Gall is mentioned several times in the Bible, both literally referring to the bitter fluid secreted by the liver, and figuratively referring to something extremely bitter or venomous. Here is an overview of the key things the Bible teaches about gall:
Literal references to gall in the Bible
In several places, the Bible refers to the physical bile or gall that is produced by the liver. For example:
– Job 20:25 says that when God’s wrath is poured out on the wicked, “the gall of the viper will be within him.” This refers to the literal venom or poison of a snake.
– Lamentations 3:5 says “He has besieged and encompassed me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like the dead of long ago.” The word translated “bitterness” here refers to bile or gall.
– Matthew 27:34 describes how the Roman soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with gall to drink when he was on the cross. This was likely a bitter substance added to the wine to increase its intoxicating effect.
So the Bible recognizes gall as the bitter fluid secreted by the liver of humans and animals. Consuming gall/bile is associated with bitterness and hardship.
Figurative uses of gall in the Bible
More frequently, the Bible uses “gall” in a symbolic or metaphorical sense to refer to something extremely bitter, venomous, or hostile:
– Deuteronomy 29:18 warns against idolatry by saying “Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the Lord our God…lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.” The Hebrew word for “bitter” here can mean bile or gall, referring metaphorically to the bitterness and venom of idolatry.
– Deuteronomy 32:32-33 compares the “grapes of gall” produced by idolatry to the wholesome “vines of Sodom.” Gall here represents the bitterness and toxicity of false religion.
– Psalm 69:21 uses gall figuratively to represent great anguish: “They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” The poison translates a word for gall or venom.
– Jeremiah 8:14 warns that God will make his people drink poisoned water because they have sinned: “water of gall to drink.” This metaphorically refers to the extreme bitterness they will experience in judgment.
– Jeremiah 9:15 promises that God will punish his people with wormwood and gall, which often grew together. Wormwood had a bitter taste, and gall refers to bitterness or poison.
– Jeremiah 23:15 says false prophets bring on God’s people “wormwood and gall.” This likely refers to the bitterness and hardship caused by false prophecy.
– Acts 8:23 rebukes Simon the magician for the “gall of bitterness” in his heart. This likely means extreme bitterness, malice, and hostility toward others.
– Hebrews 12:15 warns against failing to live at peace with others, lest “root of bitterness” springs up. This is metaphorically like the bitter root of a poisonous plant.
So in summary, the figurative uses of “gall” in the Bible point to several main meanings:
1. The extreme bitterness caused by hardship, suffering, or grief
2. The bitterness and venom of idolatry or false religion
3. A root of bitterness that produces hostility toward others
4. Poison that brings great harm and anguish
The gall bladder secretes a bitter, acidic fluid that aids digestion. But spiritually, gall represents allowing bitterness and resentment to take root in one’s heart. That’s why the Bible warns against metaphorical “gall” so frequently. True faith produces sweet fruit, not bitter gall.
Key Bible verses about gall
Here are some of the most salient Bible passages using the metaphor of gall or bitterness:
Deuteronomy 29:18 – Warns against the “root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit.”
Deuteronomy 32:32 – Describes grapes of gall produced by idolatry.
Psalm 69:21 – Mentions poison and gall as metaphors for anguish.
Acts 8:23 – Rebukes the “gall of bitterness” in Simon’s heart.
Hebrews 12:15 – Cautions against a root of bitterness springing up.
Overall, gall represents allowing bitterness to take root in one’s heart, often through suffering, resentment, or idolatry. The Bible strongly warns against this, as gall chokes out the sweet fruit God wants us to cultivate.
Implications and lessons
What are some key lessons Christians can take away from what the Bible teaches about gall? Here are a few important implications:
1. Allowing bitterness against others to take root is dangerous and poisonous to our soul. We must forgive others and maintain a heart of peace (Heb 12:15).
2. Suffering and grief should not make us bitter against God. We can still trust His goodness even in hardship (Lam 3:5).
3. Idolatry and false religion is like ingesting bitter poison. We must hold fast to true faith (Deut 29:18).
4. Preachers and teachers must offer the sweet truth of God’s word, not the bitterness of lies or false prophecy (Jer 9:15).
5. If we have sinned and face judgment, we must accept the bitterness of consequences without allowing resentment toward God to take root (Jer 8:14).
6. Overall, a bitter heart is hostile to others and spiritually dangerous. We must nurture gratitude, forgiveness, and faith (Acts 8:23).
The gall bladder aids digestion through bitter bile. But the Bible warns that spiritual gall – resentment, bitterness, and hatred – brings only anguish. May God give us the grace to cultivate sweet fruit!
Examples and illustrations
Here are some examples and stories that illustrate what the Bible means by gall and bitterness:
**Suffering produces bitterness** – When Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, he endured great suffering and injustice. But Joseph did not allow his grief to make him resentful. He forgave his brothers, trusting that God works all things for good. Joseph avoided the gall of bitterness. (Genesis 37, 45)
**Hardship leads to doubts** – After the Holocaust, many Jewish survivors became bitter and lost their faith in God. The cruelty they endured produced spiritual gall, poisoning their relationship with God. When we face suffering, we must cling to God.
**Resentment ruins relationships**- Bob was passed over for a promotion at work. He harbored bitterness toward his boss and coworkers. At church, he isolated himself and stopped serving. Bob’s resentment ruined his job and his Christian fellowship. Gall separated him from others.
**Toxic teaching misleads people** – A local church listened to ministers who said wealth is always God’s blessing. This false teaching made poor Christians bitter with envy. And it made the rich overconfident. False doctrine produces the gall of resentment and pride.
**Disobedience has consequences** – God warned Israel that if they disobeyed his covenant, they would suffer military defeat and exile. When these bitter consequences came, some Israelites turned away from God. But we must accept the results of sin without becoming embittered.
The Bible uses the image of gall, or bitter acid from the liver, to illustrate how bitterness and resentment poison us spiritually. May God help us cultivate sweetness and joy!
Addressing potential confusion
There are a few aspects of gall in the Bible that can create confusion:
1. Is gall always negative? – Most uses of gall are negative, referring to bitterness and poison. But the physical gallbladder has a proper function in the body. Likewise, righteous anger against injustice is good (Eph 4:26). The key is keeping bitterness from taking root in our hearts.
2. Jesus refused gall on the cross? – Jesus tasted the gall at his crucifixion but did not drink it (Matt 27:34). This showed he endured the full bitterness of God’s wrath for sin without being made poisonously bitter or resentful. He drank only the cup of suffering given him.
3. Gall as medicine? – Gall fluids from animals were sometimes used as primitive medicine in Bible times. But gall more often referred to something harmful and bitter. Only God’s wisdom brings true healing.
4. Wise as serpents, gentle as doves? – Jesus said to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt 10:16). Poisonous snakes produce venom, linked to gall. But Jesus meant we should be cunning yet remain gentle. Not bitter, but blending wisdom and kindness.
So in summary, the context determines whether gall is literal or symbolic. Not all gall iscompletely bad, but unchecked bitterness is spiritually dangerous. Jesus shows us how to face bitterness without being poisoned.
Summary
In summary, here’s what the Bible teaches about gall:
– Literally, gall refers to the bitter fluid secreted by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. Consuming gall causes bitterness and anguish.
– Figuratively, gall represents allowing bitterness and resentment to take root in one’s heart. This poisons and corrupts a person’s spirit.
– God strongly warns against metaphorical gall. Examples include bitterness in hardship, idolatry’s poison, resentment toward others, and the lies of false teachers.
– Jesus endured great suffering but refused to grow bitter, showing us how to overcome gall. Forgiveness and faith counteract bitterness.
– If we have become bitter, we must repent and ask God to give us a heart of gratitude, joy, and peace. Removing gall brings spiritual health.
May we reflect Christ by responding to life’s bitterness with faith, not resentment! God graciously gives us power to bear sweet fruit.