ἐπιλανθάνω (epilanthanō)
epilanthanō
to forget
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epilanthanō means to forget, but in Scripture it often carries a heavier weight than simple memory loss. It describes neglecting something or someone due to a lack of care. The prefix "epi" suggests an action done upon something, implying that the forgetting is active or willful rather than accidental. This distinction appears when Jesus warns his disciples not to forget the loaves in Matthew 16:5 and Mark 8:14, urging them to remember past miracles as a safeguard against faithlessness.
In the New Testament, this word frequently describes a failure to maintain gratitude or attention. Paul uses it in Philippians 3:13 when he says he forgets what is behind, not because his memory fails, but because he deliberately chooses not to let past successes or failures distract him from pressing forward. Similarly, Hebrews 6:10 and 13:2 use the term to assure readers that God will not neglect their labor of love, highlighting that divine remembrance is an act of faithful care.
The sources note its usage in James 1:24, where a person who hears the word but forgets it is compared to someone looking at their face in a mirror and immediately walking away. This vivid image underscores the contrast between hearing and acting. The word thus serves as a warning against spiritual amnesia, reminding readers that true engagement with God’s truth requires active retention and obedience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἐπιλανθάνω (epilanthanō) describes more than a simple lapse in memory; it points to a neglect that comes from turning away or failing to pay attention. In Scripture, this forgetting is often active rather than accidental, serving as a warning against spiritual amnesia. When Jesus asked his disciples why they worried about lacking bread, He was reminding them not to forget the miracles He had already performed (Matthew 16:5). This suggests that our tendency to forget God’s past faithfulness can lead to unnecessary fear in the present.
Conversely, this word highlights God’s perfect attentiveness. In Luke 12:6, we are told that not even a sparrow is forgotten by Him, which offers deep comfort when we feel overlooked or insignificant. James 1:24 uses a vivid image of someone looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what they look like to show how easy it is to hear God’s word without letting it change us. True faith requires us to hold onto truth actively, allowing it to shape our identity and actions.
Paul models a healthy use of this concept in Philippians 3:13, where he chooses to forget past successes or failures to press forward toward Christ. This is not about erasing history but about refusing to let the past distract from the calling ahead. Whether we are remembering God’s care or striving to obey His word, ἐπιλανθάνω invites us to live with intentional focus and gratitude.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they forgot2×
- to forget1×
- he has forgotten1×
- forgotten1×
- forgetting,1×
- do forget;1×
- do be forgetful;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιλανθάνεσθε·2×
- ἐπελάθοντο2×
- ἐπιλελησμένον1×
- ἐπιλανθανόμενος,1×
- ἐπιλαθέσθαι1×
- ἐπελάθετο1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 16:5
The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.
Jesus uses this term to correct the disciples' anxiety by reminding them to recall His previous provision, showing that forgetting past miracles leads to present fear.
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Luke 12:6
“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
This verse assures believers of God's intimate care by stating that not even the smallest creature is forgotten by Him, contrasting human neglect with divine attention.
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James 1:24
for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
The metaphor of forgetting one's reflection after looking in a mirror illustrates the danger of hearing God's word without allowing it to transform one's self-understanding and behavior.
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Hebrews 13:2
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
This command links the act of not forgetting hospitality with the potential for divine encounter, encouraging believers to remain attentive to opportunities for kindness.