### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **choláō**, represented by `{{G5520}}`, means to be bilious, irritable, or enraged. Sourced from the word for bile (χολή), it implies a "choleric" or angry disposition. This term is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G5520}}` occurs in a pointed question from Jesus in [[John 7:23]]. He challenges the hypocrisy of his critics, asking why they are **angry** at him for an act of compassion. He contrasts their acceptance of performing `circumcision` `{{G4061}}` on the `sabbath day` `{{G4521}}` to keep the `law` `{{G3551}}` of `Moses` `{{G3475}}` from being `broken` `{{G3089}}`, with their rage at him for making a `man` `{{G444}}` `every whit` `{{G3650}}` `whole` `{{G5199}}` on that same day. The anger described by `{{G5520}}` is therefore rooted in a rigid interpretation of religious law that opposes an act of mercy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the nature of this conflict:
* `{{G3551}}` **nómos** (law): This term for prescriptive usage or regulation is central to the dispute. The anger was a reaction to Jesus' perceived violation of the `law` of Moses concerning the Sabbath [[John 7:23]]. The Bible also uses this word to distinguish between different principles, such as "the `law` of the Spirit of life" and "the `law` of sin and death" [[Romans 8:2]].
* `{{G4521}}` **sábbaton** (sabbath): As the day of weekly repose, the `sabbath` provides the setting for the controversy. The anger (choláō) is specifically tied to Jesus' healing on this day [[John 7:23]]. This confronts a legalistic view of the day, which Jesus elsewhere addresses by stating, "The `sabbath` was made for man, and not man for the `sabbath`" [[Mark 2:27]].
* `{{G5199}}` **hygiḗs** (whole, sound): This describes the result of Jesus' action that provoked the anger. It means to be healthy or well, and in making the man "every whit `whole`," Jesus performed a complete restoration [[John 7:23]]. The term can also be used figuratively for something true and incorruptible, like "sound speech" [[Titus 2:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5520}}` is found in its precise context:
* **Anger Against Mercy:** The word exposes a spiritual condition where religious zeal becomes a source of irritable rage against acts of divine mercy. The anger is not righteous but is a "bilious" reaction to a good work that challenges established tradition [[John 7:23]].
* **The Law vs. The Healer:** The conflict highlights a clash between adherence to the letter of the `law` `{{G3551}}` and the life-giving work of Jesus. The anger is directed "at me" `{{G1698}}`, showing that the offense was taken against Jesus' personal authority to heal and restore on the Sabbath.
* **Hypocrisy Exposed:** Jesus' use of this question exposes hypocrisy. The anger (choláō) is inconsistent, as a lesser work (circumcision) was permitted on the Sabbath to fulfill the law, yet a greater work (total healing) was condemned.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G5520}}` **choláō** is used only once, it powerfully captures a pivotal theme in Jesus' ministry. It defines the irrational and irritable anger of religious leaders who prioritized ritual over restoration. The term serves as a sharp commentary on a faith that becomes enraged by acts of goodness, revealing a conflict not just over the `sabbath` `{{G4521}}`, but over the very identity and authority of Jesus as the one who makes people `whole` `{{G5199}}`.
TRV