καταναθεματίζω (katanathematizō)
katanathematizō
to curse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katanathematizō means to pronounce a strong curse or to devote someone to destruction. It is an intensive form of the word for "curse," emphasizing the severity and finality of the declaration. In the New Testament, this specific term appears only once, in Matthew 26:74.
The context reveals its heavy weight: Peter uses it when he denies knowing Jesus, swearing with an oath that he is not a disciple. The prefix kata intensifies the action, suggesting a complete and vehement rejection of association. Translators typically render this as "curse" or "invoke curses upon," capturing the desperate intensity of Peter’s attempt to distance himself from Christ under pressure.
Etymologically, the word combines an intensive prefix with the root for "anathema" or devoted thing. While often used in religious contexts for things set apart for God, here it is turned negatively toward a person through a sworn statement. This single usage highlights the extreme lengths to which fear can drive a believer, contrasting sharply with the loyalty Jesus later demands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Peter stood in the courtyard, fear drove him to use the strongest language he could find. He invoked a curse upon himself to prove he did not know Jesus. This single word, katanathematizō, shows how intense human anxiety can become when we feel cornered. It is a stark reminder that even our closest followers are fragile under pressure.
Yet this moment is not the end of Peter’s story. The same man who once swore he was no disciple later became a pillar of the early church. Your failures do not define your future with God. Even when fear makes you say things you regret, grace remains available. You are never too far gone for restoration.
This word invites us to look at our own moments of denial or silence. It does not condemn us for being human; instead, it points to the depth of Christ’s patience. He knew Peter would stumble, yet He still loved him enough to restore him after the resurrection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to curse1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταθεματίζειν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:74
Then he began to curse and to swear, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately the rooster crowed.
Peter uses this intensive verb to swear an oath denying Jesus, showing the extreme length fear can drive a believer to distance themselves from Christ.