what is the meaning of 'Maranatha' ?

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        Many of you may have heard the word “Maranatha” used in songs or in conversation. This phrase, Μαρὰν μαράνα θά, is in Aramaic (the language spoken by the Jews at the time of the writing of the New Testament).

Maranatha (מרנאתא‎) is an Aramaic phrase. It occurs once in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:22). Maranatha means “the Lord is coming” or “come, O Lord.” 

The word maranatha comes from two Aramaic words ‘maranâ’ and ‘thâ’. Interestingly, these words have not been translated, but transliterated (only helping you to pronounce the word) in the Greek language. This was usually done for phrases that were commonly known, or easily understood among the readers. However, the exact meaning of this phrase is somewhat lost in transliteration due to the variations found.

Based on how these two words are spaced, the connotation tends to vary. For instance, if taken as two words, ‘maranâ thâ’ (מרנא תא, in Aramaic), it can be understood as a command, “Come, O Lord” or “O Lord, Come” or “Lord, Come.” On the other hand, if the words are spaced as ‘maran ‘athâ’ (מרן אתא), then it means “Our Lord has come!”


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