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Greek word · Strong G3134

What does Maranatha mean?

Maranatha is an Aramaic expression that can be read two ways: marana tha, “Our Lord, come!”, or maran atha, “Our Lord is coming” (or “has come”). Paul writes it at the end of 1 Corinthians (16:22), where the King James leaves it untranslated.

μαρὰν ἀθά

maràn athá · transliteration

In Strong’s lexicon
maranatha, i.e. an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment
In the King James
  • Maranatha1
Appears in
1 verse

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The meaning of Maranatha in the Bible

It is one of the few words of the Aramaic-speaking church that reached the Greek New Testament intact, along with abba and hosanna. That Paul uses it untranslated in a letter to Greek Christians shows it was already a well-known prayer in the churches: the cry for Jesus' return.

The same plea closes the Bible: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Whoever says maranatha lives between Christ's first coming, which has happened, and his second, which is awaited — with hope rather than fear.

Where Maranatha appears

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
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Frequently asked questions

Does maranatha mean “the Lord is coming” or “come, Lord”?
It depends on where the Aramaic is divided: maran atha (“our Lord is coming” or “has come”) or marana tha (“our Lord, come”). Many scholars prefer the prayer, “come, Lord”, which matches Revelation 22:20.
Where is maranatha in the Bible?
Only once, in 1 Corinthians 16:22 (“Anathema Maranatha” in the King James). The equivalent prayer in Greek closes Revelation: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

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