In Acts the Greek chole is translated bitterness while in Matthew 2:34 it is translated gall. The root word implies a substance of a greenish hue, like liver bile, while in Matthew’s account of the crucifixion it is a decoction of some product in wine, likely derived from a plant. Bitterness is widespread in plants.

What is gall used for?

Uses. Galls are rich in resins and tannic acid and have been used in the manufacture of permanent inks (such as iron gall ink) and astringent ointments, in dyeing, and in tanning. The Talmud records using gallnuts as part of the tanning process as well as a dye-base for ink.

What is the gall of bitterness?

The gall of bitterness, like the heart of hearts, means the bitter centre of bitterness, as the heart of hearts means the innermost recesses of the heart or affections. In the Acts it is used to signify “the sinfulness of sin,” which leads to the bitterest grief.

What does myrrh stand for?

Myrrh (/mɜːr/; from Semitic, but see § Etymology) is a gum-resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora. Myrrh resin has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine.

What is gall gall?

1: brazen boldness coupled with impudent assurance and insolence had the gall to think that he could replace her. 2a: bile especially: bile obtained from an animal and used in the arts or medicine. b: something bitter to endure. c: bitterness of spirit: rancor. gall.

Why did they drink wine in the Bible?

Wine was also used as a symbol of blessing and judgement throughout the Bible. Drinking a cup of strong wine to the dregs and getting drunk are sometimes presented as a symbol of God’s judgement and wrath, and Jesus alludes this cup of wrath, which he several times says he himself will drink.

Who helped Jesus carry the cross?

(Mt. 27:32) As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.

Why does Jesus refuse to drink the wine offered to him?

Jesus refused to take it, “And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it” (Mark 15:23). Jesus refused because he wanted to experience every single moment appointed to him by the Father (Matthew 26:39) in order to remain the perfect sacrifice for sin (Ephesians 5:2).

What is wormwood and gall?

Bitterness, resentment, disappointment, or humiliation; a figurative source of such feelings. Let me tell you, the life of a book publisher is full of wormwood and gall these days.

What did casting lots mean in the Bible?

In the ancient world, however, casting lots was universally viewed as a form of divination by which the will of God was revealed. That is to say, the result of the casting of lots is controlled or manipulated by God so that his will is manifest through the lot-taking.

Why did they give Jesus frankincense?

The gift of frankincense is said to have been an acknowledgement of Jesus’ priesthood, setting him apart from a typical king. Frankincense was used in the temple routines, burned ceremonially by the priests. It was not native to that region, however, so obtaining frankincense from the east was costly.

What did Jesus do with the gold frankincense and myrrh?

What did Jesus do with his gold, frankincense and myrrh – surely very valuable gifts that would have set him up for life? An alternative tradition holds that Mary and Joseph used the gold to pay for the stable, the frankincense to perfume it and the myrrh as an ointment for the new-born baby.

What does frankincense mean spiritually?

THE METAPHYSICAL Frankincense carries many intrinsic intellectual powers—which is no wonder, considering its popularity in traditional religious and spiritual ceremonies. It has a relentless insistence on independence, tolerance for adversity, and encourages freedom of expression and clarity.

What is Gall tree?

Galls are abnormal growths that occur on leaves, twigs, roots, or flowers of many plants. Most galls are caused by irritation and/or stimulation of plant cells due to feeding or egg-laying by insects such as aphids, midges, wasps, or mites.

Why do galls form?

Galls usually form during the accelerated growth period of new leaves, shoots and flowers in late spring. Insects or mites damage plants by chewing on them and their salivary secretions (spit) cause plants to increase production of normal plant growth hormones. These abnormal cell growths are called galls.

What does gall look like?

The appearance is generally recognized as a bump, peak, or scabby area of plant flesh. They are firm to the touch and may be thickly coating a plant, found singly or in pairs. Leaf galls on plants might be green and match the plant material. They might also be bright pink or red and resemble large pimples.