine faith is active, diligent, and demonstrably obedient to God's word.
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