Understanding ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnesko) Strong’s G363: The Divine Gift of Spiritual Remembrance and Sacred Recollection

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-mim-NEE-sko

Basic Definition

Strong’s G363: ἀναμιμνῄσκω is a compound verb that means to recall to mind, remember again, or bring to remembrance. It carries the sense of deliberately calling something to memory, often with spiritual or moral significance. This word emphasizes active recollection rather than passive memory, suggesting an intentional process of bringing past events, teachings, or promises to present awareness.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + μιμνήσκω (to remind, remember)
• Primary usage in narrative and epistolary literature
• Frequently used in contexts of spiritual instruction and moral exhortation
• Common in both Classical and Koine Greek

ἀναμιμνῄσκω Morphology:

• ἀναμιμνῄσκω (present active indicative) – I remind, call to remembrance
• ἀναμιμνήσκει (present active, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it reminds
• ἀναμιμνήσκετε (present active, 2nd person plural) – you remind
• ἀναμιμνησκόμενος (present middle/passive participle) – remembering/being reminded
• ἀνεμνήσθη (aorist passive, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it was reminded

Origin & History

The word ἀναμιμνῄσκω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used by philosophers like Plato in his “Meno” to describe the process of recollection as a form of learning. In Plato’s work, it carried the philosophical notion that all learning is a form of remembering what the soul already knows.

In the Septuagint, ἀναμιμνῄσκω appears in significant passages where God’s people are called to remember His covenant, laws, and mighty acts. For example, in Exodus 13:3 (LXX), Moses uses this word to command the people to remember the day of their exodus from Egypt.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum” and Clement of Alexandria in his “Stromateis,” employed this word when discussing the importance of remembering divine teachings and spiritual truths for Christian formation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Active recollection with spiritual significance
• Deliberate calling to mind of divine truth
• Process of bringing past experiences into present consciousness
• Remembrance leading to action or change

ἀναμιμνῄσκω Translation Options:

• “to recall to mind” – emphasizes the active nature of the remembering process
• “to remember again” – highlights the repetitive aspect implied by the ἀνά prefix
• “to bring to remembrance” – captures the causative sense when used transitively
• “to be reminded of” – reflects the passive voice usage in certain contexts
• “to recollect” – emphasizes the gathering together of memories

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναμιμνῄσκω appears in contexts where spiritual remembrance plays a crucial role in faith formation and discipleship. The word often carries a sense of divine enablement in the remembering process, suggesting that true spiritual recollection is a gift from God.

Its usage pattern reveals that this kind of remembrance is not merely intellectual recall but involves the heart and will, leading to transformation. This is particularly evident in passages where Jesus or the apostles call believers to remember teachings, promises, or experiences that should shape their present faith and conduct.

• “Peter remembered (ἀναμιμνῄσκω) and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered.’” Mark 11:21
• “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance (ἀναμιμνῄσκω) all that I said to you.” John 14:26
• “For I remember (ἀναμιμνῄσκω) the sincere faith that is in you.” 2 Timothy 1:5
• “Remember (ἀναμιμνῄσκω) those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you.” Hebrews 13:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of remembrance (זָכַר, zakar in Hebrew) was deeply connected to covenant faithfulness. When God “remembered” His covenant, it meant He acted upon it. Similarly, when people were called to remember, it involved more than mental recall—it required responsive action. This Hebrew understanding profoundly influences how ἀναμιμνῄσκω functions in the New Testament, particularly in contexts related to covenant remembrance and faithful response to God’s word.

The use of ἀναμιμνῄσκω in the context of the Lord’s Supper (though not directly using this word but related concepts) reflects this Hebrew understanding where remembrance is not just mental recall but active participation in the reality being remembered.

Theological Significance

The theological richness of ἀναμιμνῄσκω lies in its connection to divine enablement in spiritual memory. When we understand that true spiritual remembrance is a gift from God, it transforms how we approach spiritual formation and discipleship. The Holy Spirit’s role as the one who brings things to remembrance (John 14:26) suggests that spiritual memory is supernatural in nature.

This word also highlights the importance of active remembrance in maintaining faith and growing in spiritual maturity. It suggests that spiritual growth involves not just learning new truths but repeatedly calling to mind and living out what God has already revealed. The compound nature of the word, with its emphasis on “up” or “again,” suggests that spiritual remembrance is an ongoing process of bringing divine truth from the depths of memory into active consciousness and practice.

Personal Application

In our fast-paced world where information constantly bombards us, the concept of ἀναμιμνῄσκω challenges us to cultivate the spiritual discipline of holy remembrance. This isn’t just about memorizing Scripture or recalling past spiritual experiences; it’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to bring God’s truth to bear on our present circumstances and choices.

When we face challenges or decisions, we can practice this active spiritual remembrance by intentionally calling to mind God’s faithfulness, His promises, and His instructions. This kind of remembrance becomes a powerful tool for spiritual transformation and decision-making.

Related Words

• μιμνήσκομαι (mimneskomai) – to remember, recall to mind; focuses on the basic act of remembering without the intensive force of ἀνά. See G3403
• ὑπομιμνήσκω (hypomimnesko) – to remind quietly or gently; emphasizes the subtle nature of bringing something to remembrance. See G5279
• μνημονεύω (mnemoneuo) – to remember, keep in mind; focuses on the ongoing state of remembering. See G3421
• ἐπαναμιμνήσκω (epanamimnesko) – to recall again; adds additional emphasis to the act of remembering. See G1878

Did you Know?

• The prefix ἀνά in ἀναμιμνῄσκω can also carry the sense of “upward,” suggesting that this kind of remembrance involves bringing memories up from the depths of one’s being, not just surface recall.
• The word has influenced modern Greek where it maintains its connection to deep, meaningful remembrance rather than casual recall. In modern Greek Orthodox liturgy, it still carries significant theological weight.
• The concept behind ἀναμιμνῄσκω influenced the development of ancient memory techniques used by Greek orators, who understood that effective remembrance required active engagement rather than passive recall.

Remember This

ἀναμιμνῄσκω represents not just the act of remembering, but the divine gift of spiritual recollection that transforms faith into action through the power of the Holy Spirit.