ἀνάμνησις (anamnesis) is a Greek noun meaning “remembrance” or “recollection.” It combines the prefix ἀνα- (ana-), which implies “up” or “again,” with μνῄσκομαι (mneskomai), meaning “to remember.” The term is used to denote:

1. Remembrance: The act of recalling or bringing something back to mind.
2. Recollection: The process of remembering or the state of having memories.

ἀνάμνησις generally involves the concept of bringing past events or facts into present consciousness.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἀνάμνησις as “remembrance” or “recollection.” It explains that the term is used to denote the act of calling something to mind, often in a ceremonial or formal context. For example, it is used in the New Testament to describe the Lord’s Supper as a “remembrance” of Jesus’ sacrifice (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ translates ἀνάμνησις as “remembrance” and provides a broader range of meanings including “recollection” or “memorial.” The lexicon notes its use in various Greek texts to indicate a formal or ritual act of remembering, such as in religious or historical contexts.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes ἀνάμνησις as “remembrance” or “a calling to mind.” It highlights its use in both everyday and religious contexts, where it refers to the act of remembering past events or teachings. Thayer emphasizes the term’s significance in religious observances, such as the remembrance of Christ’s death in the Eucharist.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance identifies ἀνάμνησις as G364 and translates it as “remembrance” or “recollection.” It notes that the term is used to describe the act of recalling something, especially in religious practices like the Lord’s Supper, where it signifies the act of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.

Summary:
ἀνάμνησις (anamnesis) means “remembrance” or “recollection.” According to BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance, the term is used to denote the act of recalling or bringing something to mind, particularly in ceremonial or formal contexts. It is notably used in religious settings to refer to acts of remembering past events or teachings, such as the remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice in the Lord’s Supper.