ἀρά

a prayer or prayer for evil, a curse, imprecation

Definition

ἀρά is a Greek noun meaning a prayer, but in the New Testament it is used exclusively in the negative sense of a curse or imprecation—a prayer for evil or harm to befall someone. This stands in contrast to the more common Greek word for prayer, προσευχή (proseuchē, G4335), which is a general term for petition or supplication. The word carries the strong connotation of invoking divine judgment or calamity upon a person or group. Its sole New Testament occurrence in Romans 3:14 quotes Psalm 5:9 (LXX 5:10) to describe the speech of the wicked.

Biblical Usage

ἀρά is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 3:14, within a string of Old Testament quotations (from Psalms and Isaiah) that Paul employs to demonstrate the universal sinfulness of humanity. In this context, 'Whose mouth is full of cursing (ἀρᾶς) and bitterness,' it describes the characteristic speech of those living apart from God's righteousness. This singular usage follows the Septuagint's (the Greek Old Testament) pattern, where ἀρά frequently appears in prophetic denunciations and psalms of lament to signify a spoken curse invoking divine judgment (e.g., Genesis 27:12 LXX).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb ἀράομαι, meaning 'to pray' or 'to curse,' the noun ἀρά itself simply means 'a prayer.' Its meaning developed a specialized negative sense based on context—specifying a prayer *for* something harmful. This dual potential is seen in wider Greek literature, but the biblical usage, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, heavily favors the negative sense of 'curse.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights the serious biblical concept of cursing as an appeal to divine justice against sin. In Romans 3:10-18, Paul uses ἀρά to portray the depth of human corruption, showing that sinful speech includes invoking God's wrath upon others. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that this is not merely profanity but a specific, solemn invocation of evil, contrasting sharply with the blessings of the gospel. It connects to doctrines of human sinfulness, God's justice, and the transformation of speech through redemption.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, spoken words, especially oaths and curses, were believed to carry inherent power. A formal curse (ἀρά) was not just an expression of anger but a potent verbal act intended to summon supernatural forces to enact harm. This contrasts with a modern, often casual understanding of 'cursing.' The biblical use, particularly in the Psalms and wisdom literature, reflects this serious view, where a curse was a plea for God to execute justice according to His covenant laws (e.g., Deuteronomy 27-28).

κατάρα (katara, G2671) — A more common NT word for 'curse,' often denoting a state of being under a divine curse or a formal denunciation. ἀρά is the specific act of uttering such a curse. προσευχή (proseuchē, G4335) — The general word for 'prayer' or 'supplication' to God, without the negative connotation of ἀρά.

Word Details

Scripture References