G2671
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it provides insights into the original meanings and contexts of scriptural texts. One such word is κατάρα (katara), which carries the weighty sense of a curse or a spoken condemnation. This term is significant for interpreting New Testament passages that discuss themes of judgment, divine displeasure, or the consequences of sin. In ancient Greek culture, curses held powerful social and religious implications, making κατάρα an essential word for understanding the cultural and spiritual dynamics of the biblical world.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: κατάρα (katara) [ka-TAH-rah]
- Etymology: Derived from the prefix κατά (kata), meaning “down” or “against,” and ἀρά (ara), meaning “prayer” or “curse.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine. It follows the first declension in Greek grammar.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- A curse or an imprecation; a solemn utterance meant to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment.
- A divine curse, often seen as God’s judgment or punishment on sin or disobedience.
- A spoken condemnation or malediction against a person, group, or object.
Similar Words
- ἀρά (ara) [AH-rah]: Means “prayer” or “curse.” While related to κατάρα, it is a broader term that can imply any solemn utterance, whether positive or negative.
- κατάθεμα (katathema) [ka-TA-theh-ma]: Means “anathema” or “accursed.” This word implies being devoted to destruction or something condemned.
- ἐπικατάρατος (epikataratos) [e-pee-ka-TAH-ra-tos]: Means “cursed” or “under a curse.” It is an adjective form that describes someone or something cursed.
Morphological Features
- Case, Number, Gender: κατάρα is a feminine noun in the first declension. It appears in singular and plural forms, depending on its context in a sentence.
Declension of κατάρα (katara):
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κατάρα | κατάραι |
| Genitive | κατάρας | καταρῶν |
| Dative | κατάρᾳ | κατάραις |
| Accusative | κατάραν | κατάρας |
| Vocative | κατάρα | κατάραι |
The word κατάρα appears in different cases to indicate its role in a sentence, whether as the subject, object, or in possession.
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Lexicon Insights
The Greek word κατάρα (katara) is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to a curse or divine judgment. For instance, in Galatians 3:13, it is used to describe Christ’s redemptive work: “Christ redeemed us from the curse (κατάρα) of the Law, having become a curse for us.” Here, κατάρα emphasizes the severity of the Law’s curse and the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. Similarly, in James 3:10, κατάρα describes the inconsistency of using the same tongue to bless God and curse men.
In classical Greek literature, κατάρα is also used to describe curses in both human and divine contexts. It appears in legal texts where curses were invoked for perjury or breaking oaths, as well as in literary works where characters call down curses upon their enemies. The word carries a heavy, solemn connotation, emphasizing the idea of invoking divine or supernatural retribution.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Related Scripture References
- Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse (κατάρα) of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'”
- James 3:10: “From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing (κατάρα). My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”
- Romans 12:14: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (καταρᾶσθε).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Sophocles | “Oedipus Rex” | “With my curse (κατάρα), may the murderer meet his fate.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The oracle spoke a curse (κατάρα) over those who defied the gods.” |
| Aeschylus | “Eumenides” | “The ancient curse (κατάρα) upon the house had not yet faded.” |
| Septuagint Author | Deuteronomy 27:15 (Septuagint) | “Cursed (κατάρα) is the man who makes a graven or molten image.” |
| Septuagint Author | Psalm 109:17 (Septuagint) | “He loved cursing (κατάραν); it came to him.” |
| Septuagint Author | Jeremiah 11:3 (Septuagint) | “Cursed (κατάρα) is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant.” |
Summary of κατάρα (G2671)
The Greek word κατάρα (katara) carries a profound weight in both Biblical and classical texts, where it is used to describe curses, imprecations, and divine judgments. In the New Testament, it often illustrates the contrast between blessing and cursing, as well as the redemptive work of Christ who became a curse for humanity. In classical Greek literature, κατάρα appears in contexts that reflect both human and divine utterances of condemnation, revealing its significance in ancient Greek culture and religious thought.
Did You Know?
- In ancient Greek culture, a κατάρα was often inscribed on curse tablets or spoken aloud during rituals to invoke divine wrath upon enemies or oath-breakers.
- The concept of κατάρα is closely related to justice and retribution, reflecting the belief that curses could bring about divine intervention to correct wrongs.
- The word κατάρα is used in both positive and negative contexts in ancient literature, depending on whether the curse was considered a righteous judgment or an act of malice.