Encyclopedia entry
Bitter
Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the “bitter and hasty nation” (Hab. 1:6). The “gall of bitterness” expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A “root of bitterness” is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).
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The Passover was to be eaten with “bitter herbs” (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were any bitter herbs obtainable at the place and time when the Passover was celebrated. They represented the severity of the servitude under which the people groaned; and have been regarded also as typical of the sufferings of Christ.
In the Bible
46
Verses where Bitter is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Kings 2:8
Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’
- 1 Samuel 1:10
In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.
- 2 Kings 14:26
For the LORD saw that the affliction of the Israelites, both slave and free, was very bitter. There was no one to help Israel,
- Amos 8:10
I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. I will cause everyone to wear sackcloth and every head to be shaved. I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and its outcome like a bitter day.
- Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
- Deuteronomy 29:18
Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit,
+40 more verses naming Bitter.
Scripture on Bitter
42
See all 42 +−
- Ruth 1Habakkuk 1James 3Revelation 10Genesis 27Exodus 15Deuteronomy 291 Samuel 11 Kings 22 Kings 14Esther 4Job 3Job 13Job 23Psalms 64Proverbs 5Proverbs 27Proverbs 31Ecclesiastes 7Isaiah 5Isaiah 24Jeremiah 2Jeremiah 4Jeremiah 6Jeremiah 9Jeremiah 31Lamentations 1Ezekiel 21Ezekiel 27Hosea 12Amos 8Micah 2Zephaniah 1Acts 8Colossians 3Hebrews 12Revelation 8
Voices on Bitter
8
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.