μιμνήσκω (mimnēskō)
mimnēskō
to remember
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb mimnēskō means to bring something back into active thought, often with a sense of intentional recall. In the New Testament it appears in contexts ranging from personal memory to divine action. For instance, Mary sings that God has “remembered” His mercy (Luke 1:54), while Peter recalls Jesus’ specific prediction after denying Him (Matthew 26:75). The word implies more than passive recollection; it suggests a mental engagement that leads to response.
A striking feature of this term is its use in Hebrews, where the author quotes the new covenant promise that God will “remember” sins no more (Hebrews 8:12). Here, the negation of memory functions as a synonym for forgiveness. The sources note that this usage aligns with the Greek Old Testament’s rendering of the Hebrew verb zākar. This theological weight distinguishes it from simple nostalgia; to be remembered by God in this context is to be fully absolved.
The word also appears in practical, relational settings. Paul asks Timothy to “remember” his sincere faith (2 Timothy 1:4), and the thief on the cross appeals to Jesus to “remember” him when He enters His kingdom (Luke 23:42). These examples show mimnēskō bridging the gap between past events and present reality. It is a verb of connection, linking the subject to what has been said or done, ensuring it remains vital rather than forgotten.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mimnēskō invites us to see memory not as a passive storage of facts, but as an active engagement with truth. When Jesus tells Peter to remember his denial, or when Mary sings of God remembering mercy, we see that recall is tied to response. This verb bridges the gap between what has happened and how we live today. It suggests that true remembrance changes our posture and actions.
In your own life, this offers a gentle encouragement. When you feel distant from God’s promises, remember that He actively holds them in mind. The promise in Hebrews that sins are remembered no more is not a forgetful oversight, but a deliberate act of grace. You can trust that the love and truth spoken to you are kept alive in His heart, ready to shape your present moment with hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do remember5×
- was remembered2×
- they remembered2×
- remembering2×
- remembered2×
- you have remembered,1×
- will I remember1×
- we have remembered1×
- to remember1×
- shall remember1×
- having yourself recalled1×
- You are mindful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμνήσθησαν5×
- μνησθῆναι3×
- ἐμνήσθη2×
- μνήσθητε2×
- ἐμνήσθην1×
- ἐμνήσθημεν1×
- μέμνησθε,1×
- μνήσθητί1×
- μνήσθητι1×
- μνησθῶ1×
- μνησθῇς1×
- μνησθήσομαι1×
Key Verses
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Luke 1:54
He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
This verse highlights God’s intentional recall of mercy toward Israel, showing that divine memory is an active force for help rather than mere recollection.
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Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more.”
The negation here defines forgiveness; God’s decision to remember sins no more is the ultimate assurance of complete absolution for believers.
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Luke 23:42
He said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
The thief’s simple plea shows how this word connects a past relationship with Jesus to a future hope, trusting in His kingdom authority.
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John 2:22
When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
The disciples’ remembrance after the resurrection demonstrates how recalling Jesus’ words leads directly to deeper belief and understanding of Scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mimnēskō mean in the New Testament?
How is God remembering different from human remembering?
Why do the disciples remember Jesus’ words after His resurrection?
Every Occurrence (23 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
Matthew 26:75Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then…
Matthew 27:63saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’