Bible Dictionary

Accursed

Under a curse, condemned, or devoted to destruction.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

8 of 516

Letter

A

Meaning

Under a curse, condemned, or devoted to destruction.

Key Scriptures

  • Joshua 6:17-18
  • Joshua 7:1
  • Joshua 7:11-15
  • Joshua 7:20-26
  • Romans 9:3
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22
  • Galatians 1:8-9

Original Language

Hebrew

חֵרֶם

cherem

devoted thing; thing devoted to destruction

Greek

ἀνάθεμα

anathema

accursed; devoted to destruction; separated

Meaning

Under a curse, condemned, or devoted to destruction.


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, accursed describes something or someone placed under a curse or judgment. The term can refer to divine judgment, separation, or something devoted to destruction according to God’s command.

In Joshua, Jericho and its possessions were placed under this designation, while Achan was judged for taking what had been devoted. In the New Testament, the term is also used for a person under condemnation or for a message rejected as accursed.


Key References

  • Joshua 6:17-18
  • Joshua 7:1
  • Joshua 7:20-26
  • Romans 9:3
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22
  • Galatians 1:8-9

  • Curse
  • Judgment
  • Destruction
  • Spoil

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Joshua 6:17-18
  • Joshua 7:1
  • Joshua 7:11-15
  • Joshua 7:20-26
  • Romans 9:3
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22
  • Galatians 1:8-9

Related Terms

Study Topics

judgment curse destruction sin