Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Anything laid up or suspended; hence anything laid up in a temple or set apart as sacred. ” In the LXX. the form anathema is generally used as the rendering of the Hebrew word herem, derived from a verb which means (1) to consecrate or devote; and (2) to exterminate. Any object so devoted to the Lord could not be redeemed (Num. 18:14; Lev. 27:28, 29); and hence the idea of exterminating connected with the word. The Hebrew verb (haram) is frequently used of the extermination of idolatrous nations. It had a wide range of application.
The anathema_ or _herem was a person or thing irrevocably devoted to God (Lev. 27:21, 28); and “none devoted shall be ransomed. He shall surely be put to death” (27:29). The word therefore carried the idea of devoted to destruction (Num. 21:2, 3; Josh. 6:17); and hence generally it meant a thing accursed. In Deut. 7:26 an idol is called a herem = anathema, a thing accursed. In the New Testament this word always implies execration. In some cases an individual denounces an anathema on himself unless certain conditions are fulfilled (Acts 23:12, 14, 21).
“To call Jesus accursed” [anathema] (1 Cor. 12:3) is to pronounce him execrated or accursed. , let his conduct in so doing be accounted accursed. , excluded from fellowship or alliance with Christ, has occasioned much difficulty. The apostle here does not speak of his wish as a possible thing. It is simply a vehement expression of feeling, showing how strong was his desire for the salvation of his people.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
which literally means a thing suspended, is the equivalent of the Hebrew word signifying a thing or person voted. Any object so devoted to Jehovah was irredeemable. If an inanimate object, it was to be given to the priests, (Numbers 18:14) if a living creature or even a man, it was to be slain. (Leviticus 27:28,29) The word anathema frequently occurs in St. Paul’s writings, and is generally translated accused. An examination of the passages in which it occurs shows that it had acquired a more general sense as expressive either of strong feeling, (Romans 9:3) or of dislike and condemnation.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
ANATH'EMA (set apart, devoted). In its usual acceptation it means the devoting of an animal, person, or place to destruction. Lev 27:28; Josh 6:17-21. " Rom 9:3; Gal 1:8, Gal 1:9. " Anathema Maranatha is a Syriac exclamation signifying. Let him be accursed, The Lord is at hand, a reminder that at the coming of the Lord rewards and punishments would be meted out. 1 Cor 16:22.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
separated; set apart