The Greek word ará, represented by G685, defines a curse or an imprecation. According to its base definition, the word stems from the idea of a prayer being lifted to Heaven, but in its biblical usage, it carries the negative implication of a curse. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the New Testament.
The sole appearance of G685 is in Romans 3:14, which states, "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." This verse is part of a description of the sinful state of humanity. The context portrays a condition where speech, originating from the mouth G4750, is not merely flawed but is completely full G1073 of both cursing G685 and its companion, bitterness G4088. This single use powerfully connects corrupt language directly to a corrupt inner disposition.
Several related words from its biblical context help illuminate the meaning of G685:
- G4750 stóma (the mouth; by implication, language): This is the physical source from which the curse emanates. Its usage highlights the biblical concept that speech reveals the state of the heart, as what fills the heart is spoken by the mouth Luke 6:45.
- G1073 gémō (to swell out, i.e. be full): This term emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the corruption. The mouth is not just sprinkled with curses but is completely filled, indicating a state of being overcome. A similar usage describes an inward part that is full of wickedness Luke 11:39.
- G4088 pikría (acridity... bitterness): This word is explicitly paired with ará in Romans 3:14. It defines the inner poison that fuels the curse, linking hateful speech to a deep-seated spiritual condition. It can be seen as a "root of bitterness" that defiles Hebrews 12:15.
The theological weight of G685 is demonstrated in its singular, impactful use.
- Expression of a Fallen Nature: The word is used to characterize the speech of sinful humanity. The mouth being "full of cursing and bitterness" is presented as a symptom of a deeper, universal spiritual sickness Romans 3:14.
- Corruption of Speech: While the root concept of ará relates to prayer, its use as "imprecation" shows language being twisted from its highest purpose (communion with God) into a tool for destruction and contempt.
- Link Between Inner State and Outer Action: The pairing of cursing G685 with bitterness G4088 is theologically significant. It teaches that sinful acts, like cursing, are not isolated incidents but are the external fruit of an internal root of bitterness.
In summary, G685 is a concise and powerful term for curse. Though it appears only once, its placement in Romans 3:14 gives it significant weight, serving as a key descriptor of humanity's fallen state. It illustrates that sinful language is an overflow of a heart filled with bitterness, fundamentally corrupting the God-given capacity for speech.
TRV