What was Anathema?
The term Anathema (Greek: ἀνάθεμα, anathema) is not a character or a place but a powerful and solemn word used in Scripture to signify something or someone set apart—often for destruction or under divine curse. The term comes from the root meaning “to set up” or “to dedicate,” particularly in a sacred or religious sense, but in the New Testament context, it came to carry the meaning of being devoted to God for judgment. The Hebrew equivalent is חֵרֶם (cherem), which also means something devoted to destruction (see Leviticus 27:28-29; Deuteronomy 7:26).
In 1 Corinthians 16:22, the apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be accursed! Maranatha.” Here, the word “accursed” translates the Greek word anathema. Paul uses it as a warning—an ultimate consequence of rejecting Christ, to be under the curse and judgment of God.
Key Biblical References
- 1 Corinthians 16:22 – “If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be accursed (anathema). Maranatha.”
- Romans 9:3 – Paul expresses a willingness to be accursed (anathema) for the sake of his fellow Israelites.
- Galatians 1:8-9 – Paul pronounces an anathema on anyone who preaches a different gospel.
- Joshua 6:17-18 – The city of Jericho and its spoil are declared cherem, or “accursed,” meaning devoted to destruction.
- Deuteronomy 13:17 – Entire cities given to idolatry were to be cherem—under God’s curse and completely destroyed.
The Use of “Anathema” in the Bible
Old Testament Background
The concept of cherem in the Old Testament was associated with something being wholly dedicated to God, often by destruction. This applied to enemies in warfare, idols, or even individuals who transgressed God‘s law in specific covenantal contexts (see Leviticus 27:29; Deuteronomy 7:26). It indicated total devotion to God in a judicial sense—either by consecration or by condemnation.
A striking example is Achan’s sin in Joshua 7. He took things under the cherem (the ban), leading to Israel’s defeat at Ai and his subsequent execution. What was “devoted” to God was not to be touched—violating that principle brought divine judgment.
New Testament Usage
In the New Testament, anathema no longer refers to physical objects or cities but to spiritual and eternal realities. Paul uses the term with sober seriousness. In 1 Corinthians 16:22, he makes clear that rejecting the Lord Jesus—failing to love Him—is not a small matter. It is worthy of being cut off from the community of believers and under God’s judgment.
In Galatians 1:8–9, Paul warns that any person—even an angel—who preaches a different gospel is anathema. The purity of the gospel is so essential that distorting it is a soul-condemning error.
In Romans 9:3, Paul uses the word differently—expressing his grief over the lostness of Israel. He says he would willingly be anathema himself if it could mean salvation for his people. This emotional statement shows Paul’s deep love and reflects Christ’s own substitutionary heart.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Anathema reminds Christians that the stakes of the gospel are eternal. Paul’s use of the term is not careless or harsh—it is born out of love for truth and concern for souls. It underscores that a true love for Jesus is not optional. The New Testament warns that indifference to Christ or perversion of the gospel places one outside the covenant community and under divine judgment.
It also reinforces the seriousness of false teaching. Preaching “another gospel” is not merely theological error—it is soul-threatening, and the church is called to preserve sound doctrine faithfully.
Yet even this hard word must be seen through the lens of the gospel: God does not desire any to perish (2 Peter 3:9), but graciously offers life to all who repent and believe in Christ. The warning of anathema exists so that people may turn to Christ and be saved.
How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel
The concept of anathema highlights the seriousness of sin, but it also sets the stage for the glory of the cross. On the cross, Jesus bore the curse for us. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus became, in effect, our anathema. Though He was sinless and beloved of the Father, He endured the full weight of divine judgment in our place.
This substitutionary sacrifice is at the heart of the gospel. The anathema that we deserved was poured out on Jesus so that we might be set free, justified, and adopted as children of God.
In light of this, 1 Corinthians 16:22 is not just a curse—it is a call. If anyone does not love the Lord, they are under a curse. But this is avoidable—by coming to Christ in faith and love, we pass from death to life.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Holiness and Separation
The idea of anathema is rooted in God‘s holiness. He cannot overlook sin or tolerate rebellion. The call to be holy includes separating from sin and anything that defiles the purity of God‘s people (2 Corinthians 6:14–18).
2. Judgment and Mercy
While anathema speaks of judgment, it only highlights God’s mercy all the more. Judgment is not God’s delight, but His justice demands it. The gospel offers a way to escape the curse—through Christ who bore it for us.
3. The Necessity of Sound Doctrine
Galatians 1 emphasizes that the gospel is not up for revision. The seriousness of anathema upon false teachers shows that safeguarding the truth is not optional for the Church.
4. Christ’s Substitutionary Atonement
Jesus bearing the curse on the cross is central to understanding both anathema and salvation. He became what we were so we could become what He is—righteous and accepted before God.
Reflection Questions
- Do I truly love the Lord Jesus Christ—not just believe in Him, but love Him as Lord and Savior?
- Have I allowed false gospels or distortions of truth to influence my faith or teaching?
- How does the seriousness of anathema affect the way I view evangelism and discipleship?
- Do I understand and rejoice in the truth that Christ became a curse for me?
- In what ways can I uphold sound doctrine and protect the purity of the gospel in my church community?
- How does Paul’s grief for the lost (Romans 9:3) stir my own heart for those under God’s judgment?
- What does the warning of anathema reveal about the holiness and justice of God?
- Am I tempted to soften hard truths in Scripture, or do I see their role in leading people to repentance and grace?
- How can I better proclaim both the seriousness of sin and the hope of salvation through Christ?
- What steps can I take to grow in genuine love and obedience toward Jesus today?
Anathema is not a word to be taken lightly, but neither is it the last word for those in Christ. Through Jesus, the curse is lifted, and what was once under condemnation is now declared holy, beloved, and free.