καταράομαι (kataraomai)
kataraomai
to curse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kataraomai means to pronounce a curse or wish harm upon someone. It stands in direct opposition to blessing, a contrast that appears clearly in Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:26 and Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:14. When used with an accusative object, as seen in Mark 11:21, it describes the active act of invoking judgment or evil against a person.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix implying intensification with a root related to cursing. In the New Testament, it carries significant weight, often describing spiritual condemnation rather than mere angry speech. The passive participle form appears in Matthew 25:41, referring to those who are "accursed" or under divine judgment, highlighting its use in theological contexts of separation from God.
Translators typically render this word as "curse," though the Greek term implies a formal or solemn declaration rather than just an insult. Its rarity in Scripture—appearing only six times—underscores the seriousness with which early Christians viewed the power of words to invoke blessing or judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kataraomai describes a solemn act of wishing harm or invoking judgment upon another. In the New Testament, this powerful language is often used to highlight the stark contrast between blessing and cursing. Jesus raises the bar for His followers in Matthew 5:44, instructing us to love those who curse us. This command challenges our natural instincts to retaliate with harsh words or ill will.
Paul reinforces this teaching in Romans 12:14, urging believers to bless persecutors and refrain from cursing them. The early church understood that words carry spiritual weight. James 3:9 reminds us of the inconsistency of praising God while using the same tongue to curse people made in His image. This tension calls us to examine our hearts and align our speech with grace.
Ultimately, this word points to a deeper reality: we are called to break cycles of hostility. By choosing blessing over cursing, we reflect the character of Christ. This path may be difficult, but it offers peace that surpasses understanding. May you find strength in these teachings as you navigate relationships with kindness and integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cursing2×
- we curse1×
- do curse.1×
- cursed1×
- You cursed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καταρωμένους2×
- κατηράσω1×
- κατηραμένοι1×
- καταρᾶσθε.1×
- καταρώμεθα1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Jesus commands His followers to bless those who curse them, establishing a radical standard of love that overrides natural retaliation.
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Romans 12:14
Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
Paul explicitly instructs believers to bless persecutors and not to curse them, linking this behavior to the broader call to live in harmony.
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James 3:9
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God.
James highlights the hypocrisy of blessing God while cursing people made in His image, emphasizing the integrity required in speech.