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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for interpreting the rich layers of meaning in the New Testament. The Greek word μιμνῄσκομαι (mimnḗskomai), which appears in Hebrews 2:6, is particularly significant because it reflects the theme of “remembrance” or “calling to mind.” This term is crucial in both theological and practical contexts within Scripture, where memory and reflection play a vital role in shaping faith, ethics, and identity. In ancient Greek culture, the idea of remembrance was highly valued, linked not only to personal recollection but also to communal and divine memory, where remembering was a means of honoring or invoking the presence of significant events or persons.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μιμνῄσκομαι (mimnḗskomai)

Pronunciation: mim-NAY-skoh-my

Etymology: The word μιμνῄσκομαι is derived from the root verb μνάομαι (mnáomai), meaning “to remember” or “to call to mind.” This verb also gives rise to related words, such as mnḗmē (memory) and mnḗma (tomb or memorial), connecting the act of remembrance with both the personal and the monumental.

Part of Speech: Verb. It appears in the middle/passive voice, indicating an action that either affects the subject personally (middle) or is received by the subject (passive).

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Remember – The primary meaning of mimnḗskomai is “to remember” or “to call something to mind.” This can refer to both human memory and divine remembrance, as when God is described as remembering His covenant with His people.

2. To Be Reminded – In some contexts, the verb can mean “to be reminded” of something, particularly through the prompting of an external source or divine revelation.

3. To Make Mention Of – Mimnḗskomai can also carry the sense of bringing something to mind in a spoken sense, such as “to mention” or “to recall” a fact or promise.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnḗsko) [an-ah-mim-NAYS-koh]: This verb means “to remind” or “to cause someone to remember.” While mimnḗskomai is often used reflexively, anamimnḗsko implies a third party prompting the remembrance.

2. ὑπομιμνῄσκω (hypomimnḗsko) [hoo-poh-mim-NAYS-koh]: This verb, meaning “to remind” or “to bring to remembrance,” focuses more on the act of reminding someone else, often used in teaching contexts.

3. μιμνήσκω (mimnḗsko) [mim-NAYS-koh]: A simpler form of the word that directly means “to remind” or “to bring to mind,” used similarly but more commonly with external subjects.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

Mimnḗskomai appears primarily in the present tense, indicating a continuous or habitual action, and it is commonly used in the middle/passive voice, reflecting actions that involve the subject being both the doer and receiver of the action (e.g., “to remind oneself”). In some contexts, the aorist tense may be used to indicate a singular, completed action of remembering.

Person and Number:

The word can be conjugated in different persons and numbers, such as:

Person Singular Plural

1st μιμνῄσκομαι μιμν῀σκομεθα

2nd μιμνῄσκῃ μιμν῀σκεσθε

3rd μιμνῄσκεται μιμν῀σκονται

For a full conjugation table, check this beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In classical Greek, mimnḗskomai carried both personal and communal implications, emphasizing the act of remembering significant events, people, or divine actions. In the New Testament, it often refers to God’s remembrance of His promises or the faithful’s call to remember God’s works and teachings. This verb also appears frequently in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), where it is used in passages concerning God’s covenantal faithfulness, as well as in prayers where individuals ask God to “remember” His people. The theological implications are profound, reminding believers that God is a God who remembers, and that human memory is a vital aspect of worship and obedience.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 2:6 – “But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful [μιμνῄσκῃ] of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

2. Luke 1:72 – “To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember [μιμνῄσκομαι] his holy covenant.”

3. 2 Peter 3:2 – “That ye may be mindful [μιμνῄσκομαι] of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Homer Iliad “Let me remember [μιμνῄσκομαι] the gods in my prayers.”

Herodotus Histories “He remembered [μιμνῄσκομαι] the oaths he had sworn.”

Philo On the Creation “The soul remembers [μιμνῄσκομαι] its former knowledge.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb μιμνῄσκομαι (mimnḗskomai) is rich with theological and cultural significance. It embodies not only personal remembrance but also divine mindfulness. Whether it’s God remembering His promises or believers being called to remember God’s works, this word conveys the importance of memory in shaping faith and action. The word’s use in both classical and biblical Greek emphasizes its role in connecting the past with the present, reminding us of the continual importance of recalling what has been promised or revealed.

Did You Know?

1. The word mimnḗskomai is related to the English term “mnemonic,” which refers to techniques for aiding memory.

2. In ancient Greek philosophy, mimnḗskomai was often associated with the Platonic idea of learning as a process of “recollection” of eternal truths.

3. This verb is frequently used in prayers throughout Scripture, where individuals or communities ask God to “remember” His covenant.