Lexical Summary marana tha: "Our Lord, come!" or "O Lord, come!" Original Word: μαράνα θά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Maranatha. Of Chaldee origin (meaning our Lord has come); maranatha, i.e. An exclamation of the approaching divine judgment -- Maran-atha. HELPS Word-studies 3134 marán athá (marán athá) – "Maranatha," an Aramaic term derived from two roots which literally mean, "Our Lord has come" (perfect tense in Aramaic, emphasizing the lingering results involved). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origintransliterated Aramaic phrase Definition (our) Lord, come! NASB Translation Maranatha (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3134: μαραναθαμαραναθα (so Lachmann, but μαρὰν ἀθα R G T Tr WH), the Chaldean words אֲתָה מָרָנָא, i. e. our Lord cometh or will come: 1 Corinthians 16:22. (BB. DD.; cf. Klostermann, Probleme etc. (1883), p. 220ff; Kautzsch, Gr., pp. 12, 174; Nestle in Theol. Stud. aus Würtem. 1884, p. 186ff.) Topical Lexicon Meaning within the Early ChurchMaranatha combines two Aramaic words that together form an urgent, worship-filled plea directed to Jesus Christ. While scholars debate whether the force is declarative (“Our Lord has come”) or imperative (“Our Lord, come”), the New Testament context favors the latter: a cry of expectation for His imminent return. The phrase therefore stands as an apostolic seal on the hope of the Second Coming and the certainty of Christ’s lordship. Occurrence in the New Testament The term appears in Greek manuscripts as two successive words in 1 Corinthians 16:22. Paul, having dictated practical instructions, closes with a stark antithesis: a curse upon false professors and a fervent summons for the Lord’s return. 1 Corinthians 16:22 “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!” The juxtaposition of anathema (curse) and maranatha (Come, O Lord) underscores the twofold effect of Christ’s return: final judgment and ultimate redemption. Historical and Liturgical Background 1. Jewish Roots First-century Jewish believers commonly prayed for the coming of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10). Maranatha adapts that longing, now centered on Jesus of Nazareth as the exalted Messiah. 2. Early Christian Usage a. Didache 10:6 concludes the Eucharistic prayer with maranatha, showing that the phrase quickly entered congregational worship. b. Archaeological findings (e.g., inscriptions in Syria and Asia Minor) indicate its use as a greeting and benediction among believers scattered by persecution. c. In the Apostolic Constitutions, maranatha is coupled with “Hosanna,” reflecting praise and petition in one breath. 3. Eschatological Confession The primitive church confessed “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9). By adding maranatha, early Christians joined lordship to eschatology, turning creed into prayer and hope into action. Theological Significance 1. Christology Invoking the risen Jesus with a prayer formula normally reserved for God affirms His full deity (compare Joel 2:32 with Romans 10:13). 2. Ecclesiology Maranatha shaped the church’s self-understanding as a pilgrim community awaiting the Bridegroom (Revelation 22:17, 20). Its use forged unity across linguistic and cultural lines, offering a shared voice amid diversity. 3. Soteriology and Judgment Paul’s pairing of anathema and maranatha teaches that salvation and judgment converge at Christ’s appearing (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). The expression therefore becomes a pastoral safeguard, urging genuine love for the Lord. Ministry Applications • Preaching—Maranatha reminds congregations that every sermon is delivered under the shadow of Christ’s imminent return (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Related Biblical Themes and References • Second Coming: Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 9:28 Legacy for the Church Today From the catacombs to modern hymns, maranatha has never lost relevance. In an age prone to temporal distraction, the Spirit still prompts believers to echo Paul’s closing plea: “Come, O Lord!” Until that call is answered visibly, maranatha anchors the church’s faith, fuels her mission, and purifies her hope (1 John 3:2-3). Forms and Transliterations αθα ἀθά θα Μαραν Μαρὰν μαρανα μαραναθά marana thaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 16:22 AramGRK: ἤτω ἀνάθεμα μαρανα θα NAS: he is to be accursed. Maranatha. KJV: let him be Anathema Maranatha. INT: let him be accursed Maran atha 1 Corinthians 16:22 Aram |
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