“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV).

In his salutation in his letter to Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote with his own hand (v. 21) two Aramaic words which were likely familiar to his audience. The first word, “Anathema,” has reference to being delivered up to judicial wrath. Of this word Strong wrote, “a thing devoted to God without hope of being redeemed, and if an animal, to be slain; therefore a person or thing doomed to destruction.” Hence, the New King James translation, “accursed.” The second word, “Maranatha,” is a proclamation, or plea, which means, “our Lord cometh or will come” (Strong). It is closely linked in the context to “Anathema,” for the judgment necessary can only be carried out by the Divine Lord. Therefore, the punishment is eternal, i.e. the everlasting sentence of hell.

The one who is “Anathema” in this context is “any man [that] love not the Lord Jesus Christ.” The word choice of the apostle is interesting. For “love,” he did not use the higher word agapao, but phileo. This follows the thought expressed in his command to, “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 20). Brethren in Christ are to possess and exhibit an affection for one another. We are to agapao our enemies (cf. Matthew 5:43-48), yet are not expected to phileo them. However, phileo for our family in Christ is necessary, and should come naturally with our being added to the flock. This affection stems from our commonality in Christ, and too, our affection for Him. This affection for Christ is essential to salvation. It is impossible to please Him if we do not agapao Him, but also impossible if we do not phileo Him. How can one expect God to spare him when the gift of His Son does not move him? Such a person unmoved to phileo by the facts of Jesus’ gruesome and voluntary death on our behalf is beyond reach, and is Anathema.

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