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G3419 · Greek · New Testament
μνημεῖον
Mnemeion
Noun, neuter
Tomb, grave, memorial

Definition

The Greek noun mnemeion means a tomb, a grave, or a memorial monument. It comes from the root mneme (memory), since tombs were monuments to remember the dead. In the Gospels, mnemeion is the word used for the tomb of Jesus — making it the most theologically significant mnemeion in history.

Usage & Theological Significance

The empty mnemeion is the pivot of the entire gospel. Jesus raised Lazarus from his mnemeion (John 11). He himself was buried in a new mnemeion and rose from it on the third day. The tomb that was meant to be the final memorial became instead the proof of resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus does not abolish the mnemeion — it transforms its meaning from 'he is here' to 'he is not here, he has risen' (Matthew 28:6).

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 28:8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
John 11:38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.
John 20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Mark 5:3 This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.
Luke 11:44 Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which people walk over without knowing it.

Related Words

External Resources

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