κατάρα (katara)
katara
curse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun katara denotes a curse or execration, representing a formal wish for harm or divine judgment against someone or something. In the New Testament, it appears in only five verses, primarily within Galatians, James, and Second Peter. The word stands as the direct opposite of eu logia, or blessing, creating a clear theological dichotomy between favor and condemnation.
Its usage often carries legal or covenantal weight. For instance, Paul cites Deuteronomy to explain that Christ redeemed believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them (Galatians 3:10-13). Similarly, James contrasts the tongue’s ability to bless God with its tendency to curse people made in God’s likeness, highlighting the word’s concrete application to human beings (James 3:10). In Second Peter, it describes the false teachers who exploit others for gain while cursing their victims (2 Peter 2:14).
The term is derived from intensive prefixes and roots implying a downward or destructive force. While sometimes translated simply as "curse," it can also function metonymically to refer to the cursed object or person itself. This lexical precision helps translators convey the severity of spiritual separation and judgment described in these passages.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katara points to a deep spiritual separation and the weight of divine judgment. In our daily lives, we often feel the sting of failure or the fear that we are not measuring up to high standards. This term reminds us that such feelings can stem from a place of condemnation rather than truth.
Christian faith offers a different reality. Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are freed from this curse. He took upon Himself the judgment we deserved, turning what was meant for harm into an opportunity for grace. This shift allows us to live without the crushing burden of legalistic demands.
Yet, we must also be mindful of how we speak. Our words hold power; they can build up or tear down. By choosing blessings over curses, we reflect the character of God and protect the dignity of those around us. This balance between receiving freedom and offering kindness is central to a faithful life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a curse2×
- of a curse1×
- cursing.1×
- curse1×
- a curse;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατάρας3×
- κατάραν1×
- κατάρα·1×
- κατάρα.1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”
This verse highlights the core gospel truth that Christ absorbed the curse Himself, effectively breaking its power over believers.
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James 3:10
Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Here the word is applied practically to speech, showing how the same mouth can contradict itself by blessing God while cursing people.
-
Galatians 3:10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
Paul uses this term to define the state of those relying on legal works, establishing the need for redemption through faith.