ἐπιλανθάνομαι

I forget, neglect

Definition

The verb ἐπιλανθάνομαι means 'to forget' or 'to neglect,' often implying a willful or culpable oversight rather than a mere lapse of memory. In some contexts, it describes forgetting something important, like the disciples forgetting to bring bread (Matthew 16:5, Mark 8:14). In other passages, it carries a stronger sense of neglect or disregard, such as neglecting to show hospitality (Hebrews 13:2) or to do good and share (Hebrews 13:16). Paul uses it positively in Philippians 3:13, speaking of actively forgetting what lies behind in pursuit of Christ.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 8 times in the New Testament, used in Gospels, Epistles, and James. In the Gospels, it describes literal forgetfulness (Matthew 16:5, Mark 8:14) or God's attentive care (Luke 12:6). In the Epistles, it often warns against neglecting spiritual duties like hospitality (Hebrews 13:2), good works (Hebrews 13:16), or God's faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10). Paul uses it metaphorically for spiritual focus in Philippians 3:13, and James 1:24 uses it to illustrate someone who hears the word but does not act on it.

Etymology

Derived from ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the root λανθάνομαι (lanthanomai, 'to escape notice, be hidden'). The compound suggests forgetting as something that 'comes over' or 'overshadows' one's awareness, sometimes with a nuance of willful inattention. It is related to λήθη (lēthē, 'forgetfulness'), from which English gets 'lethargy.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it often highlights human responsibility before God. Forgetting is not presented as a neutral mental lapse but as a failure in covenant faithfulness—neglecting God's promises (Hebrews 6:10) or duties to others (Hebrews 13:2, 16). Conversely, Paul's command to 'forget' in Philippians 3:13 is an active, spiritual discipline of setting aside past achievements or failures to pursue Christ. It underscores that biblical remembrance and forgetfulness are moral and relational acts.

In a Greco-Roman context where hospitality (xenia) was a sacred social duty, 'forgetting' to show it (Hebrews 13:2) was a serious breach of honor and piety. The concept also interacts with Jewish covenantal theology, where 'forgetting' God or His commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 8:11) is synonymous with idolatry and rebellion, not just memory failure.

λήθω (lēthō, G2990) — a simpler, more poetic term for forgetting; ἀμνημονέω (amnēmoneō, G302) — to be forgetful, used only in Mark 8:14; ἐκλανθάνομαι (eklanthanomai, G1585) — to forget utterly (not in NT, but in LXX).

Word Details

Scripture References