334. anathéma

Lexicon

anathéma: Accursed, devoted to destruction, offering

Original Word: ἀνάθεμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: anathéma
Pronunciation: ah-NAH-theh-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (an-ath'-ay-mah)
Definition: Accursed, devoted to destruction, offering
Meaning: an offering dedicated (hung up in a temple) by a worshipper; a gift or offering consecrated to God.

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 Origin
from anatithémi
Definition
a gift set up (in a temple)
NASB Translation
votive gifts (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 334: ἀνάθημα

ἀνάθημα, (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

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi), meaning "to set up" or "to dedicate."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with ἀνάθεμα is חֵרֶם (cherem) [Strong's Hebrew 2764], which similarly denotes something devoted to destruction or a ban. This term is used in contexts where objects or people are irrevocably given over to God, often implying their complete destruction as an act of divine judgment.

Usage: In the New Testament, ἀνάθεμα is used to describe a person or thing that is accursed or devoted to destruction. It often implies a severe form of excommunication or divine condemnation.

Context: The term ἀνάθεμα appears in several key passages in the New Testament, each highlighting its grave implications. In Romans 9:3, Paul expresses a deep personal anguish for his fellow Israelites, stating, "For I could wish that I myself were accursed (ἀνάθεμα) and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood." Here, Paul uses the term to convey the seriousness of being separated from Christ, underscoring the depth of his love and concern for his people.

In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul writes, "Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, 'Jesus be cursed (ἀνάθεμα),' and no one can say, 'Jesus is Lord,' except by the Holy Spirit." This passage emphasizes the incompatibility of the Holy Spirit's work with any form of cursing Christ, highlighting the term's association with spiritual condemnation.

Galatians 1:8-9 provides another significant usage: "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse (ἀνάθεμα)! 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 under a curse (ἀνάθεμα)!" Here, Paul uses ἀνάθεμα to stress the severity of distorting the gospel message, equating such actions with being under divine judgment.

The concept of ἀνάθεμα in the New Testament reflects the Old Testament practice of devoting something to God for destruction, as seen in the Hebrew term חֵרֶם (cherem). This connection underscores the seriousness of being set apart for divine wrath, whether due to false teaching, idolatry, or other forms of rebellion against God.

Forms and Transliterations

αναθήμασι αναθημασιν ἀναθήμασιν anathemasin anathēmasin anathḗmasin

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 21:5 N-DNP
GRK: καλοῖς καὶ ἀναθήμασιν κεκόσμηται εἶπεν
NAS: stones and votive gifts, He said,
KJV: stones and gifts, he said,
INT: goodly and consecrated gifts it was adorned he said

Strong's Greek 334
1 Occurrence

ἀναθήμασιν — 1 Occ.