Expert: Dean Gade - 4/7/2009

Question
What is the original Hebrew/Aramaic phrase for the sentence "Do this in memory of me" which Jesus said at the Last Supper?
I would like to be able to explain what Jesus actually meant, because it was actually different from"in memory" or "in memoriam"
Thank you if you can help me, and thank you for trying even if you can't.
Gabrielle

Answer
Sorry, I can't really help you with the Hebrew/Aramaic since the original language of the Bible's recording of these words of Jesus are in Koine Greek.

I can tell you that the word used is "anamaesin" which means "recollectiion" or "call to mind".

If it helps, here are all the other places in the Bible where anamaesin is used:

Mk 11:21
21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
NIV

Mk 14:72

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.
NIV

1 Co 4:17
17 For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
NIV

2 Co 7:15
15 And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.
NIV

2 Ti 1:6
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
NIV

Heb 10:32

32 Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.
NIV