middle voice of a derivative of μένω or perhaps of the base of μασσάομαι (through the idea of fixture in the mind or of mental grasp); to bear in mind, i.e. recollect; by implication, to reward or punish:--be mindful, remember, come (have) in remembrance. Compare μιμνήσκω.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3415 (μνάομαι, mnáomai) fundamentally signifies "to bear in mind," "to recollect," or "to remember." As a verb primarily in the middle voice, it often implies an action performed by or for oneself, suggesting a personal interest or consequence in the act of remembering. Its etymological roots are debated, possibly stemming from μένω (menō), "to remain," suggesting something that stays fixed in the mind, or from the base of μασσάομαι (massáomai), "to chew" or "to grasp," implying a mental grip or comprehension. Regardless of the precise origin, the core idea is that of something being held firmly in the memory, not merely a fleeting thought.
A crucial aspect of G3415's semantic range is its implication of subsequent action. To "remember" in the biblical sense, particularly when God is the subject, is rarely a passive cognitive recall of information. Instead, it is an active turning towards a person, promise, or situation, often leading to intervention, reward, or punishment. Thus, the definition expands to include "to reward" or "to punish" by implication, as remembering often serves as the precursor to divine or human action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of G3415 in the New Testament illuminate its profound theological implications:
* **Divine Remembrance of Covenant and Mercy:** In [[Luke 1:72]], Zechariah prophesies that God has "remembered His holy covenant," specifically the oath sworn to Abraham. Here, God's remembrance is an active demonstration of His faithfulness, leading to the fulfillment of salvation through the coming of Christ. Similarly, in [[Hebrews 8:12]] and [[Hebrews 10:17]], God declares, "I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." This divine "forgetting" is not an amnesia but a decisive act of forgiveness and blotting out of sin, made possible through Christ's sacrifice, signifying a complete removal of guilt and condemnation.
* **Human Remembrance and Plea:** The penitent thief's plea to Jesus in [[Luke 23:42]], "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom," is a powerful example of human mnáomai. It is not merely a request for Jesus to recall his existence, but an earnest petition for merciful consideration and inclusion in the coming reign, implying a desire for active intervention and salvation.
* **Divine Remembrance of Righteousness and Deeds:** In [[Acts 10:31]], Cornelius is told that his prayers and alms "have been remembered before God." This signifies that his devotion and generosity have been noticed and approved by God, leading to divine favor and the sending of Peter. This is a remembrance that leads to blessing and further revelation.
* **Divine Remembrance of Prophecy and Judgment:** In [[Acts 15:15]], James refers to the words of the prophets as "agreeing" with God's plan, essentially stating that God's future actions are consistent with what He has "remembered" to declare through His prophets. Conversely, in [[Revelation 16:19]], "Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." And again in [[Revelation 18:5]], "God has remembered her iniquities." Here, mnáomai signals divine judgment; God's remembrance of Babylon's sins leads directly to the outpouring of His righteous wrath. This is not a sudden recollection but a settled determination to execute justice based on accumulated wickedness.
Across these contexts, G3415 consistently points to an active, consequential remembrance, whether on the part of God or humanity.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3415 (μνάομαι, mnáomai) shares a close semantic field with several other Greek words related to memory and recollection. Its most direct cognate is G3403 (μιμνήσκω, mimnēskō), which also means "to remember" or "to call to mind." While often used interchangeably in some contexts, G3415 (mnáomai), particularly in its middle voice, can carry a stronger nuance of active engagement or a remembrance that leads to a specific course of action, whereas G3403 (mimnēskō) might more simply denote the act of recalling.
Other related terms include:
* G3420 (μνημονεύω, mnēmoneuō): "to remember," "to keep in mind," often with the connotation of retaining and acting upon knowledge or tradition ([[John 16:4]], [[Galatians 2:10]]). This term often emphasizes the *keeping* of something in memory.
* G3421 (μνῆμα, mnēma) and G3419 (μνημεῖον, mnēmeion): These nouns refer to a "monument," "memorial," or "tomb," places designed to ensure that a person or event is remembered. They represent the physical embodiment of remembrance.
* G3417 (μνήμη, mnēmē): The noun for "remembrance" or "memory" itself.
Crucially, the concept of "remembrance" in the New Testament, especially when applied to God, finds a strong Old Testament parallel in the Hebrew verb `{{H2142}}` (zakhar). Like G3415, `{{H2142}}` often implies an active, covenantal remembrance by God, leading to His intervention on behalf of His people or in judgment against their enemies. For instance, God "remembered" Noah ([[Genesis 8:1]]), His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([[Exodus 2:24]]), and the iniquity of nations ([[Amos 1:9]]). This intertextual connection underscores the consistent biblical understanding of divine remembrance as dynamic and consequential.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G3415 is profound, particularly in its application to God.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Keeping:** When God "remembers" His covenant ([[Luke 1:72]]), it signifies His unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His promises. This is not a cognitive retrieval but an active engagement with His sworn word, leading to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. God's remembrance is the bedrock of salvation history, ensuring that His purposes for humanity are brought to fruition.
* **Justice and Judgment:** Conversely, God's remembrance of iniquity ([[Revelation 16:19]], [[Revelation 18:5]]) underscores His righteous character and His role as ultimate judge. This is not arbitrary vengeance but the just outworking of His moral order. When God remembers sins for judgment, it means the time for forbearance has ended, and the consequences of rebellion are due.
* **Grace and Forgiveness:** The declaration that God will "remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more" ([[Hebrews 8:12]], [[Hebrews 10:17]]) is a cornerstone of Christian theology of atonement. Through Christ's sacrifice, a new covenant is established where sins are truly forgiven and removed from God's reckoning. This "not remembering" is an act of divine grace, signifying the complete efficacy of Christ's work in cleansing and reconciling believers to God. It highlights the radical nature of divine forgiveness, which goes beyond mere overlooking to a complete blotting out.
* **Human Petition and Divine Response:** The thief's plea in [[Luke 23:42]] illustrates the human understanding that God's remembrance leads to action. It is a humble recognition of divine sovereignty and a desperate hope for merciful intervention. This highlights prayer as an appeal to God's active memory and compassion.
In essence, G3415 reveals a God who is actively engaged with His creation, whose memory is intrinsically linked to His will and action, whether in salvation, judgment, or covenant fulfillment.
### Summary
G3415 (μνάομαι, mnáomai) is a Greek verb signifying "to remember" or "to bear in mind," but with a crucial implication of subsequent action. Primarily used in the middle voice, it suggests a personal interest or consequence attached to the act of remembering. In its biblical occurrences, particularly when God is the subject, mnáomai denotes an active, dynamic engagement rather than a passive recall. God's remembrance is consistently tied to His covenant faithfulness, leading to the fulfillment of promises and the execution of justice. This is seen in His remembering His covenant for salvation ([[Luke 1:72]]) and His remembering iniquities for judgment ([[Revelation 16:19]]). Conversely, the declaration that God will "remember sins no more" ([[Hebrews 8:12]]) powerfully conveys the completeness of forgiveness achieved through Christ. Human use of mnáomai, as in the thief's plea ([[Luke 23:42]]), expresses a hope for divine intervention. G3415 thus underscores the active and consequential nature of memory, both divine and human, revealing a God who is intimately involved in His creation, whose every remembrance carries profound theological weight and leads to decisive action.
TRV