Lexical Summary pikros: bitter Original Word: πικρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bitter. Perhaps from pegnumi (through the idea of piercing); sharp (pungent), i.e. Acrid (literally or figuratively) -- bitter. see GREEK pegnumi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition bitter, sharp NASB Translation bitter (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4089: πικρόςπικρός, πικρά, πικρόν (from the root meaning 'to cut,' 'prick'; Vanicek, 534; Curtius, § 100; Fick 1:145), from Homer down, the Sept. for מַר; bitter: properly, James 3:11 (opposed to τό γλυκύ); metaphorically, harsh, virulent, James 3:14. Topical Lexicon Overview of the ConceptThe adjective πικρός denotes literal bitterness of taste and, by natural extension, the inner bitterness that expresses itself in harsh words or envious attitudes. Scripture consistently uses the idea of bitter versus sweet to draw moral and spiritual contrasts, underscoring that what springs from the heart will inevitably flavor both speech and conduct. Occurrences in the New Testament James employs the term twice in a single paragraph on the tongue’s duplicity: • James 3:11: “Can both fresh water and bitter water flow from the same spring?” The apostle therefore links bitterness first with corrupt speech (like polluted water) and then with inward motives (jealousy and selfish ambition). The progression teaches that a contaminated heart inevitably produces corrosive words, and conversely that gracious speech presupposes a purified inner spring. Old Testament Background 1. Waters of Marah – Exodus 15:23-25 records Israel’s encounter with undrinkable “bitter” water, a crisis turned to blessing when the LORD showed Moses a tree that made the waters sweet. The episode anticipates the gospel dynamic: divine intervention transforms what is naturally bitter into life-giving refreshment. 2. Root of Bitterness – Deuteronomy 29:18 warns against “a root that produces bitter poison,” language echoed in Hebrews 12:15, where believers are exhorted to watch diligently “so that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.” The image depicts bitterness as a hidden but aggressive contaminant within the covenant community. 3. Gall and Wormwood – Prophets such as Jeremiah (Jeremiah 9:15; 23:15) and the lamenter (Lamentations 3:15, 19) use bitterness to portray divine judgment and national grief, reminding readers that unresolved sin inevitably yields a bitter harvest (cf. Proverbs 5:4). Theological Significance 1. Moral Polarity – Throughout Scripture sweetness typifies righteousness, wisdom, and divine blessing (Psalm 19:10; Proverbs 24:13), whereas bitterness signals corruption, deception, and curse. James builds on this polarity to expose duplicity in the life of professing believers. 2. Heart–Tongue Connection – James upholds the biblical principle that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). A bitter heart cannot produce consistently wholesome speech; any profession of faith must therefore be measured by verbal fruit. 3. Wisdom from Above – Immediately after his use of πικρός, James contrasts two kinds of wisdom (James 3:15-17). Earthly wisdom is “bitter,” “jealous,” and “disorderly,” whereas heavenly wisdom is “pure, then peace-loving, gentle,” and “full of mercy.” The bitter-sweet dichotomy frames the reader’s choice between these rival wisdoms. Christological Dimension The Messiah is offered wine mixed with gall (Matthew 27:34) and later given vinegar (John 19:29-30); both gestures symbolize the bitterness of the cup He willingly drank to atone for sin. By absorbing humanity’s bitterness at the cross, Christ becomes the true “tree” that sweetens Marah’s water—He heals the poisoned springs of the human heart and enables His people to speak blessing instead of curse. Practical and Pastoral Applications 1. Guarding the Heart – Believers must vigilantly uproot jealousy and wounded pride before they ferment into bitterness. Confession, reconciliation, and meditation on Christ’s humility are the primary antidotes. 2. Sanctifying Speech – Ministry leaders are called to model tongues that “overflow with grace” (Colossians 4:6) rather than with acrid criticism. The presence of lingering bitterness often manifests first in sarcasm, cutting humor, or persistent complaining. 3. Church Discipline and Restoration – A single bitter spirit can “defile many” (Hebrews 12:15). Churches therefore administer loving discipline not merely for overt immorality but also for corrosive attitudes that fracture fellowship. 4. Counseling Suffering Saints – Pastors should recognize that prolonged trials may tempt believers toward bitterness. Pointing them to Christ’s sufferings and to the Father’s good purposes (Romans 8:28-29) mitigates this danger. Eschatological Hope Revelation 8:11 pictures a star named Wormwood turning waters bitter in a trumpet judgment; yet Revelation 22:1-2 culminates with the river of life flowing crystal clear. The final state will eradicate all vestiges of bitterness, both literal and spiritual, as redeemed humanity drinks freely from an unpolluted spring. Summary Strong’s Greek 4089 encapsulates the Scriptural warning that bitterness poisons both heart and tongue. Rooted in Old Testament imagery and sharpened in James’s epistle, the term challenges believers to pursue purity of motive, speech seasoned with grace, and a community life guarded from the root that defiles. Ultimately, the bitter is conquered by the sweetness of the gospel, and the One who endured gall now invites His people to the water of life without cost. Forms and Transliterations πικρά πικράν πικρον πικρόν πικρὸν πικρός πικροτέρον πικρότερον πικρώ pikron pikrón pikrònLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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