Anathema
What is Anathema?
Anathema is a strong biblical term meaning something or someone devoted to destruction, accursed, or set apart for divine judgment. The concept originates from the Hebrew word cherem (חֵרֶם), which appears throughout the Old Testament to describe things irrevocably given over to God, often through destruction. In the New Testament, the Greek word anathema (ἀνάθεμα) carries this severe meaning into the Christian context, describing exclusion from Christ's salvation and the community of believers.
Anathema in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the practice of cherem or "the ban" involved devoting objects, cities, or people to God, which typically meant their complete destruction. This was not arbitrary violence but a solemn act of consecration to God, removing what was considered irredeemably corrupt or opposed to God's holiness. The most famous example is the conquest of Jericho, where the city and everything in it were placed under the ban (Joshua 6:17-19). Similarly, after Israel's defeat at Ai due to Achan's sin of taking devoted things, Achan and his family were subjected to cherem as judgment (Joshua 7:1-26). The concept emphasized God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of covenant violation.
Anathema in the New Testament
The New Testament uses anathema in several significant contexts. The apostle Paul declares in Romans 9:3 that he would be willing to be "cursed and cut off from Christ" (anathema) for the sake of his fellow Jews, a dramatic expression of his love for his people. In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul establishes a fundamental test of genuine spirituality: no one speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus be cursed" (anathema), and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. This contrast highlights anathema as the ultimate rejection of Christ's lordship.
Paul also uses the term regarding the gospel itself, pronouncing a double anathema on anyone, even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different gospel than what the Corinthians had received (Galatians 1:8-9). This underscores the non-negotiable nature of the true gospel message.
The most direct New Testament usage appears in 1 Corinthians 16:22: "If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed (anathema). Our Lord, come!" (ESV). Here, anathema is coupled with the Aramaic phrase "Maranatha" ("Our Lord, come!"), connecting exclusion from Christ with the expectation of his return and final judgment.
Theological Significance and Development
Anathema represents the most severe form of spiritual exclusion in biblical thought. It goes beyond temporary discipline to indicate complete separation from God's covenant community and salvation. Theologically, it points to God's holiness, the seriousness of sin against God's revelation, and the ultimate consequences of rejecting Christ.
In early church history, the concept evolved into formal excommunication pronounced by church councils against heretical teachings. While this ecclesiastical practice differs from the biblical concept, it reflects the ongoing concern for preserving doctrinal purity that underlies the New Testament warnings about anathema.
Modern Understanding and Application
For contemporary readers, understanding anathema highlights the biblical tension between God's grace and his holiness. It reminds us that the gospel message is serious and definitive, not something that can be altered without consequence. While Christians are called to love and reach out to all people, the New Testament maintains that rejecting Christ's lordship has eternal implications. The concept challenges sentimental views of God that minimize his justice while affirming that salvation through Christ alone is a matter of ultimate significance.
Biblical Context
The concept appears throughout Scripture, beginning with the Hebrew 'cherem' in the Old Testament (Leviticus 27:28-29; Deuteronomy 7:26; Joshua 6:17-19; 7:1-26). In the New Testament, the Greek 'anathema' appears in Romans 9:3; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 16:22; and Galatians 1:8-9. It plays a role in narratives of conquest, judgment for covenant violation, and theological discussions about Christ's lordship and gospel fidelity.
Theological Significance
Anathema teaches about God's absolute holiness and the serious consequences of rejecting his revelation. It underscores that salvation is found exclusively in Christ, and that altering the gospel message carries severe spiritual consequences. The concept highlights the definitive nature of biblical truth and the reality of eternal separation from God for those who ultimately reject Christ's lordship.
Historical Background
The practice of 'cherem' or the ban was known in ancient Near Eastern warfare and religion, where victors would devote spoils or conquered populations to their gods. Archaeological evidence from Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone) mentions Mesha devoting Israeli towns to his god Chemosh. Israel's distinctive application connected cherem to Yahweh's holiness and covenant requirements rather than arbitrary destruction. In Greek culture, 'anathema' originally referred to votive offerings dedicated to gods in temples.