ἀρά
ará
G685 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A solemn utterance expressing a wish for harm, misfortune, or judgment to befall someone, often directed towards a person, entity, or group; in broader usage, an imprecation or malediction. In some contexts, it refers to the pronounced result of such an imprecation, i.e., the resulting curse or calamity specified or invoked. Rarely, it may denote the invocation itself rather than the outcome.
Semantic Range
curse, imprecation, a formally pronounced wish for harm, resultant state of being accursed, malediction, invocation of evil upon another
Root / Etymology
The term ἀρά is of uncertain etymology. Some link it tentatively to ἀείρω (to lift, raise) due to phonetic similarity, but no clear derivation is established. Earliest attestations are found in Homeric Greek, where the word is already used to denote a curse or imprecation. It is not derived from αἴρω in the sense of 'to lift' in any direct or certain way.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature (e.g., Homer, tragedians), ἀρά consistently refers to a spoken wish or imprecation calling down evil, a curse by speech, typically accompanied by ritual or oath. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, ἀρά retains its classical sense of 'curse,' often describing spoken maledictions or the consequences of divine or human invocation for harm. It is distinct from terms signifying oath (ὅρκος) or general fate (μοῖρα), focusing specifically on the pronounced wish for adverse effects. In the LXX, ἀρά commonly represents Hebrew words for 'curse' (e.g., אָלָה, קְלָלָה). In NT usage (e.g., Gal 3:10, 13), ἀρά refers to the state of being under a curse as a result of violating divine law or being subject to condemnation. English translations generally use 'curse,' but this sometimes obscures the ritual or formal nature of the utterance in Greek usage. There is little overlap with the concept of 'prayer' (in the sense of petition); rather, the focus is on negative wish or declaration, not neutral or positive request. In inscriptions and magical texts, ἀρά may refer to curses placed upon enemies via formalized texts or objects (e.g., curse tablets). Related terms include κατάρα (katara), a compound form denoting a more direct or intensive curse, often in legal or religious settings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from αἴρω; properly, prayer (as lifted to Heaven), i.e. (by implication) imprecation:--curse.
Root Family
ἀρά (ara) — curse, imprecation, malediction
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G685-01 |
ἀρᾶς | aras | N GEN F SG |
of cursing | of a curse | of a curse | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G685-01 |
Romans 3:14 | ἀρᾶς | aras | N GEN F SG |
of cursing | of a curse | of a curse |