καταναθεματίζω
katanathematízō
G2653 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pronounce a curse upon someone or something, especially by solemn declaration or invocation of divine punishment. The verb typically refers to invoking a curse with strong or intensified force, often as part of a formal or ritualized pronouncement. Its sense in Koine contexts is to call down an anathema or ban on someone, frequently in an official or legal context.
Semantic Range
to curse intensely, to lay under a solemn ban, to pronounce an anathema upon, to excommunicate (in ritual or official context), to invoke divine punishment
Root / Etymology
From κατα- (kata-, an intensive prefix meaning 'down, against' or indicating completeness/intensity) and ἀναθεματίζω (anathematizō, 'to curse' or 'to declare as accursed'). The root ἀνάθεμα (anathema) denotes something devoted to destruction or placed under a ban. Thus, καταναθεματίζω intensifies the notion of cursing or anathematizing.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term καταναθεματίζω is rare, found only in later Koine Greek and ecclesiastical writings. It is not attested in classical Greek; it appears in early Christian literature where legal or ritualized forms of cursing play a role, especially in contexts of excommunication or formal condemnation. Derived from the more common ἀναθεματίζω, it conveys an even stronger or more formal sense of pronouncing someone or something accursed. English translations often render it as 'curse utterly,' 'anathematize,' or simply 'curse,' but these may not fully capture the legalistic or ritualized dimension present in some Greek sources. While ἀνάθεμα became associated with ecclesiastical excommunication, καταναθεματίζω signals a public, emphatic act of cursing, not merely informal speech.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά (intensive) and ἀναθεματίζω; to imprecate:--curse.
Root Family
καταναθεματίζω (katanathematizō) — to curse, to declare accursed, to call down a formal curse
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2653-01 |
καταθεματίζειν | katathematizein | V PRS ACT INF |
to curse | to solemnly declare accursed | to solemnly declare accursed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2653-01 |
Matthew 26:74 | καταθεματίζειν | katathematizein | V PRS ACT INF |
to curse | to solemnly declare accursed | to solemnly declare accursed |