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.
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.
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.
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.
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