Understanding ἀρά (ara) Strong’s G685: The Biblical Curse That Reveals God’s Justice and Our Need for Redemption

Pronunciation Guide: ah-RAH (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G685: A curse or imprecation; a prayer for evil or harm to befall someone. In biblical usage, it specifically refers to divine judgment or the consequences of breaking God’s covenant, rather than casual cursing or profanity.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
• Root Connection: Related to ἀράομαι (araomai), meaning “to pray against”
• Usage Context: Primarily found in doctrinal and prophetic passages
• Literary Style: Used in formal declarations of judgment

ἀρά Morphology:

• ἀρά (nominative singular) – a curse
• ἀρᾶς (genitive singular) – of a curse
• ἀρᾷ (dative singular) – with/by a curse
• ἀράν (accusative singular) – curse (direct object)

Origin & History

The term ἀρά has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used in religious and legal contexts. In works like Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” it carried the weight of divine judgment and familial curses. The Septuagint translators chose this word to render several Hebrew terms related to cursing, particularly אָלָה (alah) and קְלָלָה (qelalah).

The word gained particular significance in Hellenistic Judaism, where it became associated with covenant curses and divine judgment. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “On the Special Laws,” uses ἀρά to discuss the consequences of breaking divine commandments.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A divinely sanctioned curse or judgment
• The natural consequences of covenant violation
• A formal pronouncement of judgment
• A prayer for justice against wrongdoing

ἀρά Translation Options:

• “Curse” – Best captures the formal, judicial nature
• “Imprecation” – Highlights the verbal proclamation aspect
• “Malediction” – Emphasizes the religious/ceremonial context
• “Divine judgment” – Focuses on the theological implications

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀρά appears most prominently in Romans 3:14, where Paul quotes from Psalm 10:7 to describe the universal sinfulness of humanity. The word carries the weight of covenant judgment and divine displeasure, rather than mere profanity or casual cursing.

In the Septuagint, ἀρά frequently translates passages dealing with covenant curses, particularly in Deuteronomy’s covenant renewal ceremonies and the prophetic literature.

Key Cross References:

• “Whose mouth is full of cursing [ἀρᾶς] and bitterness” Romans 3:14
• “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse [ἀρά]” Galatians 3:10
• “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing [ἀρά]” James 3:10

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, curses were not viewed as mere expressions of anger but as solemn judicial pronouncements with real spiritual and physical consequences. The concept of ἀρά was closely tied to the covenant relationship between יהוה (Yahweh) and Israel, where curses served as the negative counterpart to covenant blessings.

The ceremonial aspect of cursing in ancient Near Eastern culture often involved specific gestures and formal declarations, making it a legally binding pronouncement. This helps us understand why the New Testament treats ἀρά with such gravity.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρά in Scripture reveals both God’s perfect justice and His merciful provision for redemption. The curse represents the legitimate consequences of sin and rebellion against God’s holy nature, demonstrating that He cannot simply overlook transgression.

However, the greatest theological significance of ἀρά is found in Galatians 3:13, where we learn that the Messiah became a curse for us, taking upon Himself the ἀρά that we deserved. This substitutionary atonement shows how God’s justice and mercy meet at the cross.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀρά should deepen our appreciation for the Messiah’s sacrifice and lead us to greater gratitude for our redemption. When we grasp the severity of the curse we deserved, we begin to comprehend the magnitude of God’s grace in sending His Son to bear that curse in our place.

This understanding should also motivate us to speak words of blessing rather than cursing, recognizing the power of our words and our calling to be agents of God’s grace rather than judgment.

Related Words

• κατάρα (katara) – A more intensive form of cursing, often used in formal pronouncements. See G2671
• ἀνάθεμα (anathema) – Something devoted to destruction, a stronger form of curse. See G331
• βλασφημία (blasphemia) – Blasphemy, speaking evil against God. See G988
• λοιδορία (loidoria) – Reviling, verbal abuse. See G3059

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek legal documents, ἀρά clauses were often included as self-imprecatory oaths, where the person would call down curses upon themselves if they broke the agreement.
• The concept of ἀρά was so significant in ancient Greek religion that there were actually professional curse-makers called “aratologoi” who would compose elaborate curses for payment.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀρά in legal contexts, particularly in formal oaths and judicial proceedings.

Remember This

The biblical concept of ἀρά reminds us that sin’s curse is real, but through the Messiah’s sacrifice, we can experience the triumph of blessing over cursing.