English · KJV
G2652

κατανάθεμα

katanáthema /kat-an-ath'-em-ah/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom κατά (intensive) and ἀνάθεμα
Meaningan imprecation
KJV usagecurse.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of katanáthema — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word katanáthema, represented by G2652, is a highly specific term for a curse or imprecation. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible. The word is formed from κατά (intensive) and ἀνάθεμα, indicating a strong or definitive curse.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of G2652 is in the vision of the new creation. The scripture states, "there shall be no more curse" Revelation 22:3. This declaration of finality is immediately followed by a description of what will be present instead: the throne G2362 of God and of the Lamb. In this restored state, His servants G1401 will serve G3000 Him directly.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words from its only context help clarify the state where the curse is absent:

  • G2362 thrónos (throne): This word for a stately seat signifies power and the presence of a potentate. Its presence in Revelation 22:3 contrasts with the absence of the curse.
  • G721 arníon (lamb): This term, meaning a lambkin, is used alongside God to identify who occupies the throne G2362 in the new reality Revelation 22:3.
  • G1401 doûlos (servant): This describes the identity of those who inhabit this curse-free state, identifying them as a servant or bond-man in willing subjection Revelation 22:3.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2652 is found in its negation, pointing toward a future state of perfect restoration.

  • Finality of Redemption: The declaration that there shall be G2071 no more curse G2652 signifies the complete and final reversal of all that separates humanity from God Revelation 22:3.
  • Divine Presence: The absence of the curse is directly linked to the establishment of the throne G2362 of God G2316 and the Lamb G721. This illustrates that God's direct reign is the antidote to the curse Revelation 22:3.
  • Restored Purpose: In the place where the curse is gone, the purpose of humanity is clarified: his servants G1401 shall serve G3000 him. This depicts a restored relationship centered on worship and service Revelation 22:3.

Summary

In summary, katanáthema G2652 is a rare word whose significance lies in its promised abolition. Its single mention in scripture is a powerful declaration of the end of all imprecation, replaced by the manifest presence and authority of God's throne G2362. The removal of the curse ushers in a new reality defined not by separation, but by the direct and joyful service of His people.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a noun across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Nominative Singular Neuter 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2362 θρόνος from (to sit); a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate:--seat, throne. G1401 δοῦλος from δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjec G3000 λατρεύω from (a hired menial); to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage:--serve, do the service, worship(-per). G721 ἀρνίον diminutive from ἀρήν; a lambkin:--lamb. G2071 ἔσομαι future of εἰμί; will be:--shall (should) be (have), (shall) come (to pass), X may have, X fall, what would follow, X liv G2316 θεός of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in Revelation — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.