### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb χολάω (choláō), Strong's number `{{G5520}}`, derives directly from the noun χολή (cholē), meaning "bile" or "gall" (`{{G5519}}`). Literally, therefore, χολάω means "to be bilious" or "to suffer from an excess of bile." In ancient physiology, the humors of the body, including bile, were believed to influence temperament. An excess of yellow bile was thought to cause a "choleric" disposition. Thus, by implication, χολάω came to signify a state of intense irritation, agitation, or being enraged. It describes an internal, often deep-seated, state of anger or wrath, emphasizing the "choleric" or "bilious" nature of the emotion rather than merely an outward expression. The semantic range moves from a physiological condition to a psychological and emotional state of being highly irritable or full of rage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb χολάω (choláō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 7:23]]**: "If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you **angry** with me because on the Sabbath I made a whole man well?"
In this passage, Jesus is challenging the Jewish leaders and the crowd in Jerusalem who are seeking to kill him because he healed a man on the Sabbath (cf. [[John 5:16]]). Jesus uses their own practice of circumcising on the Sabbath (which involved work) to highlight the hypocrisy of their indignation towards his act of healing, which brought wholeness to a person. The word "angry" here, from χολάω, perfectly captures the nature of their wrath. It suggests an internal, perhaps even festering, resentment and irritation that has boiled over into outrage. Their anger is presented as irrational, stemming from a rigid adherence to the letter of the law that blinds them to the spirit of compassion and the divine authority of Jesus' actions. It is a "bilious" anger – an unhealthy, self-righteous indignation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding χολάω (choláō) is enhanced by comparing it with other Greek words for anger:
* **χολή (cholē)** `{{G5519}}`: The root noun, meaning "bile" or "gall," directly informs the physiological and temperamental nuance of χολάω.
* **ὀργή (orgē)** `{{G3709}}`: Often denotes a settled, enduring wrath, a deep-seated indignation, which can be slow to ignite but powerful and lasting. It can apply to both human and divine anger.
* **θυμός (thymos)** `{{G2372}}`: Typically refers to a passionate, often sudden outburst of anger, a fit of rage, like a flame flaring up and quickly subsiding. It emphasizes the heat and intensity of the emotion.
* **παροργίζω (parorgizō)** `{{G3949}}`: To provoke to anger, to exasperate.
* **ἀγανάκτησις (aganaktēsis)** `{{G24}}`: Indignation, strong displeasure, often with a sense of grief or vexation.
While all these terms relate to anger, χολάω uniquely emphasizes the internal, almost physiological, state of being "bilious" or "choleric." It suggests an anger that is deeply ingrained, perhaps unhealthy, and prone to irrationality, rather than merely a sudden outburst (θυμός) or a settled disposition (ὀργή). It points to a disposition of irritability that can easily escalate into rage.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of χολάω (choláō) in [[John 7:23]] carries significant theological weight. It vividly portrays a specific kind of human anger that stands in stark contrast to the character of Christ and the values of the Kingdom of God:
1. **Unjustified and Hypocritical Anger**: The anger of the Jewish leaders is directed at a benevolent act of healing. It is born of legalism and a distorted understanding of God's law, prioritizing ritualistic observance over genuine compassion and life-giving acts. This highlights the spiritual danger of self-righteousness.
2. **Internalized and Deep-Seated Rage**: The etymological connection to "bile" suggests an anger that is not merely a fleeting emotion but an internal, perhaps unhealthy, disposition. This "choleric" state prevents clear judgment and spiritual discernment, leading to opposition against divine truth and goodness.
3. **Opposition to God's Work**: The anger expressed using χολάω is directed against Jesus, who is performing the works of God. It underscores how human rage, especially when fueled by misunderstanding or spiritual blindness, can lead individuals to oppose God's redemptive purposes.
4. **A Warning Against Uncontrolled Temper**: While not a common word for anger in the New Testament, its unique flavor in [[John 7:23]] serves as a potent reminder of how internal irritability and unchecked rage can corrupt one's perspective, leading to unjust condemnation and spiritual error.
### Summary
The Greek verb χολάω (choláō), Strong's number `{{G5520}}`, literally means "to be bilious," and by implication, "to be irritable" or "enraged." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[John 7:23]] describes the unjustified and hypocritical anger of the Jewish leaders towards Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. This word uniquely emphasizes the internal, almost physiological, and deeply ingrained nature of this anger, contrasting it with other Greek terms for wrath. Theologically, χολάω serves as a powerful illustration of how a "choleric" disposition, often rooted in legalism or spiritual misunderstanding, can blind individuals to divine truth and lead them to oppose God's benevolent work. It stands as a profound warning against allowing internal agitation and unrighteous rage to corrupt one's judgment and spiritual walk.
TRV