Divine Anger: χολάω (Strong’s G5520: cholaō) Reveals Righteous Indignation

Strong’s G5520: From χολή (bile); to be bilious, i.e., by implication to rage. Expresses intense anger or bitter indignation, derived from the ancient understanding of bile’s role in emotion. Used in contexts of justified anger, particularly regarding violations of divine principles.

U – Unveiling the Word

χολάω represents a profound concept of righteous anger or indignation in Biblical Greek. Its etymology connects to the physical understanding of bile and bitterness, reflecting the ancient Greek medical theory that bile influenced emotions. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where anger arises from violations of sacred principles. The early church understood this term as distinct from sinful anger, seeing it as an expression of righteous indignation similar to the Messiah’s response to temple desecration. Today, this word helps us understand the difference between destructive anger and justified moral outrage at injustice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χολάω, cholaō, /kho-lah’-o/
• Detailed pronunciation: kho (as in ‘chord’) – LAH (stressed) – oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χολή (cholē) – bile, gall
• -άω (-aō) – verbal suffix indicating a state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• To be angry
• To be enraged
• To be bitterly indignant

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from χολή with the -άω suffix indicating entering into a state of bile-influenced emotion

Translation Options:

• “To be deeply angry” – captures the visceral nature of the emotion
• “To be indignant” – emphasizes the moral component
• “To be incensed” – reflects the intensity and physical aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θυμόω (thumoō) /thoo-MO-oh/ – to provoke to anger G2373
• ὀργίζω (orgizō) /or-GID-zo/ – to make angry, irritate G3710
• παροργίζω (parorgizō) /par-or-GID-zo/ – to provoke to wrath G3949

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, χολάω exhibits:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 2nd Person
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Progressive

The word morphs according to Greek verbal patterns:

• Present: χολάω (I am angry)
• Imperfect: ἐχόλαον (I was angry)
• Future: χολάσω (I will be angry)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons present χολάω as a term deeply rooted in physiological understanding of emotions. BDAG emphasizes its connection to bile and anger, while Thayer’s expands on its medical origins. LSJ provides evidence of secular usage in medical texts. Vine’s distinguishes it from other anger-related terms by highlighting its connection to moral indignation. Strong’s connects it to the physical basis of the emotion, while Moulton and Milligan document its continued use in Koine Greek documents showing its relevance in daily life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 7:23 “If on the Sabbath a man receives circumcision, so that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry [χολάω] with me because on the Sabbath I made a man’s whole body well?”

Additional References:
First and only appearance is John 7:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χολάω presents a fascinating intersection of ancient medical understanding and moral theology. Its connection to bile reflects the Greek understanding of emotion as having physical manifestations, while its usage in John’s Gospel reveals a deeper truth about righteous anger. The word teaches us that anger itself isn’t sinful – rather, it’s the motivation and expression that matters. Just as our Lord showed righteous indignation at the desecration of His Father’s house, we too are called to be angry at injustice while not sinning.

D – Did You Know?

• χολάω is the only New Testament word that directly connects anger to the physical production of bile
• Ancient Greek physicians used this term both medically and emotionally
• The word influenced modern medical terminology, such as “choleric” temperament

Strong’s G5520: From χολή (bile); to be bilious, i.e., by implication to rage. Expresses intense anger or bitter indignation, derived from the ancient understanding of bile’s role in emotion. Used in contexts of justified anger, particularly regarding violations of divine principles.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: anger, emotion, righteous-indignation, bile, medical-terms, john-gospel, sabbath-controversy, greek-medicine, biblical-emotions, righteous-anger​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​