It represents the translation of the Greek word μαραναθα, which in turn comes from an expression of Aramaic origin, which is written mâran'athâ. Maranatha or simply Maranata, means "the Lord is coming" or "Christ is coming", according to the use given by Paul of Tarsus in the first century, which was reflected in the writings of the Bible.
The expression only appears once in the bible, right at the end of what is known as the First Epistle to the Corinthians, when Tarsus warned that: “Whoever does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha! (The Lord is coming) ”, (Corinthians, 16:22).
Despite this statement, the term has taken different interpretations over time. Even, in the same expression of Pablo de Tarso, it has been debated in the sense of the same. For some it is a warning to those who are unfaithful, others consider it to be an assertion of hope in the return of Christ to the world.
This last meaning or sense, has different arguments in its favor, since in the Bible there are many statements that allude to the return of Jesus to Earth. For example, Philippians (4: 5) expresses “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is near ”. Likewise, in James (5: 8) reference is made to what is known as the second coming of Jesus to the world, “You also have patience, and establish your hearts; because the coming of the Lord draws near ”.
Also, Jesus Christ himself promised his return in the book of Revelation, thus confirming the many biblical passages that refer to this event, which should be expected, loved and longed for by every Christian. In Revelation (3:11) “Behold, I am coming soon; hold fast what you have, so that no one takes your crown "and in Revelation (22:20), John picked up the closing phrase given by Jesus" Certainly, I am coming shortly ", to which the apostle replied" Amen; yes, come Lord Jesus ”.
Some claim that the term was used in ancient times by the Christian community as a greeting. It should be noted that today some congregations or religious groups continue to give this use to the word Maranatha.
