1 Corinthians 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

I finished the book of 1 Corinthians and one of the last passages 16:22 “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be “Anathema Maranatha.” I was not familiar with this phrase and sought out the meaning. The apostle Paul wrote this phrase. The first word Anathema is Greek and means the idea is banned, removed, expelled. The second word Maranatha is Aramaic (Hebrew with some Gentile/Babylonian influence and is interpreted as “The Lord has come”. In the book of Corinthians, Paul was talking about the gifts bestowed among believers by God through the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7-12:11 defines these gifts as “The Word of Wisdom”, The Word of Knowledge”, “Faith”, “Healing”, “Working of Miracles”, “Prophecy”, “Discerning of Spirits”, “Divers of Tongues”, “Interpretation of Tongues”.

Paul is demonstrating his gift , Divers of Tongues or speaking multiple languages. By using the term Anathema Maranatha I believe Paul was trying to summarize 1 Corinthians by stating “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha”. Or interpreted “withdraw or separate from all who love not the Lord Jesus Christ, for that same Lord Jesus Christ is coming”.

There is a lot of meaning in these two words and not only demonstrates the diversity of language, but also the interpretation of language. Although I had never heard this phrase, or understood the meaning, I will not forget the somewhat catchy phrase “Anathema Maranatha”. As Paul points out in 1 Corinthians it is truly a gift to speak in multiple tongues, but the audience must also be able to interpret in multiple tongues. These two words are interpreted in so many ways, and I believe they are interpreted by where you are in your journey with your eternal salvation and alignment to the word of God.

My conclusive interpretation of “Anathema Maranatha” is to align yourself with people of similar beliefs, beliefs in Jesus Christ cruxificion, his resurrection and our eternal salvation as a result. Belief that God sent his only begotten Son to earth to pay a debt for our sins and offer us a place in heaven by believing in him and following in Jesus footsteps. Belief in the power of the Holy Spirit who resides in our heart and offers strong guidance on our Holy Journey, if we will only listen. Also, not just an alignment with people, but the type of movies, music, entertainment, books etc that cast the wrong message. Avoid these sinful choices.

Yes, Jesus returning to earth is inevitable and he will be here sooner than we all think. Be prepared, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Learn to walk by Faith and not by sight.

In Jesus precious name. Amen.