κατανάθεμα (katanathema)
katanathema
curse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katanathema denotes a curse or an accursed thing. Its form suggests an intensive sense, combining a prefix meaning "against" with a root related to dedication or setting apart. This etymology implies that the subject is not merely cursed by chance, but has been formally set apart for judgment or destruction.
In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Revelation 22:3. There it describes what will no longer exist in the new Jerusalem. The context highlights a complete reversal of the curse introduced earlier in the biblical narrative, marking the final removal of all things devoted to divine wrath.
Translators typically render this term as "curse" or "accursed thing." Its singular occurrence underscores the totality of the restoration promised in Revelation. The absence of anything accursed signifies that the separation between God and His creation has been fully healed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katanathema carries a heavy weight, describing something formally set apart for destruction or divine judgment. It is not a casual insult but a serious declaration of separation. In Revelation 22:3, John writes that this curse will be gone forever in the new Jerusalem. This single use marks the end of all things devoted to wrath and the final healing of the rift between God and creation.
For your faith, this offers profound hope. The presence of God’s throne and the Lamb means that the separation caused by sin is fully removed. You can trust that God’s ultimate plan is not condemnation but restoration. Where there was once judgment, there is now perfect peace and direct access to the divine presence.
This promise invites you to live in the light of that future reality. Even when life feels broken or distant from God, remember that the curse has no final word. The new creation promises a place where service is joyful and separation is impossible. Rest in the assurance that God’s love has overcome every barrier.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- curse1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατάθεμα1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 22:3
There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.
This verse declares the permanent removal of all accursed things, signaling the complete restoration of fellowship between God and His people in the new Jerusalem.