Lexical Summary anathéma: Accursed, devoted to destruction, offering Original Word: ἀνάθεμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance votive offering, gift. From anatithemai (like anathema, but in a good sense); a votive offering -- gift. see GREEK anatithemai see GREEK anathema NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anatithémi Definition a gift set up (in a temple) NASB Translation votive gifts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 334: ἀνάθημαἀνάθημα, (τος, τό (ἀνατίθημι), a gift consecrated and laid up in a temple, a votive offering (see ἀνάθεμα, 1): Luke 21:5 (R G Tr WH). (3Macc. 3:17; cf. Grimm on 2 Macc. 3:2; κοσμεῖν ἀναθήμασι occurs also in 2 Macc. 11:16; Plato, Alcib. ii. § 12, p. 148 e. ἀναθήμασι τέ κεκοσμήκαμεν τά ἱερά αὐτῶν, Herodotus 1, 183 τό μέν δή ἱερόν οὕτω κεκόσμηται. Ἔστι δέ καί ἰδίᾳ ἀναθήματα πολλά.) Topical Lexicon Meaning within Biblical WorshipThis rare noun speaks of objects formally presented to God, then permanently displayed in the sanctuary as public testimony to His honor and the giver’s devotion. Rather than something consumed on an altar, it is a visible, often ornate reminder that all beauty and treasure ultimately belong to the Lord. Single New-Testament Occurrence Luke 21:5 records disciples “remarking how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and consecrated gifts”. These consecrated gifts are the word’s only New-Testament instance. The setting—just before Jesus’ Olivet discourse—makes the scene vivid: costly offerings glitter on temple walls, yet Jesus immediately predicts the building’s total destruction. The contrast underscores the transience of earthly splendor and the certainty of God’s redemptive plan. Old-Testament and Septuagint Background 1. Votive practice runs through the Law. Freewill offerings (Leviticus 22:21) and “devoted things” (Numbers 18:14) could not be reclaimed; once given, they were the Lord’s. Second-Temple Historical Context Josephus describes marble cloisters, golden grape-clusters, and shields presented by Herod, Agrippa, and foreign rulers—precisely the kinds of display Luke’s eyewitnesses admired. Such gifts functioned diplomatically and religiously, advertising benefactors’ piety while enhancing Jerusalem’s prestige. By Jesus’ day the outer courts were crowded with these treasures, yet many worshipers equated material magnificence with divine favor, a notion Jesus corrects. Theological Themes • Devotion versus display: Scripture commends generous giving (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7) but warns against ostentation (Matthew 6:1-4). Luke 21:5-6 dramatizes both truths at once. • Impermanence of earthly glory: Even the most splendid offering cannot secure a lasting kingdom (Hebrews 12:27). Only lives surrendered to Christ endure. • Foreshadowing of a new temple: The dismantling of stone and gold prepared the way for the living temple of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Ministry Applications 1. Encourage tangible expressions of gratitude—buildings, instruments, literature, mercy funds—while refusing to measure faithfulness by their size or beauty. Related New-Testament Concepts • Offering (dōron, Matthew 5:23-24) stresses the act of giving. Summary Strong’s Greek 334 encapsulates the honorable impulse to set apart our best for God’s glory, yet Luke positions that impulse against eschatological reality. Votive treasures shine for a season; the obedient heart, presented to God through Christ, shines forever. Forms and Transliterations αναθήμασι αναθημασιν ἀναθήμασιν anathemasin anathēmasin anathḗmasinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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