Definition and Meaning:
Choler, in biblical terms, refers to intense anger or wrath. The term is derived from the Greek word "χολή" (cholē), which is often associated with bile, a bodily fluid historically linked to anger and irritability. In the context of the Bible, choler signifies a strong, passionate outburst of anger or indignation.

Biblical References:
The concept of choler is primarily found in the Old Testament, where it is used to describe the fierce anger of individuals or nations. One of the most notable references is in the Book of Daniel, where it is used to describe the wrath of a king.

· Daniel 8:7 : "I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and struck the ram and broke his two horns. And the ram had no power to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled upon him; and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand."

In this passage, choler is used to describe the intense anger and aggression of the goat against the ram, symbolizing the conflict between the Medo-Persian Empire and the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. The term highlights the ferocity and determination with which the goat attacks, illustrating the overwhelming power and wrath that leads to the ram's defeat.

Theological Significance:
Choler, as a representation of wrath, is often associated with divine judgment and human sinfulness. In the Bible, God's wrath is depicted as a righteous response to sin and disobedience. Human choler, however, is frequently portrayed as a negative trait, leading to destructive behavior and conflict.

· Proverbs 29:22 : "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression."

This verse warns against the dangers of uncontrolled anger, suggesting that choler can lead to strife and sin. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the need for self-control and the pursuit of peace.

Moral and Ethical Implications:
From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible encourages believers to avoid choler and instead cultivate patience and forgiveness. The New Testament emphasizes the importance of controlling one's temper and responding to others with love and understanding.

· Ephesians 4:31-32 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."

This passage underscores the Christian call to reject anger and embrace kindness and forgiveness, reflecting the character of Christ. It highlights the transformative power of grace and the importance of living in harmony with others.

Practical Application:
In practical terms, believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in managing their emotions and to practice self-discipline in moments of anger. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are vital tools in overcoming choler and fostering a spirit of peace and reconciliation.

By understanding the biblical perspective on choler, Christians are better equipped to navigate the challenges of anger and to live out their faith in a way that honors God and promotes unity within the body of Christ.1. (n.) The bile; -- formerly supposed to be the seat and cause of irascibility.

2. (n.) Irritation of the passions; anger; wrath.

CHOLER

kol'-er: Lit. "bile," is used in the sense of a disease (cholera) (Sirach 31:20; 37:30), and in the sense of bitter anger (marar) (Daniel 8:7; Daniel 11:11 English Versions of the Bible, the American Standard Revised Version "anger").

4843. marar -- to be bitter
... 1), weep bitterly (1). be in, deal, have, make bitterly be moved with choler,
have sorely, it grieved,. A primitive root; properly ...
/hebrew/4843.htm - 6k

Extracts from Mr. David Laing's Preface.
... the 18th of May 1558, he says, he will not excuse "his rude vehemencie and inconsidered
affirmations, which may appear rather to proceed from choler than of ...
/.../knox/the first blast of the trumpet/extracts from mr david laings.htm

Pride and Humility
... hides pride from man by utterly confounding him; and there is another very eloquent
passage in the 14th chapter of Isaiah where the Lord's holy choler seems to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/pride and humility.htm

Pride and Humility
... pride from many by utterly confounding him; and there is another very eloquent passage
in the 14th chapter of Isaiah, where the Lord's holy choler seems to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/pride and humility.htm

Brought up Thus Modestly and Soberly, and Made Subject Rather by ...
... parties where she was able, she showed herself such a peacemaker, that hearing on
both sides most bitter things, such as swelling and indigested choler uses to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix brought up thus.htm

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... Honey is not sweet to them that are sick of a fever and have their tongues embittered
with choler.' So those who are soul-sick and in the gall of bitterness ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm

To Mr. John Hasfeldt
... he carries an exceedingly long knife, which he frequently unsheaths and brandishes
in the faces of those who are unfortunate enough to awaken his choler. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to mr john hasfeldt.htm

Psalm VI.
... Hence copies vary. For in some "anger" is found first, and then "rage:"
in others, for "rage," "indignation" or "choler" is used. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm vi.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... long date, in comes old bald-headed age, stooping under dotage, with his wrinkled
face, decaying teeth, and offensive breath; testy with choler, withered with ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... from the west," he means Alexander the Macedonian, the king of the Greeks; and in
that he "came against that very ram, and was moved with choler, and smote him ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm

Ephesians iv. 31
... than enraged. For tell me not of a man being implacable, and revengeful,
and of pure natural bitterness, and natural choler. We ...
/.../homily xv ephesians iv 31.htm

Choler (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Irritation of the passions; anger; wrath. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
CHOLER. kol'-er: Lit. ... Multi-Version Concordance Choler (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/choler.htm - 7k

Temper (14 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative
proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy. ...
/t/temper.htm - 13k

Chomet (1 Occurrence)

/c/chomet.htm - 6k

Chola

/c/chola.htm - 6k

Stamped (27 Occurrences)
... Daniel 8:7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against
him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power ...
/s/stamped.htm - 16k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... Daniel 8:7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against
him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Choler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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