1 Corinthians 16:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

If any man {G1536} love {G5368} not {G3756} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, let him be {G2277} Anathema {G331} Maranatha {G3134}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If anyone does not love the Lord, a curse on him! Marana, ta!
[Our Lord, come!]

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!

American Standard Version

If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes his first epistle to the Corinthian church with a stark and potent declaration, asserting that anyone who does not genuinely love the Lord Jesus Christ is subject to a divine curse and impending judgment. This powerful statement serves as a final, emphatic summary of the epistle's underlying themes, underscoring the absolute necessity of a heartfelt, active relationship with Christ as the ultimate test of one's spiritual standing and the foundational requirement for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the penultimate statement in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, immediately preceding his final benediction and personal greeting. It follows extensive instructions on various aspects of Christian life and doctrine, including church divisions, sexual morality, spiritual gifts, the resurrection, and practical matters like the collection for the saints. Coming after Paul's profound discourse on the supremacy of love in [1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), and his emphasis on the centrality of Christ's resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection of Christ"), this concluding anathema highlights the critical importance of a personal, loving devotion to Christ as the summary and ultimate test of genuine faith. Its abruptness and severity serve as a final, unyielding warning to a church plagued by spiritual immaturity and internal strife.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex community situated in a major Roman port city, a hub of trade, diverse philosophies, and prevalent immorality. The church itself was characterized by factions, spiritual pride, misuse of spiritual gifts, and ethical compromises. Paul’s letter addresses these specific issues, aiming to restore unity, moral purity, and sound doctrine. The use of "Anathema" (a Greek term for a curse or devotion to destruction, often found in the Septuagint for the Hebrew *cherem*) would have been understood as a severe pronouncement of separation from God's favor. The inclusion of "Maranatha," an Aramaic phrase, is particularly striking. Its use in a Greek letter suggests a common, perhaps liturgical, expression among early Jewish Christians, emphasizing the imminent return of Christ and the expectation of divine judgment and vindication.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes woven throughout 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **Centrality of Christ's Lordship**, asserting that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative, loving allegiance to Jesus as Lord. This love is presented as the ultimate measure of one's standing, echoing themes from [1 Corinthians 13:1-3](/1_corinthians/13-1-3 "1 Corinthians 13:1-3 - Love is Essential"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, reminding believers of the serious consequences for rejecting or being indifferent to Christ, a concept also found in Paul's warnings against unrepentant sin earlier in the letter (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Delivering to Satan")). Finally, the inclusion of "Maranatha" introduces the **Eschatological Hope and Imminent Return of Christ**, a theme that motivates holy living and righteous judgment, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:7-8](/1_corinthians/1-7-8 "1 Corinthians 1:7-8 - Waiting for Christ's Revelation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _philéō'_):** This word, from which we get "fond of" or "have affection for," denotes a personal attachment, a matter of sentiment or feeling. The Strong's data highlights its distinction from *agapáō*, which embraces deliberate assent of the will and principle. Here, Paul emphasizes a genuine, heartfelt affection for Jesus, not just intellectual agreement or dutiful adherence. It speaks to a deep, personal devotion that goes beyond mere outward conformity.
* **Anathema (Greek, _anáthema'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to set up" or "to devote," *anáthema* here signifies a state of being accursed or devoted to destruction. In biblical usage, it often refers to something set apart for God's judgment, implying spiritual separation and exclusion from God's blessing. It is a severe pronouncement, indicating a state of being under divine curse for those who reject or fail to genuinely love the Lord Jesus Christ.
* **Maranatha (Aramaic, _maràn athá'_):** This unique Aramaic phrase, transliterated into Greek, means "Our Lord has come" or, more commonly in this context, "Our Lord, come!" or "Our Lord is coming." It serves as an urgent plea for Christ's swift return, invoking His coming as the ultimate arbiter of judgment and justice. Its inclusion adds an eschatological dimension, emphasizing that the Lord's return will bring both vindication for the faithful and judgment for the unfaithful, underscoring the urgency of genuine love for Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ":** This opening clause establishes the condition for the severe pronouncement that follows. The "love" specified here is not merely intellectual assent or a superficial acknowledgment, but a deep, personal affection and devotion (as conveyed by *philéō*). It implies a genuine, active relationship with Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as "Lord" (kýrios), the supreme authority and master. The absence of this love is presented as a fundamental spiritual deficiency, indicating a lack of true saving faith and allegiance.
* **"let him be Anathema":** This is the solemn consequence for the one who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ. "Anathema" signifies a state of being cursed or devoted to destruction, implying a spiritual separation from God's grace and a fearful expectation of divine judgment. It is a pronouncement of being set apart for divine wrath, excluded from the community of God's people and His blessings. This is not a human curse, but a declaration of a spiritual reality before God.
* **"Maranatha":** This Aramaic exclamation serves as both a solemn invocation and a powerful reminder. Interpreted as "Our Lord, come!" or "Our Lord is coming," it adds an urgent, eschatological dimension to the anathema. It implies that the judgment pronounced upon those who do not love Christ is not only a present spiritual reality but also a future certainty, to be fully realized at the Lord's return. It serves as a stark warning and a call to readiness, emphasizing the finality and inevitability of Christ's ultimate judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey the gravity of his final warning. The verse functions as a powerful **Exclamation** and **Solemn Pronouncement**, delivered with an almost prophetic force, underscoring the absolute essentiality of love for Christ. The abrupt shift to the **Aramaic Transliteration** "Maranatha" within a Greek letter creates a sense of immediate urgency and a direct appeal to a shared, deeply held belief among early Christians regarding Christ's imminent return. This device also lends an air of ancient authority and sacredness to the pronouncement. Furthermore, the verse can be seen as a form of **Apostrophe**, as Paul addresses a hypothetical "any man" who lacks this essential love, thereby making the warning universal and personally applicable to every reader. The stark **Juxtaposition** of love for Christ with the severe consequence of "Anathema" heightens the dramatic impact and reinforces the critical nature of this spiritual requirement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the core Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is inextricably linked to a loving relationship with Jesus Christ. It highlights that true Christianity is not merely intellectual assent to a set of beliefs or adherence to rituals, but a heartfelt, active, and transforming devotion to the person of Jesus. The pronouncement of "Anathema" underscores the seriousness of rejecting Christ or remaining indifferent to Him, revealing the ultimate spiritual consequence of such a posture. Conversely, "Maranatha" reminds believers of the blessed hope of Christ's return, which serves as both a comfort for the faithful and a final reckoning for those who have refused His love and lordship. It ties the present reality of one's relationship with Christ to the future reality of His coming kingdom and judgment.

* [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Pronouncement of Anathema")
* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Love and Obedience")
* [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 16:22 serves as a piercing call to self-examination, urging every individual to honestly assess the depth and sincerity of their love for Jesus Christ. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity or cultural Christianity to a profound, personal devotion. Is our "love" for Christ merely intellectual agreement, or does it manifest in a heartfelt affection, obedience, and desire to live for Him? This verse reminds us that the Christian faith is not a passive affiliation but an active, transforming relationship with the living Lord. Living with the expectation of "Maranatha" should purify our lives, motivate us to share the Gospel, and inspire us to persevere in love and faithfulness, knowing that our Lord is indeed coming soon to judge the living and the dead. It compels us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else, for it is the ultimate determinant of our eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I define "love" for Jesus Christ in my own life, and what practical evidence supports that definition?**
* **Does the concept of "Anathema" stir a healthy fear of God in me, leading to deeper repentance and devotion, or does it cause despair?**
* **How does the expectation of "Maranatha" (Christ's return) influence my daily decisions, priorities, and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways might I be loving the "idea" of Christ more than the actual Lord Jesus Christ revealed in Scripture?**

### FAQ
**What does "Anathema Maranatha" truly mean, and why are these two words paired together?**

Answer: "Anathema Maranatha" is a powerful and solemn declaration, combining a Greek term and an Aramaic phrase. "Anathema" (Greek) signifies a state of being cursed or devoted to destruction, implying spiritual separation from God's grace and a fearful expectation of divine judgment. It's a severe pronouncement against those who reject or do not genuinely love the Lord Jesus Christ. "Maranatha" (Aramaic) means "Our Lord has come" or, more commonly in this context, "Our Lord, come!" or "Our Lord is coming." These two terms are paired to emphasize the gravity and finality of the spiritual state described. The "Anathema" declares the present spiritual reality of being under a curse for those who lack love for Christ, while "Maranatha" points to the future, imminent return of the Lord, who will ultimately execute this judgment. It serves as both a dire warning and a reminder of Christ's ultimate authority and the accountability of all before Him. The pairing underscores that the lack of love for Christ has eternal consequences that will be fully realized at His coming.

**Is this verse a curse on specific individuals, or a general principle?**

Answer: While the language is direct ("If any man"), the verse functions primarily as a general principle and a solemn warning rather than a specific curse on named individuals. Paul is not singling out particular people in Corinth but is laying down a fundamental truth about the nature of salvation and judgment. It serves as a universal declaration that a genuine, loving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely essential for salvation. Those who lack this love, by their own spiritual posture, place themselves outside of God's grace and under His righteous judgment, which will be fully revealed at Christ's return. It's a stark reminder that indifference or rejection of Christ has eternal implications, urging all who hear to examine their hearts and ensure their love for Him is sincere and active. This principle is consistent with other New Testament teachings on the necessity of faith and love for Christ, such as [John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief") and [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Consequences of Deliberate Sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 16:22, though a stern warning, finds its deepest Christ-centered fulfillment not in a legalistic demand for love, but in the profound truth that our love for Christ is always a *response* to His prior, sacrificial love for us. The "Anathema" pronounced upon those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ highlights the absolute necessity of Christ as the sole means of salvation. Without Him, humanity remains under the curse of sin and the just judgment of God, a state from which only Christ can deliver. His death on the cross absorbed the "Anathema" that was due to us, becoming a curse for us so that we might receive the blessing of Abraham ([Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Therefore, to "love not the Lord Jesus Christ" is to reject the very One who bore the curse in our place. The "Maranatha" further points to Christ as the returning King and ultimate Judge, before whom all will stand ([2 Corinthians 5:10](/2_corinthians/5-10 "2 Corinthians 5:10 - The Judgment Seat of Christ")). Yet, for those who love Him, His return is not a fearful judgment but a glorious consummation, the day when He will gather His beloved bride to Himself ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Come, Lord Jesus")). Thus, this verse ultimately magnifies Christ as both the Deliverer from the curse and the glorious Hope of His people, compelling a love that is born out of gratitude for His saving work and anticipation of His coming kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:24

Grace [be] with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.