I could wish that I myself were cursed: The Greek word anathema is used in the Greek Old Testament to translate a Hebrew expression that means “set apart for God.” In most cases, it has a negative meaning. It refers to something that is devoted to destruction as an offering to God (see Leviticus 27:28–29; Joshua 6:17–18; 7:1, 11–13; 22:20; 1 Samuel 15:3; 1 Chronicles 2:7).
Paul knows that he cannot actually be cut off from Christ. His words express deep sorrow and love, not a real possibility. Paul is echoing the words of Moses, who asked God to take his own life if that would spare the people of Israel (Exodus 32:30–32).