# Accursed ## Ignatius Catholic Study Bible *Accursed* ([[galatians-01#^galatians-01-8|Gal 1:8]]) – *Anathema* (Gk.): \"under a divine curse\" or \"set apart for destruction\". The word is used six times in the NT, twice in Galatians. In the Greek OT, this word often translates a cultic and military term (Heb. *herem*) for the sacred ban that Yahweh placed on the enemy peoples of Canaan. Cities anathematized by the Lord were destined for utter destruction ([[deuteronomy-20#^deuteronomy-20-17|Deut 20:17]]), and oftentimes the Israelites were forbidden to confiscate any booty for themselves ([[deuteronomy-07#^deuteronomy-07-26|Deut 7:26]]; [[joshua-06#^joshua-06-18|Josh 6:18]]). The same anathema was pronounced on cities where false prophets dared to lead God\'s people astray ([[deuteronomy-13#^deuteronomy-13-12|Deut 13:12-18]]). The NT uses this term for a conditional curse that a person invokes upon himself when he swears an oath; it is a curse that will be activated if and when the individual breaks the oath ([[acts-of-the-apostles-23#^acts-of-the-apostles-23-12|Acts 23:12-14]]). In Paul, an anathema is a curse that no Spirit-filled believer can invoke upon Jesus ([[1-corinthians-12#^1-corinthians-12-3|1 Cor 12:3]]), yet it is precisely the divine judgment that awaits those who refuse to love the Lord ([[1-corinthians-16#^1-corinthians-16-22|1 Cor 16:22]]). In Galatians, Paul pronounces an anathema upon heretical teachers who promote a false gospel. For the Hebrew background, see word study: *Devoted* at [[joshua-06#^joshua-06-17|Josh 6:17]]. ### Sources [[09-galatians-commentary#^3wusjk|Accursed — word study]]