a prolonged form of μνάομαι (from which some of the tenses are borrowed); to remind, i.e. (middle voice) to recall to mind:--be mindful, remember.
Transliteration:mimnḗskō
Pronunciation:mim-nace'-ko
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma μιμνήσκω (mimnḗskō `{{G3403}}`) is a prolonged form of μνάομαι (mnaomai), from which it borrows many of its tenses and shares its core semantic range. Its fundamental meaning is "to remind" in the active voice, or more commonly in the New Testament, "to recall to mind," "to remember," or "to be mindful of" when used in the middle voice. This word denotes the act of bringing something back into consciousness, whether it be an event, a person, a teaching, a command, or a divine promise. The nuance can range from a simple mental recollection to a profound and active remembrance that implies corresponding action, commitment, or responsibility. It often carries the sense that what is remembered is significant and requires an appropriate response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μιμνήσκω appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly in the middle voice, underscoring the subject's internal and often volitional act of remembering.
* **Divine Remembrance:** When God is the subject, "remembering" does not imply a recovery from forgetfulness but rather an active demonstration of His unwavering faithfulness and attention. For instance, God is said to "remember" His holy covenant with Abraham [[Luke 1:72]], or the prayers and alms of Cornelius are "remembered before God," leading to divine favor and response [[Acts 10:31]]. This divine remembrance guarantees His intervention and blessing according to His character and promises.
* **Human Remembrance:** For humans, μιμνήσκω carries significant ethical and spiritual weight:
* **Remembering Christ's Words and Teachings:** The disciples are often called to remember what Jesus said, especially after His resurrection, which brings understanding and confirms His identity [[John 2:22]], [[John 12:16]], [[John 16:4]]. This remembrance is often depicted as Spirit-enabled, leading to deeper insight [[John 14:26]].
* **Remembering Past Experiences and God's Works:** Believers are urged to recall their former state before conversion [[Ephesians 2:11-12]] or to remember the suffering of others [[Hebrews 13:3]]. Remembering God's past acts of deliverance and faithfulness serves to instill faith and encourage perseverance in the present [[Luke 24:6-8]].
* **Remembering Practical Commands:** The command to "remember the poor" [[Galatians 2:10]] highlights the ethical dimension of remembrance, moving beyond mere cognition to active compassion and responsibility.
* **Liturgical Remembrance (Anamnesis):** Crucially, μιμνήσκω is used in the command concerning the Lord's Supper: "Do this in remembrance of me" [[Luke 22:19]], [[1 Corinthians 11:24-25]]. This is not merely a mental recall of a past event but an active, liturgical remembrance (anamnesis) that makes the saving work of Christ present in its efficacy and benefits for the participants. It is a re-enactment and participation in the reality of Christ's sacrifice.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of memory and remembrance in the New Testament is rich, with μιμνήσκω at its heart:
* μνάομαι (mnaomai): The base form from which μιμνήσκω is derived, sharing its core meaning of "to remember" or "to be mindful."
* μνῆμα (mnēma `{{G3419}}`): A monument or tomb, something that serves as a reminder or memorial.
* μνημεῖον (mnēmeion `{{G3420}}`): Similar to μνῆμα, denoting a memorial or tomb, a place of remembrance.
* μνήμη (mnēmē `{{G3421}}`): The abstract noun for remembrance or memory.
* ἀναμιμνήσκω (anamimnēskō `{{G363}}`): A compound form, often meaning "to remind someone of something" or "to recall to mind," sometimes with an intensified sense of recalling thoroughly or repeatedly.
* ἀνάμνησις (anamnēsis `{{G364}}`): The noun form of "remembrance" or "recollection," particularly significant in its liturgical context regarding the Eucharist, where it implies a making-present of a past saving event.
* ἐπιλανθάνομαι (epilanthánomai `{{G1950}}`): The antonym, meaning "to forget." The biblical call to remember is often presented as a vital counterpoint to the spiritual danger of forgetting God's commands, works, or His very being.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "remembering" expressed by μιμνήσκω holds profound theological significance, encompassing both divine action and human responsibility.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant:** When God "remembers," it is a powerful affirmation of His unchangeable nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. It signifies His active engagement with His creation and His people, demonstrating His commitment to His redemptive plan. God's remembrance is a source of immense comfort and assurance for believers.
* **Human Piety and Obedience:** For humanity, remembering is far more than a mere cognitive exercise; it is a fundamental aspect of piety and a moral imperative.
* It cultivates gratitude for God's past acts of salvation and deliverance.
* It serves as a powerful motivation for present obedience to His commands, as forgetting often precipitates disobedience and spiritual decline.
* It fosters hope and perseverance in the face of trials, by recalling God's past faithfulness and future promises.
* It is central to Christian worship, especially in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Here, the "remembrance" (anamnesis) of Christ's sacrifice transcends simple mental recall, becoming a re-presentation and participation in the saving efficacy of His death and resurrection. This liturgical act makes the past event powerfully present to the believer, enabling them to partake in its benefits.
* **Spirit-Empowered Memory:** In the New Testament, especially in John's Gospel, the Holy Spirit is revealed as the divine agent who enables disciples to remember Jesus' words and teachings, transforming mere recollection into profound spiritual understanding and insight [[John 14:26]]. This highlights that true spiritual remembrance is not solely a human effort but a divinely assisted act.
* **Avert Forgetting:** The emphasis on remembering often serves as a stark warning against spiritual forgetfulness, which is depicted as a grave danger leading to apostasy, unfaithfulness, and a departure from God's ways.
### Summary
The Greek word μιμνήσκω (mimnḗskō `{{G3403}}`) signifies "to remind" or, more commonly in its middle voice, "to recall to mind" or "to remember." This concept is central to biblical theology, functioning on both divine and human levels. When God "remembers," it underscores His active faithfulness to His covenant promises, assuring His people of His unwavering character and intervention. For humanity, "remembering" is a vital spiritual discipline that extends beyond mere mental recall to encompass gratitude for God's past works, motivation for present obedience, and hope for the future. It is a Spirit-enabled act that deepens understanding and is foundational to Christian worship, particularly in the Lord's Supper, where the "remembrance" (anamnesis) dynamically re-presents Christ's saving work. Conversely, the scriptures consistently warn against the spiritual peril of forgetting, emphasizing the profound importance of active remembrance for a life of faith and devotion.
TRV