[Greek] ἀναθεματίζω (anathematizō), [Latin] anathematizare, [Latin] devovere, [French] consacrer: to declare or vow under penalty, to bind under a curse, to bind with an oath, to declare anathema, to declare cursed; Mk.14:71, Act.23:12,14,21, Mt.26:74
Roman curse tablets from Bath, Somerset England were written by victims of theft and crime to exact the gods’ wrath on those wrongdoers.
Background Information:
Paganism: Curse tablets (or binding spells) were used by Greco-Roman and other pagan cultures to place curses on a person or object. These texts were typically scratched on very thin lead sheets. These tablets were usually placed beneath the ground in tombs, in wells, or in underground sanctuaries. The wronged person would call upon the gods (spirits) to seek vengeance against a person or object. Curse tablets also included the subject’s hair or clothing.
Old Testament: This term originally comes from the Greek anatithemi (I dedicate or place upon). However, this term takes on its negative sense when that person or object is placed under a curse. Related to the Hebrew haram, this term can mean to declared cursed, to cut off, to smite, to destroy, or to make an enemy. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord has rejected you as king (1 Sam.15:23). Cursed be anyone who dishonors father or mother! (Deut.27:16). When the Lord gives them over to you and you defeat them, you shall put them under the ban (Deut.7:2). Cursed be the ones who takes food before evening, before I am able to avenge myself on my enemies (1 Sam. 14:24).
New Testament: This term is used in the sense of putting oneself voluntarily and involuntarily under a curse. Some Jews are willing to put themselves under God’s judgment with a pledge not to eat until they kill Paul. On the other hand, Peter, caught in fearful situation, puts himself under an oath if he lies about being a disciple. Matthew’s gospel adds a further detail about a cock crowing. The act of placing oneself under a curse infers that divine harm will occur if one does not carry out what is promised.
Scripture:
“He began to curse and to swear, ‘I do not know this man about whom you are talking.’” Mk. 14:71
In his panic, Peter makes a curse stating that he doesn’t know Jesus. Peter curses himself if he lies about knowing Jesus. Peter is also cursing the people if they make out that he is a disciple.
“When day came, the Jews made a plot and bound themselves by oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.” Act. 23:12
The Jews willingly put themselves under God’s judgment, if they did not make every effort to fulfill their obligation. They thought they would be pleasing God by getting rid of Paul
Conclusion:
Anathema, anathematize, devote, devotion, consecrate, consecration
It is interesting to learn that those people, who felt that they were wronged, would call upon Pluto, Charon, and Hades, the gods of the underworld. Some people would issue curse tablets for stolen bathing suits. This sounds very petty to me.
Bath is the largest city in the county of Somerset England, known for its Roman-built baths. One such Bath curse tablet stated, “Solinus to the goddess Sulis. I give to your divinity my bathing tunic and cloak. Do not allow sleep or health to him who has done me wrong, whether man or woman unless he reveals himself and bring those goods to your temple.”
It is in the Old Testament culture that we can understand the original meaning of this term. This involves something that is offered to God. What is not pleasing, honorable, or proper becomes anathema. In the New Testament, it is often a person who often puts himself under a curse if he fails to fulfill the contract. It is also important to know that a covenant is much more important than a contract. Essentially, the person who participates in a covenant relationship binds himself to that other person. This is even much more so in the covenant relationship between God and man.