Aramaic Word Study for Today: June 03, 2025
- Andre Moubarak
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
ܡܪܢ (Māran)
Meaning: Our Lord
oot and Language Context
The Aramaic word ܡܪܢ (Māran) comes from the root "ܡܪܐ (Marā)", which means Lord or Master.
"Mar" is a common Aramaic honorific title used for respect, especially towards religious figures or elders.
"Marān" literally means "our Lord", where the suffix "-ān" indicates possession (our).
Scriptural Usage:
The word Marān appears in the phrase "Marana tha" (ܡܪܢ ܐܬܐ) in the New Testament:
1 Corinthians 16:22 – "If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed. Marana tha!"
There is some debate whether this is one phrase or two:
Marana tha = Our Lord, come!
Or: Maran atha = The Lord has come.
Both interpretations are theologically rich:
The first is eschatological, expressing longing for Christ’s return.
The second is affirmational, celebrating His incarnation and presence.
Theological Significance:
This word is one of the few preserved Aramaic expressions in the Greek New Testament.
It reflects the early church's Jewish-Aramaic heritage.
It signifies deep personal relationship: not just “the Lord,” but “our Lord.”
The invocation "Marana tha" was likely used in early Christian liturgies or prayers, similar to Maranatha in worship today.
Devotional Reflection:
Ask yourself:
Do I long for the Lord’s return as early Christians did?
Is Jesus not only the Lord, but my Lord?
How does the ancient cry “Marana tha” shape my prayers and my hope?
References:
Revelation 22:20 – “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Philippians 3:20 – “We eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
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