καταράομαι
kataraomai
to curse
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word καταράομαι (kataraomai) is a verb that means "to curse." Its usage in the Bible is limited to six occurrences, indicating a relatively rare but specific function in the language. The semantic domain of Speech & Communication suggests that this word is primarily used in the context of verbal expression, likely conveying a sense of condemnation, judgment, or malice. The fact that this word is used only six times in the Bible implies that it may have been employed in situations where a strong emotional or rhetorical effect was desired. Its meaning is straightforward, conveying a sense of negative intent or ill will. The significance of this word lies in its ability to convey a sense of severity or intensity in a particular context, likely amplifying the emotional impact of the speaker's words. In summary, καταράομαι (kataraomai) is a verb that means "to curse," used sparingly in the Bible to convey a sense of condemnation or malice. Its limited usage suggests a specific function in the language, likely employed in situations where a strong emotional or rhetorical effect was desired.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Matthew 25:41Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels;
Mark 11:21Peter, remembering, said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.”
Luke 6:28bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
James 3:9With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God.