### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pikría**, represented by `{{G4088}}`, conveys the concept of **bitterness**. Derived from a word meaning acrid, its definition encompasses acridity, poison, and bitterness, used both literally and figuratively. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4088}}` consistently describes a destructive and corrupting quality. It is listed as one of the sinful attitudes that must be put away by believers, alongside wrath, anger, and malice [[Ephesians 4:31]]. Scripture warns against allowing a "root of **bitterness**" to spring up, as it can trouble and defile many [[Hebrews 12:15]]. The term is also used to describe a state of profound spiritual decay, as in "the **gall** of **bitterness**" which is associated with the "bond of iniquity" [[Acts 8:23]]. Furthermore, it can manifest in speech, with a mouth described as being "full of cursing and **bitterness**" [[Romans 3:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context of `{{G4088}}`:
* `{{G2372}}` **thymós** (passion...wrath): This term for intense, passionate wrath is frequently listed with bitterness as a behavior to be avoided [[Ephesians 4:31]].
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (badness...malice): Defined as depravity or malignity, it appears as the culmination of a list of vices that includes bitterness, which believers are told to put away [[Ephesians 4:31]].
* `{{G5521}}` **cholḗ** (gall or bile): This word for a bitter substance is used directly with pikría to form the phrase "the **gall** of **bitterness**," emphasizing its poisonous nature [[Acts 8:23]].
* `{{G93}}` **adikía** (iniquity, unrighteousness): Bitterness is linked to this state of moral wrongfulness, described as being in "the bond of **iniquity**" [[Acts 8:23]].
* `{{G685}}` **ará** (curse): This word for an imprecation is paired with bitterness to describe corrupt speech [[Romans 3:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4088}}` is significant, highlighting it as a serious spiritual condition.
* **A Corrupting Root:** The metaphor in [[Hebrews 12:15]] portrays bitterness not as a passive emotion, but as an active, growing root that can contaminate a community from within.
* **A Trait to Be Purged:** Its inclusion in lists of vices that must be "put away" frames it as incompatible with a life of faith, grouping it with anger, clamour, and malice [[Ephesians 4:31]].
* **A Spiritual Poison:** The connection to "gall" in [[Acts 8:23]] paints bitterness as a poison that sickens the soul and binds it to iniquity.
* **An Indicator of Inner State:** The idea of a mouth full of bitterness and cursing suggests that such speech is an outward symptom of an inward spiritual problem [[Romans 3:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4088}}` is far more than simple unhappiness. It is depicted in scripture as a toxic, defiling force that is both a cause and a symptom of spiritual decay. Whether as a "root," a form of "gall," or the content of profane speech, **bitterness** is consistently presented as a destructive element that stands in direct opposition to a life of grace.
TRV