THE MEANING OF BITTERNESS

"Eadie [A Scottish Theologian 1810-1876] says that Pikria [bitterness] is 'a figurative term denoting that fretted and irritable state of mind that keeps a man in perpetual [constant] animosity--that inclines him to harsh and uncharitable opinions of men and things--that makes him sour, crabbed, and repulsive in his general demeanor--that brings a scowl over his face, and infuses venom into the words of his tongue (p. 357).'"

Ref: Earle, Ralph. Word Meanings in the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Hendrickson, 1998. 318.