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 .