Bible Lexicons

Bullinger's Figures of Speech Used in the BibleBullinger's Figures of Speech

Maledictio; or Imprecation

Expression of Feeling by way of Malediction or Execration

Mal´-e-dic´-ti-o. This is the Latin name, and means denunciation, cursing, imprecation, or execration.

Hence the other Latin names, IMPRECATIO and EXECRATIO, COMMINATIO. Also ARA, an altar, by which, and at which, oaths and execrations were pronounced.

The Greeks called it APEUCHE, ap-eu-chee, from ἀπεύχομαι, to pray a thing away, to pray that a thing may not be, and MISOS, mi-sos, Greek μῖσος, hate, hatred, a hateful object or thing.

Psalms 109:6-19, where we have the Imprecation of David’s enemies for evil to come upon him. See under Ellipsis.

Ezekiel 34:2.-"Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves!"

A woe that comes upon all shepherds to-day who do not "feed the flocks."

See the whole chapter for the reasons for this solemn "Woe."