### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective πικρός (pikrós), Strong's number `{{G4089}}`, carries a primary meaning of "sharp" or "pungent," often associated with taste, thus "acrid" or "bitter." Its proposed etymological link to πήγνυμι (pēgnymi), meaning "to fix" or "to pierce," suggests an underlying sense of intensity, something that "cuts" or "stings." Beyond the literal taste, the word extends figuratively to describe character, disposition, or speech that is harsh, severe, resentful, envious, or malicious. It denotes an unpleasant, often hostile, quality, whether physical or moral.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
πικρός appears a few times in the New Testament, predominantly in a figurative sense, though a literal application also occurs in a highly symbolic context.
* **James 3:14:** "But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth." Here, πικρὸν (pikron) directly modifies "envy" (ζῆλον - zēlon). This is a crucial instance of the word's figurative use, describing a destructive and ungodly form of zeal or jealousy. The "bitter envy" signifies a disposition marked by harshness, resentment, and a lack of peace, contrasting sharply with the "wisdom from above" described later in the chapter. It points to an internal, morally corrupt state that manifests in discord and strife.
* **Revelation 8:11:** "The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter." In this apocalyptic vision, πικρὸν (pikron) describes water that is literally made bitter and deadly. This serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the devastating, life-ending consequences of sin and rebellion. The bitterness is both a physical reality (rendering water undrinkable) and a profound representation of the harshness of God's righteous judgment.
The concept of "bitterness" is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, often translating the Hebrew `{{H4751}}` (*mar*), which frequently describes experiences of suffering, affliction, sorrow, or divine displeasure (e.g., the "bitter waters" of Marah in [[Exodus 15:23]]). The Septuagint (LXX) frequently uses πικρός to convey these Old Testament ideas, establishing a rich intertextual background for its New Testament usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Cognates:**
* `{{G4087}}` *pikra* (bitterness): The noun form, referring to the state or quality of bitterness, or a bitter substance. Found in [[Ephesians 4:31]] ("Let all bitterness... be put away from you").
* `{{G4088}}` *pikraínō* (to make bitter, to embitter, to be bitter): The verb form, denoting the act of becoming bitter or making something bitter. Used in [[Colossians 3:19]] ("Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them," lit. "do not be embittered against them") and [[Revelation 10:9-10]] (the scroll that makes the stomach bitter).
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** πικρός stands in direct contrast to concepts of "sweetness" (γλυκύς - glykys), "goodness" (ἀγαθός - agathos), "love" (ἀγάπη - agape), and "peace" (εἰρήνη - eirēnē). The "bitter envy" of [[James 3:14]] is explicitly contrasted with the "wisdom from above" which is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" ([[James 3:17]]).
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Judgment and Consequences:** The literal bitterness in Revelation signifies divine judgment and the severe, often deadly, consequences of sin.
* **Spiritual Corruption:** In James, bitterness points to an internal spiritual state of unrighteousness, demonstrating a heart not aligned with God's wisdom.
* **Affliction and Suffering:** Echoing Old Testament themes, bitterness can represent deep sorrow, hardship, or oppression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πικρός is profound, particularly in its metaphorical applications.
* **The Nature of Ungodly Wisdom:** In the Epistle of James, πικρός is a key descriptor of a wisdom that is not from God. "Bitter envy and selfish ambition" are characteristics of "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom ([[James 3:15]]). This highlights that bitterness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated spiritual malady that corrupts the heart, fosters rivalry, and destroys unity within the community. It underscores the critical difference between human wisdom, which often leads to conflict, and divine wisdom, which produces peace and righteousness.
* **Divine Judgment and the Reality of Sin:** Revelation's use of πικρός serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and the inevitable, often severe, consequences of sin. The "bitter waters" symbolize the tangible and deadly effects of divine wrath poured out upon a rebellious world. This imagery evokes the Old Testament motif of judgment where the bitter taste often accompanies a divine curse or a people's suffering due to their disobedience.
* **The Call to Purity of Heart:** The presence of πικρός in the heart, as described by James, necessitates spiritual introspection and repentance. A heart filled with "bitter envy" cannot bear the fruit of righteousness. This calls believers to actively put away bitterness ([[Ephesians 4:31]]) and cultivate a spirit of love, peace, and humility, allowing God's grace to transform their inner disposition. The transformation from a bitter heart to one that produces good fruit is a testament to the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.
### Summary
The Greek word πικρός (pikrós), meaning "bitter," extends beyond a literal taste to encompass a powerful range of figurative meanings, describing something sharp, harsh, resentful, or malicious. Its New Testament usage provides crucial insights into both the nature of human sin and the reality of divine judgment. In [[James 3:14]], "bitter envy and selfish ambition" expose a heart devoid of God's wisdom, leading to discord and unrighteousness within the community. This highlights the internal, spiritual corruption that manifests in destructive behaviors. Conversely, in [[Revelation 8:11]], πικρός describes literally "bitter" waters, serving as a vivid symbol of divine judgment and the severe, often deadly, consequences of humanity's rebellion against God. Across its biblical occurrences, πικρός consistently denotes something unpleasant, harmful, or indicative of divine displeasure or human sinfulness, urging believers towards a heart purified by grace and wisdom from above, capable of producing the sweet fruit of righteousness rather than the bitter fruit of sin.
TRV