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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential for gaining a deeper comprehension of Biblical texts and their cultural contexts. The word ἐπικατάρατος (epikatáratos), Strong’s G1944, is particularly significant because it means “cursed” or “accursed.” This adjective is crucial in New Testament interpretation, especially in passages that discuss the curse of the law or divine condemnation. In ancient Greek culture, curses were viewed with utmost seriousness, reflecting both societal and spiritual consequences.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπικατάρατος (epikatáratos) [eh-pee-ka-TAR-ah-tos]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: From ἐπί (epi, “upon”) and κατάρατος (katáratos, “accursed”), meaning “cursed” or “condemned.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective. This word follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek grammar.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Accursed or under a curse.
- Condemned or subject to divine wrath.
- Cursed by God, implying divine displeasure or condemnation.
Similar Words: Related Greek words include κατάρα (katára) [ka-TA-ra], meaning “curse” or “imprecation,” and κατηραμένος (katēraménos) [ka-tee-ra-ME-nos], meaning “cursed” or “doomed.” While κατάρα is a noun that signifies a curse or malediction, ἐπικατάρατος (epikatáratos) is an adjective emphasizing the state of being cursed or condemned. Κατηραμένος also describes a cursed state but often carries a more active connotation, implying that the curse is ongoing or active.
Further Insights: The adjective ἐπικατάρατος combines the prefix ἐπί (epi, “upon”) with κατάρατος (katáratos, “cursed”). This combination intensifies the meaning, suggesting someone or something that is not just cursed but thoroughly or fully cursed, often by divine decree. In Biblical usage, it frequently refers to those who are cursed by God, such as those who fail to uphold the law or reject the faith. The term is heavily charged with spiritual and moral implications.
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐπικατάρατος as “cursed” or “accursed,” often in contexts involving divine condemnation or judgment. It specifically mentions its use in reference to those who are cursed under the law or who face divine wrath.
- Thayers: Defines ἐπικατάρατος as “accursed” or “under a curse,” particularly when referring to someone who has been cursed by God due to transgression or disobedience.
- Vines: Highlights that ἐπικατάρατος implies “cursed” or “subject to a curse,” frequently appearing in contexts where divine judgment is invoked against individuals or groups.
- LSJ: In classical Greek literature, ἐπικατάρατος is noted to mean “cursed” or “damned,” used in various contexts where curses are pronounced by gods, leaders, or in legal situations.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes it as “cursed” or “accursed,” emphasizing its use in religious and moral contexts to denote someone under divine condemnation.
Related Scripture References
- Galatians 3:10: “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed (ἐπικατάρατος) is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.'”
- Galatians 3:13: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse (ἐπικατάρατος) for us, for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'”
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Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Sophocles | Oedipus Rex | “The city is under a curse (ἐπικατάρατος) because of the crimes of its king.” |
| Plato | Laws | “The gods will punish those who are deemed accursed (ἐπικατάρατοι).” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The traitor’s name was remembered as accursed (ἐπικατάρατος) among his people.” |
| Septuagint | Deuteronomy | “Cursed (ἐπικατάρατος) is the one who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah | “Cursed (ἐπικατάρατος) is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms | “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; cursed (ἐπικατάρατοι) be their names.” |
Summary of ἐπικατάρατος (G1944)
The Greek word ἐπικατάρατος (epikatáratos) is an adjective meaning “cursed” or “accursed.” It holds significant importance in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, where it describes the state of being under a curse or divine condemnation. In the New Testament, it is often used in the context of the law and divine judgment, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience or faithlessness. Its use in classical texts reflects its broader application in contexts of curses, divine displeasure, and societal condemnation.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, curses were considered powerful pronouncements that could affect individuals, families, or entire cities. Being labeled as ἐπικατάρατος (epikatáratos) was not just a statement of fact but carried the weight of both societal exclusion and divine retribution. In the New Testament, this term is used to highlight the stark reality of spiritual condemnation for those who rely on the law rather than faith, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s redemption from the curse of the law.
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