The Anathema
Galatians 1:8-9
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.…


The most dreaded Jewish punishment. Three degrees.

I. NIDUI. Casting out of the synagogue and separation from society, which might last thirty days.

II. CHEREM. The sentence of devotion to death.

III. SHAMMATHA or MARANATHA, which purported that the criminal had nothing to expect but the final infliction of the Day of Judgment. He was loaded with execrations, excluded from temple and synagogue, his goods were confiscated, his sons debarred from circumcision and his daughters from marriage, and he solemnly remitted to the judgment of heaven. This was the curse the apostle invoked on himself or any one who preached another gospel.

(D. Thomas.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

WEB: But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any "good news" other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.




The Anathema
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