If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:22KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:22 mean?

1 Corinthians 16:22 says that anyone who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ is to be under a curse, using the words "Anathema Maranatha." Paul is warning the Corinthian church that loving Jesus is essential, and those who reject Him are separated from the blessings of God.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth at the close of his letter, emphasizing the seriousness of devotion to Jesus. The phrase "Anathema Maranatha" combines a Greek word for being accursed or set apart for destruction with an Aramaic phrase often understood as "Our Lord, come!" This strong language highlights the importance Paul places on loving Jesus as central to Christian faith.

The Greek and Aramaic behind 1 Corinthians 16:22

  • Ἀνάθεμα (Anathema): This Greek word means "accursed" or "set apart for destruction." Paul uses it here to express a very serious consequence for not loving Jesus, showing the gravity of the issue.
  • Μαραναθά (Maranatha): This is an Aramaic phrase, transliterated into Greek letters, often understood as "Our Lord, come!" or "The Lord is coming." Its use here adds a sense of urgency and expectation, reminding readers of Jesus' return and the finality of His judgment.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:22 matters

  • This verse clears up that Paul is not speaking lightly; he is stressing that loving Jesus is not optional for those who claim to follow Him.
  • The use of both Greek and Aramaic phrases shows the diverse background of the early church and the seriousness of Paul's warning.
  • In the wider context, this warning comes at the end of a letter filled with corrections and encouragements, underlining that everything Paul has said centers on a relationship with Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“be” Greek G2277 · used in 2 verses

  • James 5:12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

“Anathema” Greek G331 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 23:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
  • Romans 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
  • Galatians 1:8 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.

“love” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 22:47 And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
  • John 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

“man” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.