1 Corinthians 16:22

²² If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!

Meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:22

1. “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ…”

Paul ends the letter with a heart test.
Christianity is not only about knowledge or outward behavior — but love for Christ.

To “love” Christ means:

• trusting Him
• treasuring Him
• obeying Him
• valuing Him above all

Paul is addressing those who reject or oppose Christ.

2. “…let him be accursed.”

The word “accursed” is anathema in Greek.

Anathema means:

• under God’s judgment
• separated from blessing
• devoted to destruction (in a spiritual sense)

This is not Paul cursing people in anger.
He is stating a spiritual reality:
Anyone who ultimately rejects Christ stands under condemnation.

3. “O Lord, come!”

In Greek: Maranatha (an Aramaic phrase).
It means “Come, Lord!” or “Our Lord, come!”

So the verse connects two truths:

• Those who reject Christ are under judgment.
• Those who love Christ long for His return.

It is both a warning and a hope.

Theological Insight

Paul is writing to a church struggling with:

• division
• false teaching
• immorality
• pride

He closes with a reminder:

• Christ is the center.
• Loving Christ is essential.
• The Lord will return.

This is one of the strongest statements in the New Testament about the seriousness of loving Christ.