1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.

1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)

Context

This verse closes Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. It is a solemn admonition, carrying both a warning and a hope. Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation directly, so the warning applies first to those within the church, not primarily to outsiders.

Meaning

The phrase “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ” stresses that love for Christ is the defining mark of true discipleship. This love is not mere emotion but a personal relationship that acknowledges His divinity and surrenders one’s life to Him. The Greek term anathema means “accursed” or “devoted to destruction.” Paul declares that a person who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ is under divine condemnation. The word conveys a severe, irrevocable judgment, reflecting the seriousness with which the early church regarded rejection of Christ.

“Maran-atha” is an Aramaic expression meaning “Our Lord, come!” or “The Lord is coming.” It expresses the early Christians’ eager anticipation of Christ’s return. By appending Maran-atha, Paul links the present warning with future hope, reminding believers that the ultimate vindication of Christ’s love will be realized at His second coming.

Biblical connections

Throughout Scripture, love for Christ is presented as the foundation of Christian obedience. The apostle does not primarily mean profane sinners who are ignorant of Christ, nor those who persecute Him in His members, for such are to be prayed for and may be called by grace, as Paul himself was an instance. Some think the Jews are intended, who were enemies of Christ and called Jesus accursed, thus deserving an anathema.

Application

Together, the three elements form a powerful exhortation: love for Christ is non-negotiable, rejection brings condemnation, and the hope of Christ’s return intensifies the urgency of that love. For contemporary believers, the verse challenges us to examine the depth of our affection for Jesus, to recognize the grave consequences of indifference, and to live in hopeful expectation of His promised return.

Reflection

Let this verse search our hearts. Do we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ? May our love be genuine, our lives obedient, and our hope anchored in His coming.