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G1944 · Greek · New Testament
ἐπικατάρατος
epikataratos
Adjective
cursed, accursed

Definition

Epikataratos appears twice in the New Testament (John 7:49; Galatians 3:10, 13), derived from epi (upon) + katara (curse). It describes one who is under a divine curse — whether the crowd's contemptuous dismissal of the ignorant masses (John 7:49) or the serious theological statement of Galatians 3 about the curse of the Law. The word is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew arur (cursed) — the covenant curse.

Usage & Theological Significance

Galatians 3:10-13 is the theological center of epikataratos: Paul quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 ('Cursed [epikataratos] is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law') and Deuteronomy 21:23 ('Cursed [epikataratos] is everyone who is hung on a pole'). The Gospel's power: Christ became an epikataratos for us (Galatians 3:13) — He bore the full weight of the covenant curse so that in Him we receive the covenant blessing. The Cross is the place where the epikataratos became the Blessed One's voluntary dwelling so that the cursed might go free.

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 3:10 Cursed [epikataratos] is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse [epikataratos] for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'
John 7:49 But this mob that knows nothing of the law — there is a curse [epikataratos] on them!
Deuteronomy 21:23 Anyone who is hung on a pole is under God's curse.
Revelation 22:3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city.

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