ἀνάθεμα (anathema)
anathema
devoted
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anathema originally described a votive offering set aside for a deity, often displayed in a temple as a sign of devotion. In the Old Testament Greek translation, it translates the Hebrew word for things devoted to destruction or completely dedicated to God, carrying the sense of being irrevocably set apart.
This dual nature creates a tension in the New Testament. Paul uses it to describe those who preach a different gospel, declaring them "accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9). The word implies that such a person is under a divine curse, cut off from the community of faith. Conversely, in 1 Corinthians 16:22, he urges believers to avoid anyone who does not love the Lord, marking them as anathema.
The term thus shifts from a sacred object to a severe spiritual judgment. It signifies something or someone permanently excluded from God’s favor. Translators often render it "accursed" or "under God's curse" to capture this finality, distinguishing it from mere disapproval.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anathema carries a heavy weight in Scripture, originally describing something set apart for God. In the New Testament, it shifts to describe a state of being cut off from divine favor. This is not merely disapproval but a serious spiritual separation. When Paul uses this term, he highlights the danger of rejecting the true gospel or failing to love Jesus Christ.
For believers, this word serves as a sobering reminder of our commitment to Christ. It calls us to examine our hearts and ensure that our faith remains pure. The intensity of the language shows how much God values truth and love in our lives. We are invited to hold fast to what is genuine and reject anything that distances us from Him.
Ultimately, this term points to the seriousness of our relationship with Jesus. It urges us to cherish the gospel we have received and to love the Lord above all else. May we find comfort in knowing that our standing before God rests on His grace, not our own perfection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- accursed2×
- accursed.1×
- a curse1×
- With an oath1×
- Accursed [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνάθεμα4×
- ἀνάθεμα.1×
- ἀναθέματι1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 1:8
But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.
Paul uses this word to emphasize the absolute finality of rejecting the true gospel message.
-
Romans 9:3
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh
Paul expresses a willingness to be cut off from Christ for the sake of his people, showing deep love and sacrifice.