SPECIAL TOPIC: MARANATHA

SPECIAL TOPIC: MARANATHA

This is an Aramaic phrase which reflects an early Palestinian church’s
theological liturgical affirmation of (1) Jesus’ deity (Psalm 110) or (2) Jesus’
Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21). Its meaning depends on how one divides the word:

1. “Our Lord, come” (i.e., marana-tha) is the meaning of a similar
imperitival phrase in Rev. 22:20. Therefore, most translations assume that
meaning in 1 Cor. 16:22. If so, then it would be a prayer for Jesus’ return.

2. “Our Lord has come” (i.e., maran-atha) would be an Aramaic
perfect.
This is the translation that Chrysostom (a.d. 345-407) preferred, which speaks
of Jesus’ Incarnation.

3. “Our Lord is coming” would reflect a Hebraic prophetic perfect,
which is used by many to assume a motive for Christian service. The Second
Coming has always been an encouragement for believers in every age.

4. The Didache (written in the late first or second century) 10:6,
uses this same phrase in the context of the Lord’s Supper where Jesus’ current
presence and future eschatological coming are both emphasized in prayers.