μνεία (mneia)
mneia
remembrance
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun mneia signifies a remembrance or mention that carries weight and intentionality. It appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily within Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, Romans, Philippians, Ephesians, and Philemon. Rather than referring to fleeting thoughts, it denotes an active keeping of someone in mind, reflecting a bond of care and gratitude.
Paul uses this word to describe his habitual prayers for believers. In passages like 1 Thessalonians 1:2 and Romans 1:9, he speaks of making mneia of them, a phrase that underscores his consistent spiritual focus on their well-being. The term implies a deliberate act of remembering that fuels prayerful intercession, showing how memory functions as an active engagement with others in faith.
Etymologically, the word stems from the root meaning "to remember," linking it to the broader biblical theme of God’s faithful remembrance of His people. In usage, mneia often pairs with verbs like "to make" or "to have," emphasizing the personal nature of this recollection. It serves as a reminder that Christian community involves not just shared experiences but sustained, prayerful attention to one another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mneia points to a deliberate act of keeping someone in mind, particularly through prayer. It is not a passive memory but an active engagement that sustains relationships within the Christian community. When we remember others in this way, we acknowledge their value and maintain a spiritual bond that transcends physical distance.
Paul frequently used this term to describe his own practice, noting how he made mention of believers in his prayers night and day. This habit of remembrance served as a source of strength for both the intercessor and the one being remembered. It reminds us that our connections are held together by intentional care and consistent spiritual attention.
As you navigate your own relationships, consider how this kind of remembrance can deepen your bonds with others. By intentionally lifting people up in prayer, you participate in a timeless practice that fosters unity and grace among believers. This simple act of remembering reflects the faithful love that God shows to His people every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- mention4×
- remembrance2×
- a remembrance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μνείαν6×
- μνείᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
I Thessalonians 1:2
We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,
This verse establishes the pattern of Paul's ministry, showing how his gratitude was immediately expressed through specific mention of the believers in prayer.
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II Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
Here the intensity of remembrance is highlighted by the phrase 'night and day,' indicating that this spiritual focus was a constant, unceasing part of Paul's life.
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Philippians 1:3
I thank my God whenever I remember you,
Paul links his thanksgiving directly to the act of remembering, showing that gratitude and remembrance are intertwined in his relationship with the church.