What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:22?

If anyone does not love the Lord

Paul’s opening words draw a clear, uncompromising line:

• Love for Jesus is not optional but essential (John 14:15; Mark 12:30).

• Scripture repeatedly ties genuine faith to heartfelt affection for Christ (1 John 4:19; 1 Peter 1:8).

• By addressing “anyone,” Paul includes every churchgoer, leader, or outsider—no one is exempt (Matthew 10:37).

• The statement comes at the close of a letter full of correction; love for the Lord is the fundamental issue beneath every problem addressed (1 Corinthians 8:3; 13:1-3).

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Let him be under a curse

Paul immediately states the consequence:

• This is the same sober language he uses in Galatians 1:8-9 about distorting the gospel—an anathema, a divine judgment.

• Because Christ bore the curse for those who trust Him (Galatians 3:13), refusing to love Him leaves a person to face that curse alone (John 3:36).

• The warning echoes Old-Testament covenant realities: blessing follows allegiance, curse follows rejection (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

• Far from harsh, it is a loving alert that eternal destiny hinges on relationship with Jesus (Hebrews 10:26-27).

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Come, O Lord!

Paul ends with an Aramaic cry, Maranatha:

• The plea reflects eager anticipation for Christ’s return, matching Revelation 22:20, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

• It places present exhortations in the light of future accountability (2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13).

• The hope of His coming strengthens believers to remain faithful and loving now (1 Corinthians 1:7-9).

• By coupling judgment language with longing for Jesus, Paul reminds us that His return brings both vindication for the faithful and wrath for the unrepentant (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

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summary

Paul’s brief sentence sets out a firm gospel reality: loving the Lord Jesus is the indispensable mark of true Christianity. Reject that love, and a self-chosen curse remains. Embrace that love, and you join the church’s joyful cry, “Come, O Lord!”—living in devotion today and longing for His imminent return.