by Many substances have unique biblical meanings and often bear spiritual symbolism, and the substance gall is no exception. Although many see it as only a bitter-tasting concoction, believers are taught it carries significant meaning. So, what is gall in the Bible? Let’s discover together.
The Holy Book explains gall as a drink made of plants like wormwood and myrrh. But is there more to it? Let’s find out.
Gall Biblical Meaning
Gall is described as something bitter in the Bible. This drink is also referred to as serpent poison, made from the juice of a plant that has a sour taste. The term gall is often connected to wormwood, which is often metaphorically used to describe a feeling of bitterness and sorrow.
But what is gall in the Bible, and does it carry unique meanings? Have believers made their own assumptions of its meaning, or is it clearly referenced in biblical verses? You will find the answers to all of your questions in this article.
What does the Bible say about gall?
There are several interpretations of gall in the Bible, and most interpretations are connected to Jesus Christ being put on the Cross. Some consider that the mixture of gall and sour wine was offered to Christ. Believers see gall as a substance given to those suffering from physical pain, as Jesus was suffering on the Cross. The purpose of gall was to numb the pain. However, in terms of the Bible, gall was given to Jesus Christ as a form of mockery.
If you want to discover what is gall in the Bible, consider the below-mentioned meanings given by biblical scholars and their interpretations.
Poison
Biblical scholars refer to gall as a poison or a desensitizing drug. They believe this substance helps numb and ease the suffering from experiencing slow death.
Some believers see this poison as a symbol of mockery. The soldiers offered sour wine to Jesus in order to make fun of him as they wanted to add to Jesus’s suffering and humiliation. It is believed that the people at the time who wanted to see Jesus dead used physical punishment and a crown of thorns, which caused him a great deal of pain, eventually leading to a slow and painful death. But Jesus, the son of God, was resurrected to continue his mission here on earth.
On the other hand, certain interpretations of gall as poison see these soldiers as merciful, aiming to free Jesus from his suffering in the midst of his agonizing crucifixion.
Crucifixion
While on the cross, the soldiers offered Jesus a drink, and after tasting it, Jesus realized what the soldiers gave him and refused to drink the sour wine mixed with gall. His refusal to drink a beverage that would ease and numb his suffering was considered an act of belief that God was with him through his suffering, and he wanted to be in full mind and body for the whole experience as he was punished for the sins of humankind.
Antichrist beliefs
Most commonly, gall is referred to as a plant or a bodily substance. But the Bible uses it to speak about something else metaphorically. This term often represents the antichrist beliefs of those who lost their faith in God.
The expression “gall of bitterness” in the Holy Book expresses people’s infidelity to God by choosing to ignore the teachings of the Church. In some biblical lines, gall is associated with bitter grief and is metaphorically used to describe suffering and excruciating pain.
What are the most used bible verses referencing Gall?
Most of the below-mentioned verses directly refer to gall. Although the contexts may appear different, the meaning of the term gall stays the same and refers to similar symbolism, including Christ’s suffering and sacrifices for the sake of humankind.
Deuteronomy 32:32
This verse is known as the Song of Moses. He tells the people of Israel that the grapes of their enemies are poisoned with gall because they taste bitter. Thus, their wine is a serpent venom because of their corruption and evil practices.
Job 16:13
In this verse, Job implies that the gall-bladder can be emptied from God’s arrows. The wound opens, and all the gall flows outwardly, bursting out and creating painful cramps.
Here, he refers to the antichrist suffering morbid conditions and God’s punishment due to their wrongdoings.
Jeremiah 8:14
This verse claims that God will give those who disobeyed Jehovah poisoned waters. Even if they try to escape their punishment in fortified cities, God’s wrath will follow them everywhere they go, exposing them to evil.
Lamentations 3:5
The prophet in this verse says he was surrounded by gall, referring to poison. He says that God will build trouble against anyone who disobeys him. Thus, there will be no way of escaping this mound, and people will stay confined in their misery until they demonstrate repentance.
Deuteronomy 29:18
In this verse, the speaker mentions a poisonous substance often translated as gall in biblical terms. He says the root of this plant is bitter, just like the souls of the antichrist who refuse to follow God’s orders and disobey his word.
The term wormwood is used as a synonym of gall to refer to a similar substance, reminiscent of the bitter heart of those who chose oppression instead of peace.
Mark 15:23
Christ was offered a drink of vinegar and gall on the Cross. He refused to take a sip of it because he wanted nothing to do with drinks that lessen the pain and punishment of what he believed in. He was crucified on behalf of humankind’s sins. But this verse implies that Jesus shouldn’t be seen as only a helpless victim of humankind’s actions. He is the Son of God, and they rule together, even if his crown is made of thorns and his throne is a Cross.
Matthew 27:34
This verse describes Jesus’ struggle during the Crucifixion, similar to the pain of victims who were crucified during Roman times. They would suffer for days until infection, hunger and thirst didn’t end their lives. To satisfy their thirst and linger for longer on the Cross, they would often be offered a drink of wine mixed with gall.
But Jesus refused the drink because he wanted to endure the pain and agony for the whole experience.
Gall Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism
Even after he died, Jesus was known as a servant who suffered and obeyed his people but got betrayed in return. Jesus had no gall in his system and endured all the pain on this Earth before reconnecting with God and praising him.
Thus, the spiritual meaning of gall is connected to cleanliness. God teaches us to keep our spiritual and physical parts clean to free ourselves from negative energy. Thus, let’s examine the symbolism of gall in spirituality and what its presence might mean for your life.
Decision making
Many people struggle with making rational decisions. This is because they don’t have a clear picture of their life goals and what they desire to accomplish. They have no direction in life and are affected by other people’s opinions.
Some consider the gall a crucial part of one’s decision-making ability. Specifically, the gallbladder is accompanied by the liver, supporting wise strategies one makes in one’s life.
Anger
Gall is also perceived as a symbol of something rude and irritating. It’s sometimes seen as a characteristic of people who are more cocky rather than confident.
There is also a term called “gall anger”. It refers to resentment and lack of empathy toward other people, judgy attitude, and jealousy of their life choices and achievements.
Anger is often associated as the primary emotion connected to liver and gallbladder pain. Some Church followers consider rage and fury the main reasons we struggle with liver damage and subsequent symptoms like dizziness and migraines.
Physical suffering
Just like Jesus was given sour wine combined with gall to ease his pain, people use narcotics to forget about their problems. They often experience physical suffering like unbearable body pain and believe an intoxicating substance like gull will diminish their sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of gall in dreams?
A dream containing a gall usually means that the dreamer struggles to process important information and form his own opinions. Another meaning of gall in dreams is associated with a lack of empathy toward others.
What do the Psalms say about gall?
Lines in the Bible, including the ones in the New and Old Testament, mention certain biblical terms. Psalm 69:21 mentions the term gall in reference to the serpents. It says that the serpents had poison in their heads, similar to the biblical meaning of gall.
Why was wine mixed with water in the Bible?
During biblical times, wine was usually red in color and had a high alcohol percentage content. There are various reasons why wine was mixed with water, dilution and hydration being the most common. The wine was mixed with water to make it easier to drink and lower its austerity.
Conclusion
We hope we helped you learn what is gall in the Bible according to frequent interpretations by believers and biblical scholars. Many verses in the Holy Book can be interpreted in different ways.
Struggle and pain are frequently associated with gall in the Bible, specifically in the context of Christ’s crucifixion. The symbolism of this term should remind Christians of the suffering Jesus went through for his people and how we should always praise his strength.
