In biblical texts, “gall” most commonly refers to a bitter substance derived from plants like wormwood or myrrh. While its presence is noted in various contexts, the most well-known instance is its association with the drink offered to Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of gall in the Bible, exploring its literal and figurative uses, and its significance in understanding key theological concepts.
Matthew 27:34 recounts that Roman soldiers offered Jesus “wine to drink, mixed with gall” as He was being crucified. Mark 15:23 clarifies that myrrh contributed to the wine’s bitterness. This concoction of wine and bitter herbs or myrrh served as a rudimentary pain reliever, often offered to those suffering to ease their agony in death.
alt: Roman soldiers offering Jesus a drink of wine mixed with gall on the cross
However, Jesus refused this gall-infused mixture after tasting it (Mark 15:23; John 19:29). In a display of immense courage, the Son of Man rejected any substance that might diminish the suffering He was enduring for humanity’s salvation. His decision underscores the profound significance of His sacrifice.
Sin against a holy God demanded severe punishment, and Jesus, in His role as our substitute, willingly embraced the full weight of that punishment. Accepting wine with gall would have lessened sin’s penalty, a path Jesus refused to take (Isaiah 53:10). He came to bear God’s full wrath against sin, becoming sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). This act highlights the depth of His love and commitment to fulfilling His divine purpose.
The offering of gall to Jesus was not a random act but a fulfillment of prophecy. Psalm 69:21 foretold, “They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.” This prophecy is one among many messianic prophecies in the Old Testament that found their fulfillment in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
Beyond its literal meaning, “gall” appears figuratively in the Bible. In Acts 8:23, Peter rebukes Simon the sorcerer, stating, “I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity” (ESV). Simon, having witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit, sought to exploit it for personal gain.
Here, “gall” symbolizes a deep-seated moral corruption within Simon, fostering bitterness in his heart. This figurative usage underscores the destructive nature of sin and its ability to poison the soul.
alt: Peter confronts Simon the Sorcerer, highlighting his "gall of bitterness"
The Old Testament also connects gall to idolatry. Moses, reaffirming the covenant with the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, warned them against the “abominations” of surrounding nations and their idols. He cautioned against any “root that beareth gall and wormwood” among them (Deuteronomy 29:18, KJV). This imagery highlights the bitter and undesirable consequences of idolatry, regardless of its initial appeal.
Jeremiah, in Lamentations 3:15, used “gall” to describe his own suffering as a persecuted prophet who witnessed Jerusalem’s destruction. He writes, “He has filled me with bitter herbs and given me gall to drink.” This reflects the experience of many faithful individuals who questioned God’s goodness during times of intense suffering. Life felt bitter, and they cried out to God.
Jeremiah continues in verses 19–20, “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.”
Despite this despair, Jeremiah offers a message of hope. Even when life feels like “gall to drink,” there is reason for hope in God. As he states in Lamentations 3:21–24: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
alt: Jeremiah mourning and lamenting, symbolizing the "gall" of suffering and loss
In conclusion, “gall” in the Bible encompasses both a literal bitter substance and a powerful metaphor for bitterness, moral corruption, and the experience of suffering. Whether referring to the drink offered to Jesus on the cross or the internal state of Simon the sorcerer, “gall” serves as a reminder of the realities of sin, suffering, and the enduring hope found in God’s faithfulness.
