The term "bitterest" is derived from the word "bitter," which is frequently used in the Bible to describe intense sorrow, suffering, or the consequences of sin. In a biblical context, bitterness often symbolizes the deep emotional pain and distress that can arise from various life experiences, including betrayal, loss, and unrepentant sin.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, bitterness is often associated with the experiences of the Israelites. For example, in Exodus 1:14, the Egyptians "made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields." This bitterness reflects the harsh oppression and suffering endured by the Israelites during their bondage in Egypt.

The account of Naomi in the Book of Ruth also highlights the theme of bitterness. After the loss of her husband and sons, Naomi expresses her grief by saying, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me" (Ruth 1:20). Here, "Mara" means "bitter," signifying Naomi's profound sorrow and sense of desolation.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, bitterness is often linked to the human heart's condition and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. Hebrews 12:15 warns believers, "See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many." This passage emphasizes the destructive nature of bitterness and the importance of maintaining a heart free from resentment.

Ephesians 4:31-32 further instructs Christians to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This exhortation underscores the transformative power of forgiveness and the call to live in harmony with others.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

Theologically, bitterness can be seen as a metaphor for the consequences of sin and the human condition apart from God's grace. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the healing that comes through a relationship with God. The Bible consistently calls believers to turn away from bitterness and embrace the love and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ.

In the broader biblical narrative, bitterness is contrasted with the sweetness of God's promises and the joy found in His presence. Psalm 34:8 invites believers to "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." This verse highlights the contrast between the bitterness of life without God and the sweetness of life in communion with Him.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of bitterness serves as a caution against harboring unforgiveness and resentment. It encourages self-examination and the pursuit of peace with others. By seeking God's grace and extending forgiveness, Christians can overcome the bitterest experiences and find healing and restoration in their spiritual journey.

The Beginning of the New Testament
... Christ when He was upon earth. They are written by a Pharisee who had been
one of Christ's bitterest enemies. Though Saul had, as far ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter x the beginning of.htm

Climbing Towards the Climax.
... But the thing is done on a Sabbath day, and gives rise to bitterest and murderous
persecution, first on the score of Sabbath observance, and then because Jesus ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/climbing towards the climax.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... All these detested him with that bitterest kind of virulence which the world calls
theological,' and recognises as not to be paralleled among secular circles. ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

The Gethsemane Prayer
... The lowest point of His depression has been reached. The bitterest cup
of all, His bitter cup, is being pressed to His lips. The ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xii the gethsemane prayer.htm

Thanksgiving after Chastisement.
... and then strong-minded people claim that a man should always stand unshaken, not
bowed down by the heaviest trouble; that the sharpest and bitterest trial is ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxi thanksgiving after chastisement.htm

The Spokesman of the City's Conscience
... At the close of World War I, the city began to reap the bitterest and most evil
results of its contentment with benevolent despotism, and in 1922 found itself ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the spokesman of the citys.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... With what authority did He rebuke their selfishness, their duplicity, their sin;
and yet how confidently could He appeal to His bitterest opponents as to the ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

Indiscreet Importunity.
... him to such hopelessness as when he finds that what he has persistently clamoured
for and refused to be content without, has proved the bitterest and most ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/indiscreet importunity.htm

Six Cities
... about Him, said "He was HOLY, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners."[16] When
He was Himself on earth, He could challenge His bitterest foes, "Which of ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The New Testament view of the Old Testament
... Even in the moments of severest temptation, greatest distress, and bitterest agony
the words of these ancient writings were on his lips, and their consoling ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter i the new testament.htm

Bitterest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bitterest (1 Occurrence). Acts 8:23 For I perceive that
you have fallen into the bitterest bondage of unrighteousness." (WEY). ...
/b/bitterest.htm - 6k

Bitterly (36 Occurrences)

/b/bitterly.htm - 17k

Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences)
... forth, (YLT). Acts 8:23 For I perceive that you have fallen into the bitterest
bondage of unrighteousness." (WEY DBY YLT). Acts 24 ...
/u/unrighteousness.htm - 22k

Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Acts 8:23 For I perceive that you have
fallen into the bitterest bondage of unrighteousness." (WEY). ...
/f/fallen.htm - 38k

Desolation (131 Occurrences)
... His emphasis of the law introduced the period of legalism and finical interpretation
of the letter which called forth some of the bitterest invectives of our ...
/d/desolation.htm - 46k

Gentiles (150 Occurrences)
... 28; Acts 11:3). If we inquire what the reason of this change was we shall find it
in the conditions of the exiled Jews, who suffered the bitterest treatment at ...
/g/gentiles.htm - 45k

Edomites (22 Occurrences)
... They gave what help they could to Nebuchadnezzar, and exulted in the destruction
of Jerusalem, stirring the bitterest indignation in the hearts of the Jews ...
/e/edomites.htm - 23k

Edom (108 Occurrences)
... They gave what help they could to Nebuchadnezzar, and exulted in the destruction
of Jerusalem, stirring the bitterest indignation in the hearts of the Jews ...
/e/edom.htm - 53k

English
... The claim is made that the work published in Oxford in 1850 is really not Wycliffe's
at all but that of his bitterest opponents, the bishops of the English ...
/e/english.htm - 38k

Abomination (78 Occurrences)
... His emphasis of the law introduced the period of legalism and finical interpretation
of the letter which called forth some of the bitterest invectives of our ...
/a/abomination.htm - 55k

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