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G3417 · Greek · New Testament
μνεία
Mneia
Noun, feminine
Remembrance / Mention / Memory

Definition

The Greek mneia refers to remembrance, memory, or the act of making mention of someone — particularly in prayer. It is related to mimnēskomai (to remember) and mnēmē (memory).

Usage & Theological Significance

Mneia appears consistently in Paul's epistolary prayers: 'I thank my God every time I remember (mneia) you' (Philippians 1:3); 'always mentioning (mneia) you in our prayers' (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9; Philemon 4). This pattern reveals the relational structure of Pauline theology: the apostle's prayer is not a generic spiritual discipline but an ongoing act of personal remembrance of specific communities and individuals. To be held in mneia before God is to be brought into the presence of the One who never forgets. This grounds the New Testament's theology of intercession: we remember one another to God, who perfectly remembers all. God's own mneia of His covenant (Luke 1:72) is the foundation of His saving action.

Key Bible Verses

Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you.
1 Thessalonians 1:2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.
Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I mention you in my prayers.
Philemon 4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.
Luke 1:72 to show mercy to our ancestors and to remember his holy covenant.

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