Gall
Summary
A term used in Scripture for both the bitter bile secretion and various bitter or poisonous plants, most notably offered to Christ at His crucifixion.
☩Hebrew Terms
Two Hebrew words are translated 'gall.' The first, mererah or merorah, denotes bitterness and refers to the bile secreted by the liver due to its intense bitterness. It is also used figuratively for the poison of serpents, which the ancients believed resided in their gall. The second term, rosh, refers to some bitter and likely poisonous plant. Various scholars have suggested hemlock, colocynth, or poppies as possible identifications, with poppies having the most support due to their head-shaped capsules matching the Hebrew rosh meaning 'head.'
☩Figurative Usage
The word gall is consistently used figuratively to represent sin, bitterness, and divine judgment. Turning to idolatry is described as 'a root that bears gall and wormwood.' God's judgments upon rebellious Israel are depicted as 'water of gall' given to drink. Peter used the phrase 'gall of bitterness' to describe Simon the sorcerer's spiritual condition, indicating the depths of sin and alienation from God.
☩Gall at the Crucifixion
Roman soldiers offered Jesus 'wine mingled with gall' according to Matthew, or 'wine mingled with myrrh' according to Mark. There is no contradiction; the Greek chole (gall) was used for any bitter substance, and myrrh was the specific bitter ingredient added. It was customary to give criminals a medicated drink before execution to dull their senses and alleviate suffering. Our Lord tasted it but refused to drink, choosing to endure the full consciousness of His redemptive suffering.
Related Verses14 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gall," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Gall," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Gall," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Gall," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).