ἀνάθεμα
Original Language Overview
- Greek Word: ἀνάθεμα
- Transliteration: anathema
- Translation/Definition: A thing devoted (to God, usually to destruction); a thing or person accursed; a curse.
- Strong's Number: G331
- Related Hebrew word: חֵרֶם
Meaning
The word ἀνάθεμα (anathema) carries a profound and severe meaning in the New Testament. Its root meaning is "something set up" or "dedicated." Initially, this dedication could be for good (e.g., offerings in a temple). However, through its use in the Septuagint (LXX) to translate the Hebrew word חֵרֶם (ḥērem), the meaning became predominantly negative: something irrevocably devoted to God for destruction or separation due to its inherent sinfulness or opposition to God's will.
In the New Testament, to be "anathema" signifies being utterly separated from Christ and devoted to divine wrath or condemnation. It implies a curse that results in judgment, typically eternal. This term is used to emphasize the grave consequences of rejecting the true Gospel or actively opposing Christ.
Significant Occurrences in Scripture
- Romans 9.3: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed [ἀνάθεμα, anathema] and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh."
- Context: Paul expresses an extreme and almost unimaginable desire for his Jewish kinsmen's salvation, willing to endure eternal separation from Christ himself if it meant their redemption. This highlights the severity of being "anathema."
- 1 Corinthians 12.3: "Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' [ἀνάθεμα, anathema] and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit."
- Context: This verse clarifies that genuine spiritual utterance will never blaspheme Christ by declaring Him cursed. Conversely, the confession of Jesus as Lord is Spirit-empowered.
- 1 Corinthians 16.22: "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed [ἀνάθεμα, anathema]. Our Lord, come!" (The phrase "Our Lord, come!" is a transliteration of the Aramaic "Maranatha").
- Context: This is a solemn and strong warning directed at those who profess Christ but do not genuinely love Him, indicating they are subject to divine judgment.
- Galatians 1:8-9: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed [ἀνάθεμα, anathema]. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed [ἀνάθεμα, anathema]."
- Context: Paul pronounces a double, emphatic curse upon anyone, including himself or even an angel, who would preach a distorted or false gospel, underscoring the absolute purity and non-negotiable nature of the true Gospel of Christ.
Related Words
Hebrew (Old Testament Equivalent)
The most significant Old Testament equivalent that informs the New Testament understanding of ἀνάθεμα (anathema) is the Hebrew word:
- חֵרֶם (ḥērem)
- Transliteration: ḥērem
- Translation/Definition: Devoted thing, banned thing, destruction, utter destruction.
- Strong's Number: H2764
- Meaning: In the Old Testament, חֵרֶם often refers to things (or people) irrevocably dedicated to God, often for complete destruction, especially in the context of holy war (e.g., the destruction of Jericho). It signifies that which is set apart from common use and consigned to God's ultimate judgment or holy disposition, usually through annihilation.
Septuagint (LXX) Equivalents
- Hebrew Word: חֵרֶם (ḥērem - H2764)
- LXX Equivalent(s): ἀνάθεμα (anathema - G331)
- Usage: The consistent translation of חֵרֶם (ḥērem) by ἀνάθεμα (anathema) in the Septuagint played a crucial role in shaping the theological understanding of ἀνάθεμα in the New Testament. It ingrained the concept of "something devoted to destruction" or "under a divine curse" into the vocabulary of Hellenistic Judaism and early Christianity. Examples include the command to utterly destroy certain cities and their inhabitants (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:26, where the "devoted thing" is translated as ἀνάθεμα) and the account of Achan's sin with the "devoted things" from Jericho (Joshua 6-7).