μαρὰν ἀθά (maran atha)
maran atha
Come, Lord!
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The phrase maran atha is a direct borrowing from Aramaic into the Greek New Testament, appearing only once in 1 Corinthians 16:22. It functions as a concise prayer or cry from the early church community. The words translate roughly to "Our Lord, come" or "The Lord has come," capturing both an urgent petition for Christ’s return and a confession of his present lordship.
Lexical sources note that this Aramaic expression was preserved in its original language rather than translated into Greek. This suggests it was already a well-known liturgical formula among early believers who spoke Aramaic. The phrase stands as one of the earliest recorded Christian prayers, highlighting the community's hope and dependence on Jesus' return.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The phrase Maranatha carries a weight that transcends language barriers, connecting modern believers with the earliest Christian communities. It is not merely a theological statement but a heartfelt cry for Jesus to return and establish His reign fully. This ancient Aramaic expression reminds us that our faith is anchored in the hope of Christ’s second coming, offering comfort during times of uncertainty.
When we pray Maranatha, we acknowledge both the present lordship of Jesus and the future fulfillment of God’s promises. It invites us to live with eager anticipation, knowing that every act of love and service contributes to this ultimate hope. This simple yet profound prayer unites us across cultures and generations in a shared longing for restoration.
In moments when life feels overwhelming or distant from God’s purposes, Maranatha serves as a gentle reminder that Jesus is coming back. It encourages us to hold fast to our faith, trusting that His return will bring peace, justice, and eternal joy. Let this prayer deepen your connection with Him today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Marana tha!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μαράνα θά.¶1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 16:22
If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
This verse uses Maranatha as a concluding plea for Christ's return, emphasizing its role as a communal prayer of hope and dependence.