πικραίνω (pikrainō)
pikrainō
to embitter
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb pikrainō means to make something bitter or to cause sharp irritation. In the New Testament, it describes a process that turns sweetness into sourness, whether in physical taste or emotional disposition. The word appears only four times, giving it a concentrated impact in its few occurrences.
Its usage splits between literal and metaphorical senses. In Revelation 8:11, it describes waters becoming bitter after a star falls into them, causing many deaths. In Revelation 10:9-10, John tastes a scroll that is sweet as honey in his mouth but turns bitter in his stomach, illustrating a shift from pleasant reception to painful consequence. This physical imagery grounds the word’s deeper meaning.
In Colossians 3:19, Paul uses it metaphorically to warn husbands against embittering their wives. Here, the sense is not about taste but about causing resentment or anger through harsh treatment. The passive form suggests becoming irritated or indignant oneself. Translators often render it as "bitter" or "embitter," capturing both the sensory and relational dimensions of the word’s force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word pikrainō captures a shift from sweetness to sharpness, whether in taste or temperament. In Revelation, it describes waters turning poisonous and a scroll tasting sweet yet leaving a bitter aftertaste. This imagery reminds us that some truths, though initially pleasant, carry weighty consequences when ignored or mishandled.
Paul applies this same concept to marriage in Colossians 3:19, warning husbands not to embitter their wives through harshness. Here, the bitterness is relational—a slow erosion of love caused by unkind words or actions. It serves as a gentle reminder that our daily interactions shape the emotional climate of our homes.
Understanding this word helps us recognize how small irritations can grow into deep resentment. By choosing kindness and patience, we protect our relationships from becoming sour. May your heart remain tender toward others, reflecting the grace that sustains us all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was made bitter1×
- they were made bitter.1×
- it will make bitter1×
- do be harsh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπικράνθησαν.¶1×
- ἐπικράνθη1×
- πικραίνεσθε1×
- πικρανεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.
Paul uses this verb to warn husbands against causing resentment through harsh treatment, linking emotional bitterness directly to relational harm.
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Revelation of John 8:11
The name of the star is “Wormwood.” One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.
The word describes physical waters becoming poisonous after a star falls, illustrating how judgment can turn life-giving resources into sources of death.
-
Revelation of John 10:9
I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. He said to me, “Take it and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”
John is told the scroll will make his stomach bitter despite its sweet taste, highlighting the painful weight of divine truth when received without obedience.