χολή (cholē)
cholē
gall
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun cholē literally means bile or gall, referring to the bitter fluid produced by the liver. In the Old Testament Greek translation, it is used to translate Hebrew words for bitterness, such as wormwood, establishing a clear link between the substance and the experience of something harsh or unpleasant.
In the New Testament, this word appears in two distinct contexts. In Matthew 27:34, Jesus is offered wine mixed with cholē before his crucifixion. Scholars suggest this likely refers to myrrh or a bitter analgesic mixture intended to dull pain, rather than literal bile. Later, in Acts 8:23, Peter describes Simon the Sorcerer as being "full of gall," using the term metaphorically to depict a state of spiritual bitterness and wickedness.
The word’s force comes from its inherent association with bitterness. Whether describing a physical substance meant to numb suffering or a spiritual condition characterized by resentment, cholē consistently points to something that is sharp, unpleasant, and deeply distasteful to the human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cholē, translated as gall, carries a heavy sense of bitterness. In Matthew 27:34, it appears alongside sour wine offered to Jesus before his crucifixion. This mixture likely served as a bitter painkiller, yet Jesus refused it, choosing to face the full weight of suffering with clear awareness. His decision highlights the depth of his love and obedience, accepting the cup without any numbing agent.
Later, Peter uses this same term in Acts 8:23 to describe Simon the Sorcerer’s inner state. He speaks of being filled with gall, linking physical bitterness to spiritual corruption. This metaphor reminds us that unchecked pride or deceit can poison our hearts just as surely as bile poisons the body. It calls for honest self-examination and a return to sincere faith.
Understanding this word helps us recognize both the reality of suffering and the danger of inner bitterness. We are invited to trust in Christ’s example during hard times while keeping our hearts free from the sting of resentment or deceit.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- gall1×
- [the] gall1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χολῆς1×
- χολὴν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:34
they gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.
This verse shows Jesus refusing a bitter mixture, emphasizing his conscious acceptance of suffering without pain relief.
-
Acts 8:23
For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
Peter uses this term metaphorically to diagnose Simon’s spiritual condition as one of wickedness and envy.