G3415

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μνάομαι (mnaomai) plays an important role in Biblical studies, particularly in understanding the concept of remembrance. Its significance lies in the fact that it is often used in contexts where memory or mindful consideration is required, making it central to many theological discussions about the human response to God. In Matthew 5:23, the word is used in the context of remembering that one has wronged a brother, indicating the moral and spiritual weight of memory in relationships. Understanding μνάομαι enriches New Testament interpretation and provides insight into how ancient Greek culture viewed the act of remembering, not just as a mental exercise, but as something tied to ethical action.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μνάομαι (mnaomai)

Transliteration: mnaomai

Pronunciation: /mnah-oh-my/

Etymology: The root of μνάομαι comes from the verb mimnēskomai, which means “to remind oneself” or “to call to mind.” This root is connected with the idea of memory or recollection, a critical part of both personal and collective consciousness in Greek thought. It shares commonality with the Latin memoria, pointing to the shared Indo-European heritage of the concept of memory.

Part of Speech: Verb (middle voice). This verb functions in the middle voice, emphasizing that the subject is both performing and experiencing the action of remembering. In Greek, the middle voice often highlights a personal involvement or benefit in the action, making μνάομαι particularly fitting in contexts where personal responsibility or reflection is called for.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Remember or Recall: The primary meaning of μνάομαι is “to remember” or “to recall.” This can refer to simple recollection of a fact, or to the more profound remembrance of moral or spiritual truths.

2. To Be Mindful of Something: Beyond mere memory, μνάομαι can imply a mindfulness, where one is consistently thinking about or focused on something, particularly in relation to moral duties or obligations.

3. To Recollect an Offense or Responsibility: In the context of Matthew 5:23, μνάομαι refers to the act of recalling a wrong or responsibility, often prompting an action such as reconciliation.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnēskō) [ah-nah-mim-nays-ko]: This word means “to remind” or “to recall,” typically with a connotation of causing someone else to remember, whereas μνάομαι focuses on the subject’s own act of recollection.

2. μεμνήσκομαι (memnēskomai) [mem-nay-sko-my]: Another verb related to memory, this word means “to be mindful” or “to bear in mind.” The difference is in the usage; μνάομαι typically involves remembering something that prompts a response or action.

3. μνημονεύω (mnēmoneuō) [mnay-mo-nay-o]: This word also means “to remember,” but often with an emphasis on conscious, deliberate recollection, particularly of historical or significant events.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

μνάομαι is a middle voice verb and is typically found in the present or aorist tense, depending on the context. The middle voice highlights that the action of remembering directly affects the subject. It appears in both indicative and imperative moods, reflecting both the act of remembering and commands to remember.

Person and Number:

The verb conjugates in all persons, though it is frequently found in second-person singular and third-person singular forms in the New Testament, where individuals are exhorted to recall a particular truth or responsibility.

Aspect:

μνάομαι is used in both imperfective and perfective aspects, allowing for continuous or completed recollection.

For more information, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Greek lexicons emphasize the use of μνάομαι as a word of remembrance tied to ethical or spiritual responsibility. In the New Testament, it often appears in contexts where remembering prompts an action—whether that action is reconciliation (as in Matthew 5:23) or worship. Classical Greek literature also associates μνάομαι with the recalling of important cultural or religious truths, emphasizing the role of memory in maintaining social order and religious devotion. The theological implications in the New Testament connect this word to themes of repentance, reconciliation, and the act of remembering what God has done, encouraging believers to live in a state of mindful awareness of their moral responsibilities.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:23 – “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember [μνάσθῃς] that your brother has something against you…”

2. Luke 16:25 – “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember [μνήσθητι] that in your lifetime you received your good things…”

3. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 – “For you remember [μνημονεύετε], brethren, our labor and toil…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Plato Republic “He reminded them [μνάομαι] of the virtue of justice.”

Herodotus Histories “They remembered [μνάομαι] the oath sworn to the gods.”

Septuagint Exodus 20:8 “Remember [μνήσθητι] the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Noteworthy Summary

μνάομαι (mnaomai) is a verb central to the concept of memory in both its literal and metaphorical sense. Its use in the New Testament, especially in Matthew 5:23, highlights how memory can drive ethical action, such as reconciliation. The word reminds readers of the importance of being mindful of their responsibilities to God and others. In both classical and Biblical contexts, memory serves as a means of personal and communal reflection, urging individuals to live in accordance with divine truths.

Did You Know?

1. μνάομαι is related to the English word “mnemonic,” which refers to memory aids.

2. The concept of remembering in the Bible often leads to repentance or reconciliation, as seen in Matthew 5:23.

3. The Greek culture placed high value on memory, not just for personal recall but for the transmission of cultural and religious values.