Strong's g334

Pronunciation Guide: an-ath’-ay-mah

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀνάθημα

Transliteration: anathema Part of Speech: noun First Appears: Luke 21:5 Appears: 1 times

Strong’s Entry

g334

Gloss: anathema (an-ath’-ay-mah) n.1. a offering in fulfillment of a vow (a votive offering)[from G394 (like G331, but in a good sense)]KJV: gift Root(s): G394, G331 

Strong’s G334: ἀνάθημα (anathema) refers to a votive offering or gift dedicated to God and placed in a temple. It specifically denotes something consecrated and set up in a temple as a dedication to deity, often displayed prominently as a testament to devotion and gratitude. This term emphasizes the sacred nature of objects given in religious devotion and their permanent dedication to divine purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi), meaning “to set up, to dedicate”
• Common in religious and dedicatory contexts
• Primarily used in narrative passages describing temple worship
• Found in classical Greek literature describing temple offerings

ἀνάθημα Morphology:

• ἀνάθημα (nominative singular) – a votive offering
• ἀναθήματος (genitive singular) – of a votive offering
• ἀναθήματι (dative singular) – to/for a votive offering
• ἀναθήματα (nominative/accusative plural) – votive offerings

Origin & History

The term ἀνάθημα has deep roots in classical Greek religious practice. Herodotus frequently used it in his Histories when describing precious objects dedicated to various temples. In his work (1.14), he mentions golden vessels as ἀναθήματα dedicated to the temple at Delphi.

The Septuagint translators employed ἀνάθημα to translate Hebrew terms related to temple offerings, particularly נֶדֶר (neder) and קָרְבָּן (qorban). This usage appears notably in 2 Maccabees 9:16, where Antiochus IV Epiphanes promises to adorn the temple with beautiful ἀναθήματα.

Josephus, in his Antiquities (15.11.3), describes Herod’s temple adorned with precious ἀναθήματα, demonstrating the word’s continued significance in First Century Jewish worship.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A consecrated gift displayed in a temple
• An offering dedicated to deity
• A votive offering marking answered prayer or special dedication
• A sacred object set apart for divine purposes

ἀνάθημα Translation Options:

• “Temple offering” – Emphasizes the physical location and purpose
• “Votive offering” – Highlights the dedicatory nature
• “Sacred gift” – Stresses the holy character of the object
• “Temple dedication” – Focuses on the permanent nature of the offering

Biblical Usage

The term ἀνάθημα appears notably in Luke 21:5, where some were remarking about the temple’s adornment with beautiful stones and votive offerings. This usage provides a glimpse into the magnificence of Herod’s temple, where wealthy worshippers would dedicate precious objects as visible testimonies of their devotion.

In the Septuagint, ἀνάθημα appears frequently in descriptions of temple worship, particularly in the historical books and prophetic literature. These references often highlight the practice of dedicating valuable objects to God as expressions of gratitude or devotion.

Significant appearances include:

• “How the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and votive offerings [ἀναθήμασιν]” Luke 21:5
• “The wealth of all the nations… shall come as offerings [ἀναθήματα]” Zechariah 14:14 (LXX)
• “All the dedicated things [ἀναθήματα] of the sanctuary” 2 Maccabees 2:13

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the practice of dedicating ἀναθήματα was deeply meaningful. Wealthy individuals would often donate elaborate golden vessels, while those of modest means might offer simpler items. These offerings served as permanent testimonies of God’s faithfulness and the donor’s gratitude, visible to all who entered the temple courts.

The practice reflects the Hebrew concept of הֶקְדֵּשׁ (heqdesh), declaring something as holy and set apart for divine service. This cultural understanding emphasized that once an object was dedicated as ἀνάθημα, it could never be reclaimed for secular use.

Theological Significance

The concept of ἀνάθημα beautifully illustrates the biblical principle of dedication to God. These offerings represented not merely material gifts but visible expressions of faith, gratitude, and commitment to Yahweh. They stood as enduring testimonies of God’s faithfulness and His people’s response in worship.

The practice points prophetically to the Messiah Jesus, Who became the ultimate ἀνάθημα – dedicated entirely to God’s purposes. His total consecration surpasses all temple offerings, establishing a new paradigm of dedication where believers themselves become living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Personal Application

In our modern context, while we may not dedicate physical ἀναθήματα to a temple, the principle of consecrating our best to God remains vital. This might involve dedicating our talents, resources, or time as visible testimonies of God’s work in our lives.

Consider what “votive offerings” you might dedicate to God – not as mere religious duty, but as grateful response to His faithfulness. How might your life become a visible testimony of dedication to Him?

Related Words

• ἀνατίθημι (anatithēmi) – to set up, dedicate; the verb form expressing the act of dedication See G394
• ἱερόν (hieron) – temple, sacred place; the location where ἀναθήματα were displayed See G2411
• δῶρον (doron) – gift, present; a more general term for offerings See G1435
• κόσμος (kosmos) – adornment; used with ἀνάθημα in describing temple decoration See G2889

Did you Know?

• Archaeological discoveries have uncovered numerous ancient ἀναθήματα in various Mediterranean temples, including inscribed vessels, statues, and precious objects, providing tangible evidence of this widespread practice.
• The term ἀνάθημα survives in modern Greek, where it maintains its connection to religious dedication, though now primarily in Orthodox Christian contexts.
• The distinction between ἀνάθημα (sacred offering) and ἀνάθεμα (curse) became significant in early Christian literature, though they originally shared the same root meaning of “something set up or apart.”

Remember This

ἀνάθημα reminds us that true worship involves dedicating our best to God, creating visible testimonies of His faithfulness that inspire others to praise Him.