feminine of an equivalent perhaps akin to the same as 5514 (from the greenish hue); "gall" or bile, i.e. (by analogy) poison or an anodyne (wormwood, poppy, etc.):--gall.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun χολή (cholḗ, `{{G5521}}`) fundamentally denotes "gall" or "bile," a bitter, often greenish bodily fluid. Its etymological root is suggested to be related to a greenish hue, aligning with the color of bile. Beyond its literal physiological meaning, cholḗ extends semantically by analogy to encompass "poison" or, paradoxically, an "anodyne" such as wormwood or poppy. This dual semantic range highlights its potential to be both a deadly, bitter substance and one used to dull pain, though its primary biblical usage leans heavily towards the former, emphasizing bitterness and toxicity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χολή (cholḗ, `{{G5521}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering profound theological insight:
* **[[Matthew 27:34]]**: "they gave him wine to drink mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink."
* Context: This verse describes an event during the crucifixion of Jesus. As He is being crucified, He is offered a drink. The presence of "gall" (cholḗ) in the wine signifies a bitter and potentially intoxicating or pain-dulling substance. This act aligns with Old Testament prophecies, particularly [[Psalm 69:21]], which states, "They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink." The Hebrew word for "poison" or "gall" in Psalm 69:21 is `{{H7219}}` (ro'sh), which often refers to a poisonous herb or bitter substance. Jesus' refusal to drink it indicates His conscious choice to endure the full measure of suffering, without any alleviation, thereby fully embracing the cup of God's wrath and fulfilling prophecy.
* **[[Acts 8:23]]**: "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity."
* Context: This is part of Peter's stern rebuke to Simon Magus, who attempted to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Here, cholḗ is used metaphorically in the phrase "gall of bitterness" (εἰς χολὴν πικρίας). It does not refer to a physical substance but to a spiritual state. "Gall of bitterness" vividly describes Simon's deep-seated malice, spiritual corruption, and extreme wickedness. It portrays his heart as being poisoned by envy, avarice, and unrighteousness, leading to a state of spiritual bondage. This metaphorical use underscores the destructive and toxic nature of unrepentant sin on the soul.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "gall" or "bitterness" in the Bible often carries significant weight, frequently associated with judgment, suffering, and the consequences of sin.
* **Old Testament Parallels**:
* `{{H7219}}` (ro'sh): Frequently translated as "gall," "poisonous herb," or "bitterness." It appears in contexts describing divine judgment ([[Deuteronomy 29:18]]), the suffering of the righteous ([[Psalm 69:21]]), and the bitterness of affliction ([[Lamentations 3:19]]). Its connection to cholḗ in [[Matthew 27:34]] is particularly strong due to the Psalm 69 prophecy.
* `{{H4846}}` (merorah): Signifies "bitterness," sometimes specifically "gall" or "bile," as in the bitter herbs of the Passover ([[Exodus 12:8]]).
* **New Testament Conceptual Links**:
* πικρία (pikria, `{{G4088}}`): "bitterness," as seen explicitly in the phrase "gall of bitterness" in [[Acts 8:23]]. This word denotes a state of deep-seated resentment, malice, or an embittered spirit.
* ἀδικία (adikia, `{{G93}}`): "unrighteousness," "iniquity," directly linked with "gall of bitterness" in [[Acts 8:23]], highlighting the moral corruption associated with this spiritual state.
* The opposite of cholḗ in its negative sense would be concepts of spiritual purity, life, and sweetness, such as the "living water" ([[John 4:10]]) or the "bread of life" ([[John 6:35]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χολή (cholḗ, `{{G5521}}`) is profound, touching upon themes of Christ's suffering, the nature of sin, and divine judgment.
* **The Suffering and Atonement of Christ**: In [[Matthew 27:34]], the offering of gall to Jesus highlights the depth and bitterness of His suffering on the cross. His refusal to drink it emphasizes His conscious and deliberate choice to experience the full agony of crucifixion and the weight of sin, without any anesthetic. This act underscores His complete obedience to the Father's will and His perfect atonement for humanity's sin, fulfilling prophecy and embracing the full cup of God's wrath.
* **The Corrupting Nature of Sin**: The metaphorical use of "gall of bitterness" in [[Acts 8:23]] powerfully illustrates the internal, spiritual corruption that sin engenders. It portrays sin not merely as an action but as a pervasive, poisoning influence that embitters the heart and enslaves the soul. This signifies a state of profound spiritual depravity, where the inner being is permeated with malice, envy, and unrighteousness, leading to separation from God.
* **Divine Judgment and Consequences**: Both occurrences implicitly point to the consequences of sin. For Christ, it was the bitter cup of judgment He willingly drank on our behalf. For Simon Magus, it was the bitter fruit of his own unrighteousness, leading to spiritual condemnation. The imagery of gall serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of unrepentant sin and the righteous judgment that follows.
### Summary
χολή (cholḗ, `{{G5521}}`) primarily refers to "gall" or "bile," a bitter substance, with a semantic extension to "poison" or an "anodyne." Its two New Testament occurrences are highly significant: in [[Matthew 27:34]], it symbolizes the intense suffering and prophetic fulfillment surrounding Christ's crucifixion, as He willingly embraced the bitter cup of atonement by refusing the pain-dulling drink. In [[Acts 8:23]], it is used metaphorically as the "gall of bitterness" to describe Simon Magus's profound spiritual corruption and the poisonous nature of his unrepentant sin, highlighting a heart enslaved by iniquity. The word thus serves as a potent biblical image for both the depth of Christ's redemptive suffering and the destructive, embittering consequences of sin in the human heart.
TRV