Lexical Summary anamnésis: Remembrance, memorial Original Word: ἀνάμνησις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance remembrance. From anamimnesko; recollection -- remembrance (again). see GREEK anamimnesko HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 364 anámnēsis (from 363 /anamimnḗskō, "bring to mind") – properly, deliberate recollection, done to better appreciate the effects (intended results) of what happened; active, self-prompted recollection especially as a memorial (memorial sacrifice). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anamimnéskó Definition remembrance NASB Translation remembrance (3), reminder (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 364: ἀνάμνησιςἀνάμνησις, ἀναμνησεως, ἡ (ἀναμιμνῄσκω), a remembering, recollection: εἰς τήν ἐμήν ἀνάμνησιν to call me (affectionately) to remembrance, Luke 22:19 (WH reject the passage); 1 Corinthians 11:24f, ἐν αὐταῖς (namely, θυσίαις) ἀνάμνησις ἁμαρτιῶν in offering sacrifices there is a remembrance of sins, i. e. the memory of sins committed is revived by the sacrifices, Hebrews 10:3. In Greek writings from Plato down. Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 364 describes the deliberate act of calling something to mind for the purpose of proclamation, worship, or covenant renewal. In Scripture it centers on two themes: celebrating the new covenant through the Lord’s Supper and highlighting the insufficiency of the old covenant’s sacrifices to remove sin. Old Testament Foundations Israel’s worship was rich with memorials—Passover, the twelve stones at the Jordan, and the incense “memorial portion” on the altar (Leviticus 2:2). Each pointed the people back to God’s saving acts and forward to their ultimate fulfillment. These shadows form the backdrop for the New Testament use of ἀνάμνησις. New Testament Occurrences 1. Luke 22:19 – Jesus institutes the Supper: “This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” The Eucharistic Remembrance The Synoptic account preserved by Luke and the apostolic instruction recorded by Paul unite to present the Lord’s Supper as a covenantal meal. “Remembrance” is not mere mental recollection; it is a Spirit-empowered proclamation of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice, making past redemption present to worshipers and declaring it “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). The Supper therefore stands at the intersection of history (the cross), experience (present fellowship), and hope (the return of Christ). Remembrance and Covenant Old covenant feasts recalled deliverance from Egypt; the new covenant meal recalls deliverance from sin and death. When Jesus says, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood,” He ties remembrance to covenant ratification, echoing Exodus 24:8 but surpassing it. Each participation re-affirms believers’ covenant relationship, binds the community together, and publicly heralds the gospel. Contrast with the Levitical Reminder Hebrews 10:3 sets the old and new in stark relief. Annual Day of Atonement sacrifices were a “reminder of sins,” underscoring guilt yet never cleansing the conscience. Christ’s offering, remembered at His table, testifies that sin has been removed “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Thus ἀνάμνησις functions negatively under the law and positively under grace: one calls attention to unresolved debt, the other to finished redemption. Pastoral and Liturgical Implications • Frequency: “As often as you drink” grants liberty while urging regular observance that centers congregational life on the gospel. Historical Reception The apostolic churches treated the Supper as the climactic act of Lord’s-day worship. Early writings (Didache, Ignatius, Justin Martyr) echo Paul’s language of remembrance, stressing both sacrificial fulfillment and communal thanksgiving. The Reformers later sharpened the distinction between memorialism and real presence, yet all streams recognized that Christ commanded a living, corporate remembrance. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Teach the congregation that remembrance is covenant renewal, not empty ritual. Doctrinal Connections • Atonement: Remembrance celebrates penal substitution accomplished. Conclusion Strong’s 364 unites past, present, and future around the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Lord’s Supper, ἀνάμνησις is a joyful declaration that the cross is effective, the covenant is secure, and the coming kingdom is sure. In Hebrews, it exposes the ineffectiveness of repetitive sacrifices apart from Christ. Rightly understood and practiced, this remembrance nourishes faith, strengthens the church, and magnifies the Savior who said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Forms and Transliterations αναμνησιν ανάμνησιν ἀνάμνησιν αναμνησις ανάμνησις ἀνάμνησις anamnesin anamnēsin anámnesin anámnēsin anamnesis anamnēsis anámnesis anámnēsisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 22:19 N-AFSGRK: τὴν ἐμὴν ἀνάμνησιν NAS: this in remembrance of Me. KJV: this do in remembrance of me. INT: the of me remembrance 1 Corinthians 11:24 N-AFS 1 Corinthians 11:25 N-AFS Hebrews 10:3 N-NFS Strong's Greek 364 |
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