Lexical Summary pikria: Bitterness Original Word: πικρία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bitterness. From pikros; acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively -- bitterness. see GREEK pikros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pikros Definition bitterness NASB Translation bitterness (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4088: πικρίαπικρία, πικρίας, ἡ (πικρός), bitterness: χολή πικρίας, equivalent to χολή πικρά (Winers Grammar, 34, 3 b.; Buttmann, § 132, 10), bitter gall, equivalent to extreme wickedness, Acts 8:23; ῤίζα πικρίας (references as above), a bitter root, and so producing bitter fruit, Hebrews 12:15 (from Deuteronomy 29:18, the Alex. manuscript), cf. Bleek at the passage; metaphorically, bitterness, i. e. bitter hatred, Ephesians 4:31; of speech, Romans 3:14 after Psalm 9:28 Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 4088 designates the sour, sharp disposition that settles in the human spirit when grace is resisted and anger is nursed. Scripture treats this inner bitterness not merely as an unpleasant emotion but as a moral toxin that corrodes relationships, quenches the Spirit, and imperils fellowship with God. Occurrences in the New Testament • Ephesians 4:31 draws the first‐century church to decisive action: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice”. Bitterness heads the list because it breeds the other vices that follow. Old Testament Background and Continuity The Greek noun mirrors the Hebrew root מרר that colors Israel’s story. Bitter water at Marah (Exodus 15:23-25) dramatized the need for divine intervention to make the undrinkable sweet. Naomi’s lament, “Call me Mara” (Ruth 1:20), personalized life’s ache under God’s sovereign hand. Deuteronomy 29:18 (LXX) speaks of a “root that bears gall and wormwood,” a direct backdrop for the warning in Hebrews. Wisdom literature likewise recognizes the solitary pain of a resentful heart (Proverbs 14:10). Theological Significance 1. Evidence of Fallenness: Romans 3:14 sets bitterness within the comprehensive catalogue of depravity. Spiritual Dangers and Consequences • Emotional poison that festers into wrath, clamour, and malice (Ephesians 4:31). Pastoral and Practical Applications 1. Early Detection: Hebrews urges vigilance; bitterness is easiest to uproot while still a sapling. Historical and Early Church Witness The Didache (4.3) warns against a “root of bitterness,” directly reflecting Hebrews. Ignatius of Antioch pleads with the Smyrnaeans to “avoid the bitter weed” of schism. Patristic homilies treat bitterness as a failure to imitate the forgiving Christ, often citing Stephen’s prayer for his persecutors (Acts 7:60) as the alternative. Antidotes to Bitterness • The Cross: Christ absorbs the world’s bitterness (1 Peter 2:23); gazing there transforms resentment into humble worship. Related Themes and Vocabulary Gall (χολή, Matthew 27:34), wormwood (ἄψινθος, Revelation 8:11), wrath (θυμός), malice (κακία), unforgiveness, resentment. Each shows facets of the same inner rot that 4088 denotes. Summary Strong’s 4088 unveils bitterness as a stealthy heart-sin that poisons speech, wrecks fellowship, and grieves the Spirit. Scripture consistently counters it with grace, forgiveness, and Spirit-empowered love, urging believers to cut it out at the root before it spreads and defiles the many Christ came to redeem. Forms and Transliterations πικρια πικρία πικρίαις πικρίαν πικριας πικρίας πικρίδων πικριών pikria pikría pikrias pikríasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 8:23 N-GFSGRK: γὰρ χολὴν πικρίας καὶ σύνδεσμον NAS: that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage KJV: the gall of bitterness, and INT: indeed a gall of bitterness and a bond Romans 3:14 N-GFS Ephesians 4:31 N-NFS Hebrews 12:15 N-GFS Strong's Greek 4088 |
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