Sacred Remembrance: ὑπομιμνῄσκω (Strong’s G5279: hypomimnēskō) Awakens Divine Truth
Strong’s G5279: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with mimnēskō (to remind), meaning to bring to remembrance or recall to mind. In biblical usage, it particularly describes the act of bringing spiritual truth to conscious awareness through divine prompting.
U- Unveiling the Word
ὑπομιμνῄσκω (hypomimnēskō) combines ὑπό (hypo, “under”) with μιμνῄσκω (mimnēskō, “to remind”), creating a term for bringing something from beneath consciousness into active memory. In Luke 22:61, it describes Peter’s remembrance of Jesus’ words through divine prompting. The early church saw this word as crucial in understanding how the Holy Spirit brings truth to remembrance. Today, it reminds us that spiritual memory and growth often involve divine initiative in bringing truth to our consciousness.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ὑπομιμνῄσκω, hypomimnēskō, hoop-o-mim-NAY-sko
- Detailed Pronunciation: hoop (as in “hoop”) + o (as in “go”) + mim (as in “mimic”) + nay (as in “nay”) + sko (as in “score”)
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- ὑπό (hypo) – prefix meaning “under”
- μιμνῄσκω (mimnēskō) – verb meaning “to remind”
Combined to mean “to bring up to remembrance”
D – Defining Meanings
- To remind
- To bring to remembrance
- To recall to mind
For compound words:
- ὑπό suggests bringing from below
- μιμνῄσκω contributes the aspect of memory
Translation Options:
- “Bring to remembrance” – emphasizes process
- “Remind” – simple direct meaning
- “Call to mind” – suggests active recollection
E – Exploring Similar Words
- ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnēskō, an-am-im-NAY-sko) – “to recall, remember”
See G363 - μνημονεύω (mnēmoneuō, mnay-mon-YOO-o) – “to remember, be mindful”
See G3421 - μνάομαι (mnaomai, MNAH-om-ahee) – “to remember, recall”
See G3415
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
As a verb, ὑπομιμνῄσκω exhibits these features:
- Tense: Present, Aorist
- Voice: Active, Passive
- Mood: Indicative, Imperative
- Person: First, Second, Third
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Aspect: Imperfective (Present), Perfective (Aorist)
The word would morph in English as:
- Present: reminds
- Past: reminded
- Perfect: has reminded
- Future: will remind
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
The major lexicons provide rich insight into ὑπομιμνῄσκω. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of spiritual remembrance. Thayer’s highlights the divine initiative often involved. LSJ traces its development in educational contexts. Vine’s connects it to the Holy Spirit’s ministry. Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature suggesting bringing up memories. Moulton and Milligan document its use in both personal and official reminders.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
Luke 22:61: “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter [ὑπομιμνῄσκω] remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.'”
Additional References:
John 14:26
2 Timothy 2:14
Titus 3:1
2 Peter 1:12
Jude 1:5
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
Author: Work | Text |
---|---|
Plato: Meno | “The teacher [ὑπομιμνῄσκω] brought to mind the forgotten knowledge.” |
Xenophon: Memorabilia | “Socrates would [ὑπομιμνῄσκω] remind his students of important truths.” |
Aristotle: On Memory | “The mind can [ὑπομιμνῄσκω] recall what lies hidden in memory.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
ὑπομιμνῄσκω reveals how God actively brings truth to our remembrance. Whether through the Holy Spirit’s prompting, the word of God, or circumstances like Peter’s experience, divine reminder serves to deepen our faith and guide our path. The good news is that King Jesus continues this ministry through His Spirit, bringing His truth to our consciousness when we need it most.
D – Did You Know?
- The word was used in ancient educational settings
- It appears in contexts of both correction and encouragement
- Early Christians saw it as key to understanding the Spirit’s teaching ministry
Strong’s G5279: A compound verb joining hypo (under) with mimnēskō (to remind), meaning to bring to remembrance or recall to mind. In biblical usage, it particularly describes the act of bringing spiritual truth to conscious awareness through divine prompting.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: remembrance, Holy Spirit, teaching, memory, divine guidance, spiritual growth, Peter’s denial, truth, recall, consciousness