Difference between revisions of "Bitterness"

<p> (πικρία) </p> <p> ‘Bitter’ means lit.[Note: literally, literature.]‘biting’ (A. S.[Note: Anglo-Saxon.] <i> bîtan </i> , ‘to bite’), and πικρός, ‘sharp’ (from the same root as <i> pungo </i> , ‘pike,’ ‘peak’), τὸ πικρόν, as that which has an acrid, pungent taste, is opposed to τὸ γλυκύ (&nbsp;James 3:11). In Septuagintπικρία is often used to translate רֹאשׁ, a bitter and poisonous plant, which is always used figuratively. Moses says that the man or woman, family or tribe, that turns from [[Jahweh]] will be ‘a root that beareth gall and wormwood’ (ῥίζα ἄνω φύουσα ἐν χολῇ καὶ πικρίᾳ, &nbsp;Deuteronomy 29:18). There is an echo of this saying in &nbsp;Hebrews 12:15, where any member of the Church who introduces wrong doctrines or practices, and so leads others astray, becomes a ‘root of bitterness springing up’ (ῥίζα πικρίας ἄνω φύουσα); and there may be another echo of it in &nbsp;Acts 8:23 (Revised Version margin), where Peter predicts that Simon Magus will ‘become gall (or a gall root) of bitterness’ (εἰς χολὴν πικρίας ὁρῶ σε ὄντα) by his evil influence over others, if he remains as he now is. But χολὴν πικρίας may be a genitive of apposition and the [[Apostle]] may mean that Simon is even now ‘in Bitterkeit, Bosheit, Feindseligkeit, wie in Galle’ (H. J. Holtzmann, <i> Apostelgeschichte </i> 3, 1901, <i> ad loc. </i> ). In &nbsp;Romans 3:14 bitterness of speech is joined with cursing, and in &nbsp;Ephesians 4:31 πικρία is an inward disposition (cf. ζῆλον πικρόν, &nbsp;James 3:14) which all [[Christians]] are to put away in order that they may be ‘kind one to another, tender-hearted.’ </p> <p> James Strahan. </p>

<p> BIT'TERNESS, n. from bitter. A bitter taste or rather a quality in things which excites a biting disagreeable sensation in the tongue. </p> 1. In a figurative sense, extreme enmity, grudge, hatred or rather an excessive degree or implacableness of passions and emotions as the bitterness of anger. &nbsp;Ephesians 4 2. [[Sharpness]] severity of temper. 3. Keenness of reproach piquancy biting sarcasm. 4. Keen sorrow painful affliction vexation deep distress of mind. <p> [[Hannah]] was in bitterness of soul. &nbsp;1 Samuel 1; &nbsp;Job 7 </p> <p> In the gall of bitterness, in a state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. &nbsp;Acts 8 </p> <p> [[Root]] of bitterness, a dangerous error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy. &nbsp;Hebrews 12 </p>

<p> '''(1):''' (n.) A state of extreme impiety or enmity to God. </p> <p> '''(2):''' (n.) [[Dangerous]] error, or schism, tending to draw persons to apostasy. </p> <p> '''(3):''' (n.) The quality or state of being bitter, sharp, or acrid, in either a literal or figurative sense; implacableness; resentfulness; severity; keenness of reproach or sarcasm; deep distress, grief, or vexation of mind. </p>

<p> (&nbsp;Exodus 1:14; &nbsp;Ruth 1:20; &nbsp;Jeremiah 9:15) is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude. It was for this reason that, in the celebration of the Passover, the servitude of the [[Israelites]] in Egypt was typically represented by [[Bitter Herbs]] (see below). On ''The Day Of Bitterness'' in &nbsp;Amos 8:10, comp. Tibullus, ii, 4, 11-" Nunc et amara dies, et noctis amarior umbra est." In &nbsp;Habakkuk 1:6, the [[Chaldeans]] are called " that bitter and swift nation," which Schultens illustrates by remarking that the root ''Merer'' in Arabic (answering to the [[Hebrew]] word for ''Bitter)'' is usually applied to strength and courage. ''The [[Gall]] Of Bitterness'' (&nbsp;Acts 8:23) describes a state of extreme wickedness, highly offensive to God and hurtful to others. ''A Root Of Bitterness'' (&nbsp;Hebrews 13:15) expresses a wicked or scandalous person, or any dangerous sin leading to apostasy (Wemyss's ''Clavis Symbolica,'' etc.). The "waters made bitter" (&nbsp;Revelation 8:11) is a symbol of severe political or providential events. (See [[Wormwood]]). On the ''Bitter [[Waters]] Of Jealousy,'' or what may be termed the ordeal oath (&nbsp;Numbers 5:11-24), (See [[Adultery]]) ''(Trial Of).'' On the ''"Bitter Clusters"'' of [[Sodom]] (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:32), (See [[Apple]]); (See [[Hemlock]]). </p>