Bitternesses, in the biblical context, refer to the experiences, emotions, and consequences associated with deep sorrow, resentment, or grief. The term is often used to describe the spiritual and emotional state of individuals or groups who have encountered profound disappointment or injustice. Bitterness can manifest as a result of personal sin, relational conflicts, or divine judgment.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, bitterness is frequently associated with the consequences of sin and disobedience. The Israelites, during their wilderness journey, often experienced bitterness due to their circumstances and their rebellion against God. In Exodus 15:23-24 , the Israelites encounter the waters of Marah, which were bitter: "When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water there because it was bitter. That is why it was named Marah. So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?'"

The bitterness of the waters at Marah symbolizes the spiritual bitterness that can arise from a lack of faith and trust in God's provision. The Lord's subsequent intervention, turning the bitter waters sweet, illustrates His power to transform bitterness into blessing when His people turn to Him in faith.

The book of Ruth also provides a poignant example of personal bitterness. Naomi, after losing her husband and sons, expresses her grief and bitterness in Ruth 1:20 : "Do not call me Naomi, she replied. Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me." Naomi's experience reflects the deep sorrow and sense of loss that can accompany life's trials, yet it also sets the stage for God's redemptive work through Ruth.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, bitterness is addressed as a condition of the heart that believers are urged to avoid. The Apostle Paul warns against bitterness in Ephesians 4:31 : "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice." Here, bitterness is linked with other destructive emotions and behaviors that can disrupt the unity and peace within the Christian community.

The author of Hebrews also cautions against allowing bitterness to take root, as it can lead to spiritual defilement and division. Hebrews 12:15 states: "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 importance of vigilance in maintaining a heart free from bitterness, which can hinder one's relationship with God and others.

Theological Implications

Bitterness, from a theological perspective, is often seen as a byproduct of sin and a lack of forgiveness. It can be a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's grace and love. The Bible encourages believers to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, both from God and from one another, as a means of overcoming bitterness. Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, such as in Matthew 6:14-15 , underscore the necessity of forgiving others to receive God's forgiveness: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours."

Practical Application

For Christians, dealing with bitterness involves a conscious decision to forgive and to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in difficult circumstances. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking the counsel of mature believers can aid in overcoming bitterness. The transformation of bitterness into joy and peace is possible through the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live in harmony and love.

Bitternesses, while a common human experience, are addressed in Scripture with the hope and promise of healing and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ.

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 5, "Which of You Shall have a ...
... 8. For this cause does God mingle bitternesses with the felicities of earth, that
another felicity may be sought, in whose sweetness there is no deceit; yet by ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lv on the words.htm

Lama Sabachthani?
... sentence more full of anguish. Here the wormwood and the gall, and all
the other bitternesses, are outdone. Here you may look as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/lama sabachthani.htm

How Important and Necessary it Is, to the Interiour Soul, to ...
... and it would change em, as such, with a violent Death, which would be a great comfort;
but (like those) the end of those afflictions and bitternesses will seem ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap v how important and.htm

Of Mortification of Fear and Scrupulosity, which is the Most ...
... It regards sin and hell the most abhorred and most terrible objects of all others;
and it is composed of all the bitternesses that are found in fear, despair ...
/.../chapter viii of mortification of.htm

That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ...
... dear to us: friendship pours out its grace upon all the actions of him who is loved,
however little ground of favour there may be; the bitternesses of friends ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that divine love.htm

Of the Outflowing (Escoulement) or Liquefaction of the Soul in God ...
... Our Saviour's heart, the true oriental pearl, singularly unique and priceless, thrown
into the midst of a sea of incomparable bitternesses in the day of his ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii of the outflowing.htm

Epistle xxxi. To Theodorus, Physician.
... As to me, know ye that I suffer here many and innumerable bitternesses. But I give
thanks to Almighty God that I suffer far less than I deserve. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxi to theodorus physician.htm

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
... For not even to His elect in this life has He promised the joys of delight, but
the bitternesses of tribulation; so that, after the manner of medicine, they ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlv to theoctista patrician.htm

Epistle Xl. To Eulogius, Bishop.
... Now I beg that the prayers of your Holiness may support me against all the bitternesses
which I suffer in this life, and defend me from them by your ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xl to eulogius bishop.htm

The Contemplative State More Perfect. ...
... that those who have eyes to see it and palates capable of a spiritual tasting of
it, will think no difficulties, no tediousnesses, no bitternesses or labours ...
/.../chapter iii the contemplative state.htm

Bitternesses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bitternesses (1 Occurrence). Job 9:18 He suffereth me
not to take my breath, for he filleth me with bitternesses. (DBY). ...
/b/bitternesses.htm - 6k

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

/b/bitterness.htm - 21k

Bitters (1 Occurrence)

/b/bitters.htm - 6k

Suffereth (14 Occurrences)
... God on this behalf. (WBS). Job 9:18 He suffereth me not to take my breath,
for he filleth me with bitternesses. (DBY). Psalms 66:9 ...
/s/suffereth.htm - 10k

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