ὑπομιμνήσκω (hupomimnēskō)
hupomimnēskō
to remind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hupomimnēskō means to bring something back to memory, effectively reminding someone of a fact or truth. It appears seven times in the New Testament, with significant usage in Luke, Titus, and Jude. The word implies an active effort to ensure that important information is not forgotten, often serving as a gentle nudge toward recall.
Its structure combines a prefix suggesting "under" or "beneath" with a root meaning "to remember." This creates a sense of laying a foundation for memory. For example, Jesus uses it when describing how the Holy Spirit will help the disciples remember his teachings (John 14:26). Similarly, Peter employs it to urge believers not to forget past warnings (2 Peter 1:12). The word is often used with an accusative of the thing remembered or the person being reminded.
Translators typically render this term as "remind" or "put in remembrance." It carries a weight of pastoral care, ensuring that essential doctrines or warnings are retained. Unlike simple recollection, hupomimnēskō often involves another person facilitating that memory, highlighting the communal nature of preserving truth within the early Christian communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hupomimnēskō carries a gentle weight of care. It is not about forcing memory but helping someone recall what they already know to be true. In our daily lives, we often forget the promises God has made or the warnings He has given. This verb suggests that others are meant to help us hold fast to those truths.
When Peter denied Jesus, it was a look from the Lord that brought his memory back to life (Luke 22:61). Later, the Holy Spirit promised to remind the disciples of everything Jesus said (John 14:26). This shows that remembering is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a spiritual act supported by God and community. We do not have to rely on our own fading strength alone.
Paul and Peter used this word to urge believers to stay grounded in the faith. They knew that truth needs to be spoken aloud and heard again. This reminds us that we are part of a body where we encourage one another. Let this truth comfort you: you are not left to remember alone. God provides reminders through His Word and through the people around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to remind1×
- remembered1×
- do remind [them]1×
- do remind1×
- To remind1×
- I will bring to remembrance1×
- He will bring to remembrance1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ὑπομίμνῃσκε1×
- Ὑπομνῆσαι1×
- ὑπομίμνῃσκε1×
- ὑπομνήσω1×
- ὑπομνήσει1×
- ὑπομιμνῄσκειν1×
- ὑπεμνήσθη1×
Key Verses
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John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.
This verse highlights the Holy Spirit's active role in helping believers retain Jesus' teachings, showing that remembrance is a divine gift.
-
Luke 22:61
The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, “Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”
Peter's recollection of Jesus' prediction demonstrates how a moment of grace can restore memory and lead to repentance.
-
II Peter 1:12
Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the present truth.
Peter emphasizes that reminding believers of established truth is not redundant but essential for their spiritual stability.
-
Jude 1:5
Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn’t believe.
Jude uses this word to urge the church to remember God's past acts of salvation and judgment as a basis for current faithfulness.