Maran-Atha
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
an expression used in 1—Corinthians 16:22 , is the Greek spelling for two Aramaic words, formerly supposed by some to be an imprecatory utterance or "a curse reinforced by a prayer," an idea contrary to the intimations coveyed by its use in early Christian documents, e.g., "The Teaching of the Apostles," a document of the beginning of the 2nd cent., and in the "Apostolic Constitutions" (vii. 26), where it is used as follows: "Gather us all together into Thy Kingdom which Thou hast prepared. Maranatha, Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is He that cometh, etc."
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [2]
( Μαρὰν Ἀθά , from the Arameaan מָרָן אֲתָה , maran'athah', our Lord comes, i.e. to judgment, Buxtorf, Lex. Chald. col. 1248, and so found in the Peshito version), a phrase added to the sentence of excommunication by way of appeal to the divine Head of the Church for ratification ( 1 Corinthians 16:22). (See Anathema). "In the A. V. it is combined with the preceding ‘ anathema,' but this is unnecessary; at all events it can only be regarded as adding emphasis to the previous adjuration. It rather appears to be added ‘ as a weighty watchword' to impress upon the disciples the important truth that the Lord was at hand, and that they should be ready to meet him (Alford, Gr. Test. ad loc.). If, on the other hand, the phrase be taken to mean, as it may, ‘ our Lord has come,' then the connection is, ‘ the curse will remain, for the Lord has come who will take vengeance on those who reject him.' Thus the name ‘ Maronite' is explained by a tradition that the Jews, in expectation of a Messiah, were constantly saying Maran, i.e. Lord; to which the Christians answered Maranatha, the Lord is come, why do you still expect him? (Stanley, Corinthians, ad loc.)."
