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Greek Lessons
- The Grammar of Pleading: Conditional Syntax and Subjunctive Permission in Matthew 8:31
- The Grammar of Silence: Commands, Purpose, and the Messianic Secret
- “What to Us and to You?”: Demonic Recognition and Eschatological Grammar in Matthew 8:29
- Whispers of Identity: From Prophets to Pronouns in Mark 8:28
- The Field of Blood: Passive Voice and Temporal Clauses in Matthew 27:8
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Category
Tag Archives: ἀνάθεμα
Synonyms: Holy Devotion or Divine Curse? ἀνάθημα and ἀνάθεμα in the Greek New Testament
The Greek words ἀνάθημα and ἀνάθεμα are among the most striking examples of near-homographs with completely different meanings in the New Testament. Though both stem from the root ἀνατίθημι (“to set up, to dedicate”), their divergence in usage and theological weight is profound. One refers to what is dedicated to God, the other to what is devoted for destruction. This article explores the lexical history, scriptural usage, and spiritual significance of these two potent terms.
Lexical Forms and Etymological Roots ἀνάθημα – From ἀνατίθημι (“to set up”), this form denotes something offered or dedicated to a deity, often placed in a temple as a votive offering.… Learn Koine Greek