ἀνάθημα
anáthēma
G334 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A thing dedicated or set apart as an offering, typically consecrated to a deity. In most contexts, it refers to an object offered or devoted through a vow, particularly in fulfillment of a religious pledge; can be found in both positive (dedicatory) and negative (accursed, doomed to destruction) contexts, though ἀνάθημα is more often used for positive offerings, in contrast to ἀνάθεμα, which later gains a negative sense. Semantic range includes votive offering, consecrated object, object dedicated to divine service.
Semantic Range
votive offering, object dedicated by vow, consecrated gift, object set apart for a deity, object dedicated in a temple
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἀνατίθημι ('to set up, to dedicate'), formed from ἀνά ('up') + τίθημι ('to place, to put'). The suffix -μα indicates the result of an action: 'something placed up or dedicated.' Distinct from ἀνάθεμα, though both are related etymologically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek and the Septuagint, ἀνάθημα denotes an object vowed or dedicated to a deity, often as the fulfillment of a promise (e.g., a votive object dedicated in a temple after deliverance or thanks). The distinction between ἀνάθημα (positive sense) and ἀνάθεμα (negative, 'accursed'): the former is an object set apart for sacred purposes; the latter, in later Greek and ecclesiastical usage, came to mean something devoted to destruction or under a curse. In the New Testament, ἀνάθημα occurs rarely but retains the positive, dedicatory sense (cf. Luke 21:5: 'dedicated gifts'). English translations sometimes obscure this distinction, translating both terms as 'offering,' 'gift,' or erroneously conflating them with 'curse.' The older and more technical distinction is observed in the Septuagint, especially in contexts describing cultic objects and dedicatory practices among Israelites and in Greco-Roman temple contexts. The term is not restricted to Israelite/Judean religious practice; it is widely used throughout the Greek-speaking world for votive offerings to any deity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀνατίθεμαι (like ἀνάθεμα, but in a good sense); a votive offering:--gift.
Root Family
ἀνατιθ- (anáthēma) — to set up, to dedicate, to offer
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G334-01 |
ἀναθέμασιν | anathemasin | N DAT N PL |
gifts | to consecrated offerings | consecrated offerings | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G334-01 |
Luke 21:5 | ἀναθέμασιν | anathemasin | N DAT N PL |
gifts | to consecrated offerings | consecrated offerings |