Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Anamnesis; or Recalling

An Expression of Feeling by Way of Recalling to Mind

An´-am-nee´-sis. Greek, ἀνάμνησις, a calling to remembrance, from ἀνά (ana), again, and μιμνήσκειν (mimneeskein), to put in mind.

This figure is used when the course of the direct statement is changed, to recall something to mind; and the matter, instead of being stated as a fact, as it might have been, is mentioned by way of calling it to memory.

It is a very effective method of emphasising what we wish to impress on another.

The Latins called it RECOLLECTIO, recollection.

Romans 9:3 is an interesting example; which has been already referred to under Epitrechon and Hyperbole (q.v. [Note: Which see.] ).

We should note that the verb is in the imperfect tense ηὐχόμην (eeuchomeen), and has the sense of I used to wish. And it may refer to his former condition as a Jew, and to his old hatred of the very name of Christ.

It occurs as the opening of the Dispensational part of the Epistle to the Romans. See under Correspondence.