Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Anathema is a term that appears in the Bible and has significant theological implications. It is derived from the Greek word "ἀνάθεμα" (anathema), which originally meant something dedicated or set apart. Over time, its meaning evolved to denote something accursed or devoted to destruction. In the context of Scripture, anathema is often associated with a severe form of excommunication or a curse pronounced upon those who deviate from essential doctrines of the Christian faith.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of anathema is closely related to the Hebrew term "cherem," which refers to something devoted to God for destruction. This is seen in the context of the conquest of Canaan, where certain cities and their inhabitants were placed under the ban, meaning they were to be completely destroyed as an offering to God. For example, in Joshua 6:17 , the city of Jericho is described as being "under the ban" (cherem), indicating that it was devoted to destruction. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the term anathema in a theological context to emphasize the seriousness of adhering to the true Gospel. In Galatians 1:8-9 , Paul writes, "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! 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!" Here, the term "under a curse" is translated from the Greek "anathema," underscoring the gravity of distorting the Gospel message. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 16:22 , Paul declares, "If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!" This usage highlights the importance of genuine love and devotion to Christ as a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. Theological Implications The concept of anathema carries significant theological weight, particularly in the context of church discipline and doctrinal purity. It serves as a warning against false teachings and heresies that threaten the integrity of the Christian faith. Throughout church history, the term has been used in ecclesiastical pronouncements to denote those who are excommunicated or cut off from the fellowship of believers due to persistent unrepentance or heretical beliefs. In the early church, councils and synods would often pronounce anathemas against heresies and those who propagated them. This practice underscored the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and unity within the body of Christ. Conclusion While the term anathema is not frequently used in contemporary Christian discourse, its biblical and historical significance remains a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness to the core tenets of Christianity. It calls believers to vigilance in preserving the truth of the Gospel and to exercise discernment in matters of doctrine and practice. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AnathemaEaston's Bible Dictionary Anything laid up or suspended; hence anything laid up in a temple or set apart as sacred. In this sense the form of the word is anath(ee)ma, once in plural used in the Greek New Testament, in Luke 21:5, where it is rendered "gifts." In the LXX. the form anathema is generally used as the rendering of the Hebrew word herem, derived from a verb which means (1) to consecrate or devote; and (2) to exterminate. Any object so devoted to the Lord could not be redeemed (Numbers 18:14; Leviticus 27:28, 29); and hence the idea of exterminating connected with the word. The Hebrew verb (haram) is frequently used of the extermination of idolatrous nations. It had a wide range of application. The anathema_ or _herem was a person or thing irrevocably devoted to God (Leviticus 27:21, 28); and "none devoted shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to death" (27:29). The word therefore carried the idea of devoted to destruction (Numbers 21:2, 3; Joshua 6:17); and hence generally it meant a thing accursed. In Deuteronomy 7:26 an idol is called a herem = anathema, a thing accursed.In the New Testament this word always implies execration. In some cases an individual denounces an anathema on himself unless certain conditions are fulfilled (Acts 23:12, 14, 21). "To call Jesus accursed" [anathema] (1 Corinthians 12:3) is to pronounce him execrated or accursed. If any one preached another gospel, the apostle says, "let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8, 9); i.e., let his conduct in so doing be accounted accursed. In Romans 9:3, the expression "accursed" (anathema) from Christ, i.e., excluded from fellowship or alliance with Christ, has occasioned much difficulty. The apostle here does not speak of his wish as a possible thing. It is simply a vehement expression of feeling, showing how strong was his desire for the salvation of his people. The anathema in 1 Corinthians 16:22 denotes simply that they who love not the Lord are rightly objects of loathing and execration to all holy beings; they are guilty of a crime that merits the severest condemnation; they are exposed to the just sentence of "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Anything forbidden by or society or religious authority.2. (n.) A ban or curse pronounced with religious solemnity by ecclesiastical authority, and accompanied by excommunication. Hence: Denunciation of anything as accursed. 3. (n.) An imprecation; a curse; a malediction. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANATHEMAa-nath'-e-ma (anathema): This word occurs only once in the King James Version, namely, in the phrase "Let him be anathema. Maranatha" (1 Corinthians 16:22); elsewhere the King James Version renders anathema by "accursed" (Romans 9:3 1 Corinthians 12:3 Galatians 1:8, 9), once by "curse" (Acts 23:12). Both words-anathema and anathema-were originally dialectical variations and had the same connotation, namely, offering to the gods. The non-Attic form-anathema-was adopted in the Septuagint as a rendering of the Hebrew cherem (see ACCURSED), and gradually came to have the significance of the Hebrew word-"anything devoted to destruction." Whereas in the Greek Fathers anathema-as cherem in rabbinic Hebrew-came to denote excommunication from society, in the New Testament the word has its full force. In common speech it evidently became a strong expression of execration, and the term connoted more than physical destruction; it invariably implied moral worthlessness. In Romans 9:3 Paul does not simply mean that, for the sake of his fellow-countrymen, he is prepared to face death, but to endure the moral degradation of an outcast from the kingdom of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:3 the expression, "Jesus is anathema"-with its suggestion of moral unfitness-reaches the lowest depths of depreciation, as the expression, "Jesus is Lord," reaches the summit of appreciation. Greek 331. anathema -- that which is laid up, ie a votive offering ... 330, 331. anathema. 332 . that which is laid up, ie a ... solemn (1). accused, anathema, curse. From anatithemai; a (religious) ban ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/331.htm - 7k 334. anathema -- a gift set up (in a temple) 332. anathematizo -- to declare anathema, devote to destruction 2652. katanathema -- curse. Library Anathema and Grace Session xvi. The Anathemas of Cyril in Opposition to Nestorius. A Confession of the Catholic Faith which Pope Damasus Sent to ... Creeds Published at Sirmium in Presence of the Emperor Constantius ... The Anathematisms of the Emperor Justinian against Origen. The Anathemas against Origen. Extracts from the Acts. Session I. Excursus on the Condemnation of Pope Honorius. The Decree of the Holy, Great, Ecumenical Synod, the Second of ... Thesaurus Anathema (6 Occurrences)... the form anathema is generally used as the rendering of the Hebrew word herem, derived from a verb which means (1) to consecrate or devote; and (2) to ... /a/anathema.htm - 13k Excommunication Maranatha (1 Occurrence) Anathematize (4 Occurrences) Anath (4 Occurrences) Proclaim (172 Occurrences) Songs (100 Occurrences) Loveth (88 Occurrences) Wishing (25 Occurrences) Maran-atha (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the definition of anathema? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean by binding and loosing? | GotQuestions.org Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org Anathema: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Anathema (6 Occurrences)Acts 23:14 Romans 9:3 1 Corinthians 12:3 1 Corinthians 16:22 Galatians 1:8 Galatians 1:9 Subtopics Anathema Maran-Atha: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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