The Profound Meaning of "Maranatha"
The New Testament, primarily written in Greek, occasionally retains a few Aramaic phrases, preserving the authentic voice of the early church. Among these, "Maranatha" stands out as a powerful and deeply significant declaration. Found in the King James Version of the Bible only once, in the apostle Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, it carries a weight of theological meaning and eschatological expectation that resonates through the ages. Understanding "Maranatha" is to grasp a core aspect of the early Christian hope and its enduring relevance for believers today.
The Aramaic Origin and Dual Interpretation
The word "Maranatha" is an Aramaic expression, transliterated into the Greek text of the New Testament. Its precise meaning hinges on how the Aramaic words are divided. Scholars generally present two primary interpretations, both grammatically plausible:
Given the context of Paul's letter and the overarching New Testament emphasis on Christ's glorious return, the interpretation of "Our Lord, Come!" is overwhelmingly favored as the primary meaning intended by the apostle. It is a passionate invocation, a longing for the consummation of God's redemptive plan.
Context in 1 Corinthians 16:22
The solitary appearance of "Maranatha" in the KJV is in 1 Corinthians 16:22. Paul concludes his letter with a series of exhortations and greetings, and then delivers this striking and solemn declaration:
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
The word "Anathema" means "accursed" or "devoted to destruction." When paired with "Maranatha," it creates a powerful and severe warning. It implies that for those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ, there is a curse, and their judgment will be realized when the Lord comes. This juxtaposition highlights the urgency and the ultimate accountability that the return of Christ brings. It's a stark reminder that belief in and love for Christ are not optional but are central to one's eternal destiny, especially in light of His impending return. The early church understood that the Lord's coming would bring both salvation for His own and judgment for His enemies.
Maranatha: A Cry of Expectation and Hope
Beyond its warning, "Maranatha" served as a foundational expression of the early church's vibrant hope. It was not merely a theological concept but a living, breathing prayer that permeated their worship and daily lives. The believers of the first century lived with a keen awareness of Christ's promise to return. This expectation was fueled by Christ's own words:
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
And confirmed by the angels at His ascension:
Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The Aramaic phrase "Maranatha" became a shorthand for this fervent hope, a confession of faith in the promised return, and an earnest prayer for its speedy fulfillment. It encapsulated their longing for the end of suffering, the triumph of righteousness, and the full realization of God's kingdom.
Maranatha and the Blessed Hope
The concept expressed by "Maranatha" is intricately linked to what the apostle Paul calls "that blessed hope." This hope is the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
This "blessed hope" is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God and the promises of Christ. It encompasses:
- The Rapture of the Church: Believers eagerly await the moment when the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God. The dead in Christ shall rise first, and then those who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. This is a comfort and a promise that transforms fear into anticipation.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
- The Establishment of Christ's Kingdom: Beyond the rapture, "Maranatha" anticipates Christ's visible return to earth to establish His righteous reign, judge the nations, and bring an end to all wickedness. It is the longing for the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The final prayer of the Bible echoes the sentiment of "Maranatha" with perfect clarity, cementing its meaning as a cry for the Lord's return:
He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
This "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" is the Greek equivalent of "Maranatha," demonstrating the consistent hope throughout the New Testament for the Lord's swift return.
Living in the Light of Maranatha
The meaning of "Maranatha" is not merely a historical or linguistic curiosity; it is a profound call to action for believers today. If the early church lived with such a vivid expectation of Christ's return, how much more should we, who are closer to the fulfillment of prophecy, embrace this blessed hope?
Living in the spirit of "Maranatha" implies several practical applications for the Christian life:
In essence, "Maranatha" is a declaration of faith, a prayer for deliverance, and a reminder of accountability. It encapsulates the very heart of Christian eschatology – the eager, confident expectation of Christ's glorious return.
Conclusion
The Aramaic cry "Maranatha" is far more than an ancient phrase preserved in scripture; it is a timeless expression of Christian hope and anticipation. It is the fervent prayer, "Our Lord, Come!", echoing the longing of the saints throughout history for the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. As we live in a world increasingly marked by turmoil and uncertainty, the meaning of "Maranatha" serves as a beacon of light, reminding us that our ultimate hope rests not in earthly systems or human efforts, but in the certain return of our King. It calls us to live lives of readiness, holiness, and evangelistic zeal, ever looking for and hastening unto the day of the Lord, when we shall finally be with Him forevermore.