from μνημονεύω; a reminder (memorandum), i.e. record:--memorial.
Transliteration:mnēmósynon
Pronunciation:mnay-mos'-oo-non
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term μνημόσυνον (mnēmósynon, `{{G3422}}`) is derived from the verb μνημονεύω (mnēmoneuō, `{{G3421}}`), meaning "to remember," "to call to mind," or "to be mindful of." At its core, μνημόσυνον signifies "a reminder," "a memorandum," or "a record." It denotes something that serves to preserve the memory of a person, event, or deed, ensuring it is not forgotten. Its semantic range extends to:
* **Memorial:** An object, act, or token designed to commemorate or preserve the memory of something.
* **Remembrance:** The state of being remembered or brought to mind, particularly in a context of divine acknowledgment.
* **Offering/Sacrifice:** In specific religious contexts, something presented before God to be remembered or accepted by Him. This usage is particularly prominent in the Septuagint (LXX).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While appearing only twice in the New Testament, the significance of μνημόσυνον is greatly illuminated by its extensive use in the Septuagint (LXX), where it frequently translates the Hebrew term זִכָּרוֹן (zikkaron, `{{H2146}}`), meaning "remembrance" or "memorial."
In the LXX, μνημόσυνον is often used to describe:
* **The "memorial portion" of grain offerings:** In the Mosaic Law, a small part of the grain offering was burned on the altar "as a pleasing aroma to the Lord" (e.g., [[Leviticus 2:2]], [[Leviticus 2:9]], [[Leviticus 5:12]], [[Numbers 5:26]]). This "memorial portion" signified that the offering was brought before God to be remembered and accepted by Him.
* **Objects of remembrance:** Such as the stones set up by Joshua as a memorial of the Israelites crossing the Jordan ([[Joshua 4:7]]).
In the New Testament, μνημόσυνον appears in two distinct but related contexts:
1. **The Anointing at Bethany (Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9):** Jesus declares concerning the woman who anointed Him with costly perfume, "Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13). Here, μνημόσυνον refers to the woman's act of profound devotion itself serving as a perpetual memorial. Her selfless and extravagant act of love for Jesus is deemed worthy of everlasting remembrance, intrinsically linked to the proclamation of the gospel itself. It highlights the lasting value and divine recognition of acts of true worship and sacrifice.
2. **Cornelius's Prayer and Alms (Acts 10:4):** An angel appears to Cornelius, a devout centurion, and tells him, "Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God." This usage directly parallels the Old Testament concept of an offering or sacrifice being brought before God to be remembered and accepted. Cornelius's piety, expressed through consistent prayer and charitable giving, is not forgotten by God. Instead, these deeds are "recorded" or "brought to remembrance" by God in a way that elicits divine favor and intervention, leading to the sending of Peter and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μνημονεύω (mnēmoneuō, `{{G3421}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to remember" or "to be mindful of." μνημόσυνον is the tangible outcome or object associated with this act of remembering.
* **μνήμη (mnēmē, `{{G3417}}`):** A general term for "memory" or "recollection."
* **ἀνάμνησις (anamnēsis, `{{G364}}`):** Meaning "remembrance" or "recollection," often used in cultic or liturgical contexts, as in Jesus' command, "Do this in remembrance of me" ([[Luke 22:19]]; [[1 Corinthians 11:24-25]]). While ἀνάμνησις emphasizes the act of recalling or bringing to mind, μνημόσυνον tends to focus on the *thing* that serves as a memorial or the *state* of being remembered by God.
* **ζικκάρον (zikkaron, `{{H2146}}`):** The Hebrew equivalent, frequently translated by μνημόσυνον in the LXX, encompassing memorials, records, and the "memorial portion" of offerings.
* **Divine Remembrance:** A crucial theological concept where God "remembers" not in the sense of recalling something forgotten, but in the sense of acting decisively on behalf of someone or something, often in fulfillment of a covenant or in response to faithful actions.
### Theological Significance
The term μνημόσυνον carries profound theological weight, particularly in its New Testament applications:
* **God's Active Remembrance and Response:** The use of μνημόσυνον in Acts 10:4 is a powerful testament to God's attentiveness to human piety. It signifies that genuine prayers and acts of charity are not lost but are actively "recorded" or "brought before" God. This divine remembrance is not passive; it leads to concrete divine action and intervention, as seen in God's response to Cornelius. It underscores that God sees, hears, and acts upon the sincere devotion of His people.
* **Enduring Value of Devotion:** In the narratives of the anointing at Bethany, μνημόσυνον highlights that acts of profound love, worship, and devotion to Christ have eternal significance. Jesus Himself guarantees that the woman's sacrificial act will be perpetually remembered and proclaimed alongside the gospel. This provides immense encouragement, demonstrating that acts of faith and love, even seemingly small or private ones, are highly valued by God and can have a lasting impact in His kingdom.
* **Spiritual Offerings and Acceptance:** Drawing on its Septuagintal background, μνημόσυνον connects human actions (prayer, alms, devotion) to the concept of acceptable offerings before God. Just as the "memorial portion" of an Old Testament sacrifice was presented to God for His acceptance, so too are the faithful deeds of believers presented before Him as a pleasing spiritual "memorial." This elevates ordinary acts of faith and charity to a form of worship.
* **Assurance of Divine Justice and Reward:** The idea that one's prayers and alms ascend as a "memorial before God" offers a deep assurance that no act of faith, love, or obedience goes unnoticed or unrewarded by God. It speaks to God's meticulous care and righteous judgment, affirming that He will remember and respond to the faithful service of His children.
### Summary
The Greek word μνημόσυνον (mnēmósynon, `{{G3422}}`) fundamentally means "a memorial" or "a remembrance," deriving from the verb "to remember." Its significance is rooted in its usage in the Septuagint, where it often translates the Hebrew for "memorial" (`{{H2146}}`), particularly in the context of the "memorial portion" of sacrifices brought before God for divine remembrance and acceptance. In the New Testament, μνημόσυνον appears in two poignant instances. In the accounts of the anointing at Bethany ([[Matthew 26:13]]; [[Mark 14:9]]), Jesus declares that the woman's act of selfless devotion will be told as a perpetual "memorial" alongside the gospel, emphasizing the enduring value of acts of love for Christ. In [[Acts 10:4]], Cornelius's prayers and alms are said to have ascended "as a memorial before God," illustrating that human piety and charity are actively remembered and acknowledged by God, leading to divine favor and intervention. Theologically, μνημόσυνον underscores God's active remembrance of human faithfulness, affirming that sincere acts of devotion are not forgotten but are esteemed by Him, leading to divine response and blessing, and serving as a lasting testimony.
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