πικρῶς (pikrōs)
pikrōs
bitterly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb pikrōs describes an action performed with intense bitterness or sharp grief. Derived from the adjective pikros, it modifies verbs to convey a quality that is acutely painful or deeply distressing. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both times in the Passion narratives to describe the emotional state of Peter after his denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:75; Luke 22:62).
In these specific instances, pikrōs modifies the verb for weeping. The sources link it to the Septuagint’s use of Hebrew terms meaning "bitter" or "to make bitter," suggesting a sorrow that is not just sad but corrosive and sharp. This usage highlights the profound regret and anguish Peter felt, distinguishing his reaction from simple sadness by emphasizing the painful sting of his failure.
Translators consistently render pikrōs as "bitterly" to preserve this sense of acute emotional pain. The word’s rarity in Scripture underscores the severity of the moment it describes, marking a point where grief becomes overwhelming and deeply personal. Its limited occurrence ensures that readers encounter it only in contexts of significant moral or relational rupture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pikrōs appears only twice in the New Testament, both times describing Peter’s reaction after denying Jesus. It conveys a sorrow that is sharp, corrosive, and deeply painful. This is not simple sadness but a grief that stings with the weight of failure. The text tells us he wept bitterly, capturing the acute emotional rupture Peter felt in that moment.
For believers today, this rare word offers comfort rather than condemnation. It shows that even those who stumble under pressure are met with a grace that allows for deep repentance. Peter’s bitter weeping was not the end of his story; it became the turning point where he returned to Christ. His experience reminds us that our failures do not disqualify us from God’s love.
When you face moments of regret or shame, remember that God sees your heart. He knows the sting of your mistakes and still invites you back. There is hope in returning, even when the grief feels overwhelming. You are never beyond the reach of mercy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bitterly.2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πικρῶς.¶2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:75
Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Then he went out and wept bitterly.
This verse highlights the moment Peter remembers Jesus’ specific prediction, linking his bitter weeping directly to the weight of his broken promise.
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Luke 22:62
He went out, and wept bitterly.
Luke’s concise account emphasizes the immediate and overwhelming nature of Peter’s grief as he leaves the courtyard after his third denial.