Lexical Summary mneia: Mention, remembrance Original Word: μνεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mention, remembrance. From mnaomai or mimnesko; recollection; by implication, recital -- mention, remembrance. see GREEK mnaomai see GREEK mimnesko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3417 mneía (a feminine noun derived from 3415 /mnáomai, "actively bring to mind") – properly, a bringing to mind, a mention (recollection); a personal remembrance recalling a particular aspect of a person. See also 3420 (mnḗmē) – the other feminine noun from this same root – which is the general term for "remembrance." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom mimnéskó Definition remembrance, mention NASB Translation mention (4), remember* (1), remembrance (1), think* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3417: μνείαμνεία, μνειας, ἡ (μιμνήσκω), remembrance, memory, mention: ἐπί πάσῃ τῇ μνεία ὑμῶν, as often as I remember you (literally, 'on all my remembrance' etc. cf. Winer's Grammar, § 18, 4), Philippians 1:3; ποιεῖσθαι μνείαν τίνος, to make mention of one, Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 1:4 (Plato, Phaedr., p. 254 a.; (Diogenes Laërtius 8. 2, 66; the Sept. Psalm 110:4 Topical Lexicon Core Concept of Remembrance Strong’s Greek 3417 portrays purposeful recollection that moves the heart to action. In Scripture it is never a cold mental note; it embodies affectionate regard that issues in thanksgiving, petition, or encouragement. Because authentic Christian memory is shaped by the gospel, μνεία consistently binds believers together in the love of Christ and points them back to God’s faithful deeds. Occurrences in Pauline Epistles The term appears only seven times, all in Paul’s letters: Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 and 3:6; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4. Each setting links remembrance with prayer or affectionate longing, underscoring that Christian relationships are nourished in the presence of God before they flourish in the presence of people. Remembrance and Thanksgiving Paul’s first reaction when the churches come to mind is gratitude. “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). Such thanks is rooted in grace received, not merely in human virtue. By combining μνεία with εὐχαριστῶ, Paul models the habit of letting every recollection of fellow believers become an occasion to praise God for His saving work in them. Remembrance and Intercession Memory propels Paul into prayer. “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16). Intercession here is relentless (“without ceasing,” Romans 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:3), revealing that genuine apostolic ministry labors for souls in the secret place long before public instruction occurs. The pattern challenges believers to convert spontaneous thoughts of others into deliberate prayer on their behalf. Pastoral and Missionary Implications For Paul, μνεία is pastoral glue. In 1 Thessalonians 3:6 the church is said to “always have fond memories of us,” showing that shared memories are mutual and sustaining. Missionaries who depart physically remain present spiritually through ongoing remembrance, maintaining unity across distance. Modern ministry that imitates Paul will cultivate intentional remembrance lists, ensuring that no congregation or coworker is forgotten at the throne of grace. Old Testament Echoes The Septuagint often uses cognate terms where God “remembers” His covenant (for example, Genesis 9:15). Paul’s use evokes that backdrop: as God’s remembrance leads to redemptive action, so the apostle’s remembrance leads to prayerful action. Thus human μνεία mirrors divine faithfulness, reinforcing the continuity between Old and New Testament revelation. Christological Dimensions Every mention ultimately rests on Christ’s mediatorial role. Because believers are “in Christ,” Paul’s memory of them is framed by Christ’s own intercession. The regular pairing of μνεία with gospel language (“the gospel of His Son,” Romans 1:9) hints that remembering the saints is inseparable from remembering the Savior who purchased them. Practical Application for Believers 1. Cultivate thankful memories: rehearse God’s work in others and express it to Him. Historical Usage in Early Church Liturgies Early Christian prayers such as the “Diptychs” in liturgical rites included remembrance of bishops, martyrs, and the departed, reflecting the Pauline pattern. By publicly “making mention” of names, the church obeyed the apostolic call to let memory serve love and unity. Through its seven strategic appearances, μνεία teaches that Spirit‐saturated memory fuels thanksgiving, intercession, and enduring fellowship within the body of Christ. Forms and Transliterations μνεια μνεία μνείᾳ μνειαν μνείαν mneia mneíāi mneian mneíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 1:9 N-AFSGRK: ὡς ἀδιαλείπτως μνείαν ὑμῶν ποιοῦμαι NAS: unceasingly I make mention of you, KJV: I make mention of you INT: how unceasingly mention of you I make Ephesians 1:16 N-AFS Philippians 1:3 N-DFS 1 Thessalonians 1:2 N-AFS 1 Thessalonians 3:6 N-AFS 2 Timothy 1:3 N-AFS Philemon 1:4 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3417 |
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