1 Corinthians 16:22
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 16:22
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 16 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, faith, righteousness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 16:22
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
Analysis
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema—Ei tis ou philei ton kyrion, ētō anathema (εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα). Philei (φιλεῖ, "loves") differs from agapaō (ἀγαπάω), emphasizing affection and devotion. Anathema (ἀνάθεμα) means "accursed, devoted to destruction," translating Hebrew herem (חֵרֶם)—divine ban, ultimate rejection (Galatians 1:8-9, Romans 9:3). This shocking anathema follows Paul's tender personal greeting (v. 21), creating dramatic contrast. Love for Christ isn't optional; it's the essence of Christianity. Failure to love Jesus incurs divine curse.
Maranatha—Marana tha (μαρανα θα) is Aramaic, transliterated into Greek, meaning either "Our Lord, come!" (marana tha) or "Our Lord has come" (maran atha). Most scholars prefer the imperative: "Our Lord, come!" This reflects the earliest Christian prayer (Revelation 22:20, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus"). The Aramaic, Jesus's native language, preserved in Greek letters reveals primitive church liturgy. The juxtaposition—curse on Christ-rejecters, prayer for Christ's return—emphasizes eschatological urgency.
Historical Context
That Paul leaves maranatha untranslated suggests it was a familiar liturgical formula across early churches, even Greek-speaking ones. The Didache (late first century) ends the Eucharistic liturgy with "Maranatha," confirming its use in worship. This Aramaic preservation (like "Abba," "Amen," "Alleluia") connects Greek Christianity to Jesus's Aramaic-speaking disciples, providing linguistic continuity with the earthly Jesus.
Reflection
- Why does Paul pronounce an anathema immediately after his personal greeting—what effect does this jarring contrast create?
- What's the significance of Paul preserving the Aramaic 'Maranatha' instead of translating it into Greek?
- How does the eschatological prayer 'Our Lord, come!' relate to the anathema on those who don't love Christ?
Word Studies
- Messiah: Χριστός (Christos) G5547 - Christ, Anointed One
Cross-References
- References Jesus: Revelation 22:20
- References Christ: Romans 9:3
- Love: Matthew 10:37, John 8:42, 14:21, Ephesians 6:24, Hebrews 6:10, 1 John 4:19
- Parallel theme: 1 Peter 2:7