Brief Overview of πικραίνω (Strong’s G4087: pikrainō)

Strong’s G4087: A verb meaning “to make bitter” or “to embitter,” derived from πικρός (bitter). In biblical contexts, used both literally for taste and metaphorically for emotional and spiritual bitterness, particularly in relationships and response to God’s truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πικραίνω (pikrainō) expresses the action of making bitter or becoming bitter, both literally and figuratively. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of relational bitterness (Colossians 3:19) and spiritual rebellion (Revelation). The early church understood this term as describing both personal relationships and spiritual disposition toward God. Today, it continues to warn against allowing bitterness to poison relationships and spiritual life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πικραίνω, pikrainō, pik-rah’-ee-no
• Detailed pronunciation: pik (as in “pick”) + rah (as in “raw”) + ee (as in “see”) + no (as in “no”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:
From πικρός (pikros) meaning “sharp, pointed, bitter”

D – Defining Meanings

• To make bitter
• To embitter
• To cause bitterness
• To become bitter
• To provoke to bitterness

Translation Options:

1. Embitter – emphasizes causing bitterness
2. Make bitter – literal translation
3. Turn bitter – reflects process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χολόω (choloō) [khol-o’-o] – to make bitter, more intense
• παροργίζω (parorgizō) [par-org-id’-zo] – to provoke to anger
• θυμόω (thymoō) [thoo-mo’-o] – to make angry

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:
Present Active: πικραίνω (I make bitter)
Aorist Passive: ἐπικράνθην (I was made bitter)
Perfect Middle: πεπίκραμαι (I have become bitter)

Cross-references:

• Adjective: πικρός (bitter)
• Noun: πικρία (bitterness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical to spiritual meaning. LSJ documents various contexts of bitterness. Vine’s connects it to relationship dynamics. Strong’s highlights its emotional impact. Moulton and Milligan note its use in personal letters.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh [πικραίνω] with them.” (Colossians 3:19)

Additional References:
Revelation 8:11
Revelation 10:9-10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πικραίνω powerfully warns against the destructive power of bitterness in both human and divine relationships. The good news of King Jesus includes freedom from bitterness through His transforming love. This word challenges us to guard against bitterness and embrace the healing power of forgiveness.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient medical texts used it to describe bitter medicines.
2. Early Christian writers used it to discuss spiritual poisoning.
3. Influenced development of Christian marriage counseling.

Strong’s G4087: A verb expressing the action of making bitter or becoming bitter, used both literally and metaphorically. In biblical usage, warns against bitterness in relationships and spiritual life, emphasizing its destructive nature.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #bitterness #relationships #marriage #spiritual #poison #Colossians #Revelation #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #healing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​