Brief Overview of ἀναθεματίζω (Strong’s G332:)

ἀναθεματίζω (anathemitizō) is a Greek verb that primarily means:

1. To Curse or Excommunicate: The verb is used to denote the action of cursing someone or excommunicating them, usually in a religious context. It conveys the act of putting someone under a religious or social ban.
2. To Devote to Destruction: In a broader sense, it can mean to devote someone or something to destruction or severe condemnation, consistent with the concept of ἀνάθεμα (anathema).

Detailed Overview with Concordances

Save with code – FOG20

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἀναθεματίζω as “to pronounce anathema upon” or “to curse.” It notes that the term involves the formal excommunication or curse, typically imposed by religious authorities. BDAG connects this action with the broader concept of dedicating someone to divine punishment or exclusion.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ describes ἀναθεματίζω as “to curse” or “to place under a ban.” The lexicon explains its use in ancient Greek as denoting a formal declaration of exclusion or condemnation, often with a religious or social connotation.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἀναθεματίζω as “to anathematize” or “to excommunicate.” He elaborates on its use as referring to the act of declaring someone accursed or cut off from the community, highlighting its application in religious and social contexts.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance lists ἀναθεματίζω as G332 and defines it as “to curse” or “to anathematize.” It focuses on the term’s application to the act of cursing someone or declaring them under a religious ban.

Summary:
ἀναθεματίζω (anathemitizō) primarily means “to curse” or “to excommunicate.” BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all acknowledge its use in the context of formal condemnation or religious exclusion. The term conveys the act of putting someone under a severe ban or curse, aligning with the broader concept of ἀνάθεμα (anathema), which involves dedication to destruction or severe divine punishment.