### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κατανάθεμα (G2652), transliterated as *katanáthema*, is a compound term derived from κατά (G2596), used here in an intensive sense, and ἀνάθεμα (G331), meaning "anathema" or "a curse." The prefix κατά serves to heighten the force of the base word, indicating a particularly strong, severe, or emphatic curse or imprecation. While ἀνάθεμα itself denotes something dedicated or set apart, often for destruction or as an accursed thing (reflecting the Hebrew חֵרֶם (H2764) of the Septuagint), κατανάθεμα implies an even more profound or definitive state of being cursed or condemned. Its semantic range is thus confined to a solemn, weighty denunciation or consignment to divine wrath, emphasizing the finality and severity of the judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατανάθεμα (G2652) appears only once in the entire New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 22:3]]**: "And there shall be no more curse (οὐκ ἔσται ἔτι πᾶν κατανάθεμα)." This solitary occurrence is highly significant. It describes the state of the New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God and His redeemed people. The declaration that "there shall be no more curse" signifies the complete reversal and eradication of the effects of sin and the Fall. The original curse pronounced upon creation due to humanity's disobedience ([[Genesis 3:17-19]]) is entirely removed. In this perfected state, there will be no more condemnation, no more divine judgment, no more separation from God due to sin, and no more suffering or death that stemmed from the curse. The absence of κατανάθεμα marks the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where blessing reigns supreme and unhindered.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀνάθεμα (anathema, G331):** This is the root word from which κατανάθεμα is derived. While ἀνάθεμα also signifies a curse or something devoted to destruction (e.g., [[Galatians 1:8-9]], [[Romans 9:3]]), κατανάθεμα adds an intensive force, suggesting a heightened degree of condemnation.
* **καταράομαι (kataraomai, G2672) and κατάρα (katara, G2671):** These are the more common Greek words for "to curse" and "a curse" respectively. They are general terms for the act or state of cursing. κατανάθεμα carries a more specific and severe nuance, denoting a solemn, definitive imprecation or the state of being under such a severe curse.
* **εὐλογία (eulogia, G2129) and εὐλογέω (eulogeo, G2127):** These terms for "blessing" and "to bless" serve as direct antonyms to the concept of a curse. The complete absence of κατανάθεμα in the New Jerusalem implies the unmitigated presence of εὐλογία.
* **χέρεμ (cherem, H2764):** This Hebrew term, often translated by ἀνάθεμα in the Septuagint, refers to something "devoted" or "set apart" to God, often for destruction (e.g., the destruction of Jericho). It carries the connotation of an irrevocable ban or condemnation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατανάθεμα (G2652) is profound, particularly given its singular appearance in the eschatological vision of Revelation.
1. **The Gravity of Sin and Judgment:** The very existence of such an intensive term for "curse" underscores the seriousness with which God views sin. Sin incurs divine wrath and merits a severe condemnation that separates humanity from God's blessing.
2. **The Atoning Work of Christ:** The removal of the curse is a central theme of biblical redemption. Christ, in His atoning sacrifice, "became a curse for us" ([[Galatians 3:13]]) to redeem humanity from the curse of the Law and the condemnation of sin. His death on the cross absorbed the full intensity of God's righteous judgment, thereby making possible the removal of κατανάθεμα for those who believe.
3. **Eschatological Restoration and Hope:** The declaration in [[Revelation 22:3]] that "there shall be no more κατανάθεμα" is a cornerstone of Christian eschatological hope. It paints a picture of a future where:
* **Perfect Relationship:** All alienation between God and humanity, caused by sin and its resulting curse, is forever abolished.
* **Unblemished Creation:** The effects of the Fall, which brought a curse upon the ground and human labor, are completely reversed. The New Creation is free from all blight, decay, and the consequences of sin.
* **Eternal Blessing:** In place of the curse, there is an eternal state of unhindered divine blessing, joy, and direct communion with God. This signifies the ultimate triumph of God's grace and the full realization of His kingdom, where righteousness dwells and every tear is wiped away.
### Summary
κατανάθεμα (G2652) is a rare but powerful Greek term, signifying an intensive and severe "curse" or "imprecation." Its single appearance in the New Testament in [[Revelation 22:3]] is profoundly significant, declaring that in the New Jerusalem, "there shall be no more curse." This statement encapsulates the ultimate and complete triumph of God's redemptive plan through Christ. It signifies the final eradication of all sin, divine judgment, and the devastating effects of the Fall, ushering in an eternal state of unblemished blessing, perfect communion with God, and the full reversal of the original curse. The absence of κατανάθεμα stands as a definitive promise of eschatological restoration and the eternal reign of God's unmitigated favor.
TRV