Berean Strong's Lexicon anathéma: Accursed, devoted to destruction, offering Original Word: ἀνάθεμα Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi), meaning "to set up" or "to dedicate." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent is חֵרֶם (cherem), Strong's Hebrew #2764, which refers to something devoted to destruction or banned. Usage: In the New Testament, "anathéma" refers to something or someone that is devoted to destruction or set apart for divine wrath. It is often used to denote a curse or a state of being accursed, particularly in the context of being separated from God's favor or grace. The term carries a strong connotation of irrevocable dedication to destruction, often due to disobedience or heresy. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "anathéma" originally referred to offerings or votive gifts dedicated to the gods, often placed in temples. However, in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), the term took on a more negative connotation, aligning with the Hebrew concept of "herem," which refers to things devoted to God for destruction. This shift in meaning reflects the biblical understanding of holiness and judgment, where certain things or people are set apart for destruction due to their opposition to God's will. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anatithémi Definition a gift set up (in a temple) NASB Translation votive gifts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 334: ἀνάθημαἀνάθημα, (τος, τό (ἀνατίθημι), a gift consecrated and laid up in a temple, a votive offering (see ἀνάθεμα, 1): Luke 21:5 (R G Tr WH). (3Macc. 3:17; cf. Grimm on 2 Macc. 3:2; κοσμεῖν ἀναθήμασι occurs also in 2 Macc. 11:16; Plato, Alcib. ii. § 12, p. 148 e. ἀναθήμασι τέ κεκοσμήκαμεν τά ἱερά αὐτῶν, Herodotus 1, 183 τό μέν δή ἱερόν οὕτω κεκόσμηται. Ἔστι δέ καί ἰδίᾳ ἀναθήματα πολλά.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance votive offering, gift. From anatithemai (like anathema, but in a good sense); a votive offering -- gift. see GREEK anatithemai see GREEK anathema Forms and Transliterations αναθήμασι αναθημασιν ἀναθήμασιν anathemasin anathēmasin anathḗmasinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |