Greek Word Study | 331: curse (anathema)


Paul writes in Galatians 1:8-9 (CSB), "8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! 9 As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him!"

The Greek word for "curse" is anathema.  What does it mean?

Ridderbos says it means "something yielded up to the wrath of God, surrendered to the curse of God."  (Herman Ridderbos, New International Commentary on the New Testament, Galatians, Galatians 1:8-9.)

Hendriksen says it means "doomed; God's righteous curse; divine wrath poured out."  He adds, "Let him be anathema is not a mere wish, but an effective invocation." (William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, Galatians, Galatians 1:8-9.)

The MacArthur Study Bible (Gal 1:8-9) says it means "devoting someone to destruction in eternal hell."

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