Understanding ἀνάμνησις (anamnēsis) Strong’s G364: The Sacred Act of Remembrance That Transforms Our Communion with God

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nahm’-nay-sis (ἀνάμνησις)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G364: ἀνάμνησις (anamnēsis) refers to a deliberate act of remembrance or memorial that goes beyond mere mental recollection. It involves actively bringing something from the past into the present reality, making it a living memory that shapes current experience. This sacred act of remembrance carries the weight of covenant significance in biblical usage.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from ἀναμιμνήσκω (anamimnēskō, “to remind, call to mind”)
• Compound of ἀνά (ana, “up, again”) + μιμνήσκω (mimnēskō, “to remember”)
• Primarily used in religious and ceremonial contexts
• Found in both narrative and teaching passages

ἀνάμνησις Morphology:

• ἀνάμνησις (nominative singular) – a remembrance
• ἀναμνήσεως (genitive singular) – of remembrance
• ἀναμνήσει (dative singular) – in/by remembrance
• ἀνάμνησιν (accusative singular) – remembrance (direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of ἀνάμνησις has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy, particularly in Plato’s theory of knowledge where it represented the recollection of eternal truths. In his work “Phaedo,” Plato uses ἀνάμνησις to describe the soul’s remembrance of divine realities it knew before entering the physical realm.

In the Septuagint, ἀνάμνησις appears in ceremonial contexts, particularly in Leviticus 24:7 where it describes the frankincense placed on the showbread as a memorial portion. The early church father Origen, in his “Commentary on John,” expands on this ceremonial aspect, connecting it to the deeper spiritual reality of remembrance in the Messiah’s communion feast.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A memorial act that makes past events present realities
• A ceremonial remembrance that renews covenant relationships
• An active recollection that shapes present behavior and identity

ἀνάμνησις Translation Options:

• “Memorial” – Emphasizes the ceremonial aspect and ongoing significance
• “Remembrance” – Captures the active nature of recollection
• “Commemoration” – Highlights the communal and celebratory aspects
• “Recollection” – Focuses on the mental activity while maintaining sacred overtones

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀνάμνησις appears primarily in the context of the Lord’s Supper, where it carries profound covenantal significance. Its first appearance in Luke 22:19 establishes this connection, as Yeshua institutes the new covenant meal.

The word’s usage in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 reinforces its sacred character, showing that this remembrance is not merely mental recollection but a participatory act that makes the reality of Messiah’s sacrifice present to the believing community.

• “Do this in remembrance [ἀνάμνησιν] of Me.” Luke 22:19
• “Do this in remembrance [ἀνάμνησιν] of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24
• “Do this… in remembrance [ἀνάμνησιν] of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:25
• “There is a reminder [ἀνάμνησις] of sins year by year.” Hebrews 10:3

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish practice, remembrance (זִכָּרוֹן, zikkaron) was a crucial concept in festival observances, particularly during Passover. The Haggadah’s instruction that each person should see themselves as personally having come out of Egypt illustrates the Jewish understanding of memorial as making past events present realities. This cultural background illuminates how the early Jewish believers would have understood Yeshua’s words “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

The concept also connects to the Jewish practice of making offerings of remembrance (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah), where a portion of the grain offering was burned on the altar as a memorial before יהוה. This shows how deeply the concept of remembrance was tied to worship and covenant renewal in biblical culture.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀνάμνησις in the context of the Lord’s Supper reveals a profound theological truth about how God works in time and memory. Unlike mere historical remembrance, this divine memorial makes past events efficacious in the present. When believers participate in communion, they don’t simply recall a past event but enter into the reality of Messiah’s sacrifice and its ongoing benefits.

This understanding transforms our view of worship and sacramental theology. The remembrance commanded by Yeshua is not merely mental but mystical – a participation in the eternal aspects of His sacrifice that transcends time. This reveals God’s desire to not just be remembered but to be experienced in the present moment through divinely appointed means.

Personal Application

When we participate in communion or engage in memorial practices of our faith, we’re called to move beyond mere mental acknowledgment to active participation in divine reality. This understanding should transform how we approach not only the Lord’s Supper but all aspects of our spiritual remembrance.

Consider starting a “spiritual memorial journal” where you record specific encounters with God’s faithfulness, not just as historical records but as present testimonies of His ongoing work in your life. This practice of active remembrance can strengthen your faith during challenging times.

Related Words

• μνημόσυνον (mnēmosynon) – memorial, reminder (stronger emphasis on the physical token of remembrance) See G3422
• μνεία (mneia) – remembrance, mention (focuses on the act of mentioning in prayer) See G3417
• μιμνήσκομαι (mimnēskomai) – to remember, recall to mind (the basic verb form) See G3403
• ὑπόμνησις (hypomnēsis) – reminder, remembrance (emphasizes the act of bringing to mind) See G5280

Did you Know?

• The modern Greek Orthodox Church still uses ἀνάμνησις in its liturgy, maintaining the ancient understanding of making past events present realities in worship.
• In modern Greek, ἀνάμνησις has evolved to mean “memory” or “souvenir,” but in religious contexts, it retains its deeper sacramental significance.
• The concept of ἀνάμνησις influenced early Christian architecture, where church buildings were designed to help believers remember and participate in sacred history through visual and spatial elements.

Remember This

ἀνάμνησις represents not just a memory of the past, but a divine invitation to participate in eternal realities through sacred remembrance.