What is meant by the greeting "Maranatha!"?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

“Maranatha” is an Aramaic greeting that means “The Lord is coming,” or “Come, O Lord.” It was a greeting for early Christians who used it to encourage each other amid persecution. Saying, "Maranatha," reminded other believers that true hope and peace come only from Jesus. It is a call to keep our minds fixed on God’s kingdom and the promise of Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 16:22; Colossians 3:2–4). Maranatha serves as both a declaration of faith and a spiritual encouragement to live in readiness for His second coming. Today, Maranatha continues to call us to persevere and await Jesus’s return, no matter life’s circumstances. It is a reminder that our focus should not be on earthly powers or temporary troubles, but on Christ, who will return in glory.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Old Testament does not use the Aramaic term “Maranatha” itself, but it lays the foundation for the idea it expresses. In the Old Testament, God’s people often longed for the Lord’s coming, deliverance, and presence. Prophets spoke of God coming to save, judge, or restore His people (Isaiah 59:20–21; Jeremiah 23:5–6). The longing for God to act on behalf of His people is a background for the New Testament greeting.
• Many passages express hope for the coming of the anointed one who would redeem Israel (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; Micah 5:2). Maranatha echoes this expectation.
• The Psalms frequently cry out for God to come to His people’s aid (Psalm 80:3, 17; 106:47), reflecting the same sentiment of longing that the early Christians expressed by saying, “Maranatha.”

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• “Maranatha” is used in 1 Corinthians 16:22. It means “the Lord is coming,” or “come, O Lord.”
• In the New Testament era, Romans treated Christians as traitors because they would not declare Caesar a god. Those under Roman rule were required to refer to Caesar as "Lord," but Christians would refuse because they believed Jesus was the only Lord, and the only God was the One True God. So, Christians encouraged each other with the reminder that Jesus said He would return (Luke 21:28; John 14:1–4, 18–20; Acts 1:10–11; Revelation 22:12).
• Believers’ thoughts, trust, and hope are not in the political leaders or system of the day, but on awaiting and preparing for Jesus's return (Matthew 25:1–13; Luke 12:35–40).
• Colossians 3:2–4 says, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Maranatha reminds us of this truth.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Early Christians who lived under Roman rule would greet each other with the hopeful Aramaic word "Maranatha," meaning "the Lord is coming," or "come, O Lord." This encouraged others in a time of persecution. Jewish believers often used "Maranatha" instead of the standard Hebrew "Shalom," meaning peace, because they knew there would be no peace without Jesus (Matthew 10:34; Luke 12:51). True shalom comes only in Christ, who will return and fully establish His kingdom.

Now, centuries later, Christians still await Jesus's return with great hope. Christians are told to be ready at all times and to prepare for His second coming, just as the first century Christians did. "Maranatha" is a word that reminds us of His plans. When we are discouraged, Maranatha! When we are worried, Maranatha! When we are joyful, Maranatha! Our Lord is coming back, and it is an appropriate reminder at all times (Hebrews 10:19–25).

UNDERSTAND

• Maranatha is a greeting that means “the Lord is coming,” or “come, o Lord.”
• Maranatha reminds us that believers are living for God’s kingdom as they wait for Jesus’s return.
• Maranatha encourages us in times of difficulty or persecution.

REFLECT

• How do you remind yourself and others that Jesus is coming?
• How does the greeting “Maranatha” encourage you or challenge you in the way you live in light of Jesus’s imminent return?
• When you feel discouraged or overwhelmed, how can remembering Maranatha change your perspective?

ENGAGE

• How does the Bible help us wrestle with the truth that Jesus said He is coming soon and the reality that He is not here yet?
• Why should we keep Jesus’s return as an important reality in our lives?
• How can we build each other up by encouraging each other with truth of Maranatha?