μνημόσυνον
mnēmósynon
G3422 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A reminder or commemorative object, specifically something intended to keep alive the memory of a person, event, or action; in extended usage, a record or memorial. Carries the sense of that which prompts remembrance, either physically (e.g., a token, offering, monument) or in a figurative sense (as in an act being remembered before someone of authority). In religious or cultic contexts, often denotes an offering made so that the giver or act will be brought to mind.
Semantic Range
reminder, commemorative object, memorial, record, token of memory, offering that calls forth remembrance
Root / Etymology
From the root μνημ- (to remember), specifically from the verb μνημονεύω ('to remember'), combined with the suffix -συνον, forming a noun that denotes something related to memory or remembrance.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μνημόσυνον is first attested in classical and Hellenistic Greek as a term for anything that serves to bring something or someone to remembrance—a reminder, keepsake, or monument. In the Septuagint, it is often used for Hebrew זִכָּרוֹן (zikaron), referring to objects, offerings, or events that function to memorialize before God or the community. In the New Testament (notably Matt 26:13; Mark 14:9; Acts 10:4; Heb 11:4), it similarly denotes an act or offering that serves as a memorial—something that preserves or evokes memory, especially in the context of a divine audience. English translation tradition often renders μνημόσυνον as 'memorial,' 'remembrance,' or occasionally 'record,' but these may not fully convey the object's function as both a trigger and a token of memory. Distinct from μνῆμα ('tomb, grave'), which refers more narrowly to a place of burial; μνημόσυνον is broader and relates to remembrance or commemoration in both sacred and secular spheres.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μνημονεύω; a reminder (memorandum), i.e. record:--memorial.
Root Family
μνημ- (mnēmeîon) — to remember, to be mindful, to recall
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3422-01 |
μνημόσυνον | mnemosunon | N ACC N SG |
a memorial | a commemorative reminder | a commemorative reminder | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3422-01 |
Matthew 26:13 | μνημόσυνον | mnemosunon | N ACC N SG |
memory | a commemorative reminder | a commemorative reminder |
G3422-01 |
Mark 14:9 | μνημόσυνον | mnemosunon | N ACC N SG |
memorial | a commemorative reminder | a commemorative reminder |
G3422-01 |
Acts 10:4 | μνημόσυνον | mnemosunon | N ACC N SG |
a memorial | a commemorative reminder | a commemorative reminder |