Brief Overview of ἐπιλανθάνομαι (Strong’s G1950: epilanthánomai)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for deepening one’s comprehension of Biblical texts and the cultural and historical contexts from which they emerged. The Greek word ἐπιλανθάνομαι (epilanthánomai), Strong’s G1950, is particularly significant in Biblical interpretation because it conveys the idea of forgetting or overlooking something, often with a sense of neglect or intentional disregard. This verb appears in several New Testament passages, often providing deeper insight into human behavior and spiritual attitudes. In ancient Greek culture, the concept of forgetting could also have philosophical and ethical implications, adding to the richness of its usage.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιλανθάνομαι (epilanthánomai) [eh-pee-lan-THAH-noh-my]
• Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “over”) and λανθάνω (lanthánō, “to forget” or “to escape notice”), meaning “to forget” or “to overlook.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It is a middle-passive form, indicating either a reflexive action or a state of being affected by the action.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To forget, lose sight of, or let slip from the mind.
• To overlook or neglect intentionally or unintentionally.
• To fail to remember or to disregard something or someone.

Similar Words: Related Greek words include λανθάνω (lanthánō) [lan-THAH-noh], meaning “to be hidden” or “to escape notice,” and μνημονεύω (mnēmoneúō) [mnay-mo-NOO-oh], meaning “to remember” or “to keep in mind.” While ἐπιλανθάνομαι (epilanthánomai) specifically emphasizes the act of forgetting or neglecting, λανθάνω implies being hidden or unnoticed, and μνημονεύω focuses on the act of remembering or recalling to mind.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπιλανθάνομαι is in the middle-passive voice, suggesting either an action performed with a self-reflective intention or an experience undergone by the subject. The prefix ἐπί (epi) intensifies the verb’s action, implying a sense of thoroughly forgetting or completely overlooking. This intensification can denote a more profound sense of neglect or abandonment, especially in moral or spiritual contexts, as seen in several New Testament passages.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἐπιλανθάνομαι as “to forget” or “to fail to remember,” with a focus on the idea of letting something slip from the mind or neglecting to keep it in view. It can carry both an intentional and unintentional sense of forgetting.
• Thayers: Provides meanings such as “to forget” or “to neglect,” particularly highlighting its use in contexts where something important is overlooked, whether deliberately or unintentionally.
• Vines: Emphasizes that ἐπιλανθάνομαι involves “forgetting” or “losing sight of” something, often in a way that suggests negligence or willful disregard. This can apply to both practical and spiritual matters.
• LSJ: Notes that in classical Greek literature, ἐπιλανθάνομαι means “to forget” or “to pass over,” often in contexts involving memory, attention, or duty. It can imply an active choice to overlook or neglect something.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes ἐπιλανθάνομαι as “to forget” or “to neglect,” emphasizing its use in passages where memory, attention, or commitment is required but has been lost or ignored.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 6:10: “For God is not unjust so as to overlook (ἐπιλαθέσθαι) your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.”
• Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect (ἐπιλανθάνεσθε) to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
• James 1:24: “For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets (ἐπελάνθη) what he was like.”
• 2 Peter 1:9: “For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten (ἐπιλαθόμενος) that he was cleansed from his former sins.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιλανθάνομαι (G1950)

The Greek word ἐπιλανθάνομαι (epilanthánomai) is a verb that means “to forget,” “to neglect,” or “to overlook.” It appears in both Biblical and classical Greek texts, conveying a sense of forgetting, either intentionally or unintentionally. In the New Testament, it often carries a moral or spiritual connotation, as in the cases of forgetting one’s spiritual duties or divine blessings. In classical literature, its use is broader, covering contexts from personal neglect to political oversight. This versatility makes it an important word for understanding human behavior, memory, and responsibility in both secular and sacred texts.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, memory was often viewed as a divine gift, with forgetting being seen as either a natural weakness or a moral failing. The word ἐπιλανθάνομαι captures this idea of forgetting, not just as an accidental lapse, but sometimes as a deliberate choice to ignore or neglect important duties, relationships, or truths. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where forgetting God’s works, commands, or blessings is presented as a significant spiritual issue, reflecting one’s priorities and faithfulness.