χολή

gall, bitter herbs

Definition

In the New Testament, χολή (cholē) primarily means 'gall' or 'bile,' a bitter secretion from the liver. In Matthew 27:34, it refers to the bitter substance (likely wine mixed with a bitter herb like myrrh) offered to Jesus on the cross, which He refused. In Acts 8:23, it is used metaphorically by Peter to describe Simon the sorcerer's 'gall of bitterness'—a state of profound moral corruption and poisonous envy. The word can denote both a literal, physically bitter substance and a figurative condition of extreme bitterness in the heart.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, each with a distinct usage. In Matthew 27:34, it is used in a literal, historical narrative context during the crucifixion. In Acts 8:23, it is employed in a figurative, moral sense within a rebuke. There is no pattern across books, but the two occurrences illustrate the range from physical description to spiritual metaphor.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek χολή (cholē), meaning 'bile' or 'gall.' It is related to the verb χόλομαι (cholomai), meaning 'to be angry,' linking the physical substance to the concept of bitterness in emotion. The root is Indo-European, with cognates in other languages for bile, reflecting the ancient association of bodily fluids with temperament.

Semantic Range

The word is theologically significant as it connects physical suffering with spiritual condition. In Matthew 27:34, Jesus' refusal of the gall-mixed wine fulfills Psalm 69:21 and symbolizes His voluntary, fully conscious acceptance of the cup of suffering for sin. In Acts 8:23, 'gall of bitterness' starkly describes the poisonous state of a heart entangled in sin and sorcery, highlighting the seriousness of internal corruption that requires repentance. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the depth of Christ's sacrifice and the danger of spiritual bitterness.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, gall (bile) was understood as one of the four bodily humors, associated with anger and a bitter temperament. Offering wine mixed with gall or myrrh to crucifixion victims was a merciful act to dull pain, which Jesus refused to fully experience the suffering. The metaphorical use of 'gall' for deep bitterness would have been culturally resonant, conveying a state of being poisoned from within.

πικρία (pikria, G4088) — emphasizes bitterness of spirit or harshness, more commonly used for metaphorical bitterness (e.g., Ephesians 4:31).

Word Details

Scripture References