King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:22 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:22 in the King James Version says “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”

1 Corinthians 16:22 · KJV

Love

Context

20

All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21

The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

Read 1 Corinthians 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema—Ei tis ou philei ton kyrion, ētō anathema (εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα). Philei (φιλεῖ, "loves") differs from agapaō (ἀγαπάω), emphasizing affection and devotion. Anathema (ἀνάθεμα) means "accursed, devoted to destruction," translating Hebrew herem (חֵרֶם)—divine ban, ultimate rejection (Galatians 1:8-9, Romans 9:3). This shocking anathema follows Paul's tender personal greeting (v. 21), creating dramatic contrast. Love for Christ isn't optional; it's the essence of Christianity. Failure to love Jesus incurs divine curse.

Maranatha—Marana tha (μαρανα θα) is Aramaic, transliterated into Greek, meaning either "Our Lord, come!" (marana tha) or "Our Lord has come" (maran atha). Most scholars prefer the imperative: "Our Lord, come!" This reflects the earliest Christian prayer (Revelation 22:20, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus"). The Aramaic, Jesus's native language, preserved in Greek letters reveals primitive church liturgy. The juxtaposition—curse on Christ-rejecters, prayer for Christ's return—emphasizes eschatological urgency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

That Paul leaves maranatha untranslated suggests it was a familiar liturgical formula across early churches, even Greek-speaking ones. The Didache (late first century) ends the Eucharistic liturgy with "Maranatha," confirming its use in worship. This Aramaic preservation (like "Abba," "Amen," "Alleluia") connects Greek Christianity to Jesus's Aramaic-speaking disciples, providing linguistic continuity with the earthly Jesus.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul pronounce an anathema immediately after his personal greeting—what effect does this jarring contrast create?
  2. What's the significance of Paul preserving the Aramaic 'Maranatha' instead of translating it into Greek?
  3. How does the eschatological prayer 'Our Lord, come!' relate to the anathema on those who don't love Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
εἴ1 of 12
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 12
G5100

some or any person or object

οὐ3 of 12

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

φιλεῖ4 of 12

“love”

G5368

to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;

τὸν5 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κύριον6 of 12

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦν7 of 12

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστόν,8 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἤτω9 of 12

“let him be”

G2277

let him (or it) be

ἀνάθεμα10 of 12

“Anathema”

G331

a (religious) ban or (concretely) excommunicated (thing or person)

ἀθά11 of 12

“Maranatha”

G3134

maranatha, i.e., an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment

ἀθά12 of 12

“Maranatha”

G3134

maranatha, i.e., an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 16:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 6:24John 14:211 John 4:19John 8:422 Corinthians 5:14-15Matthew 10:37

Test Your Knowledge

1 Corinthians 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Corinthians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Corinthians 16 with CommentaryAll 1 Corinthians ChaptersComplete 1 Corinthians QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes