[Greek] χολή (cholē), [Old Norse] gall, [Latin] bilis: gall, bile; Mt.27:34, Acts 8:
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means gall, bile, blackness, bitterness, wrath, bitter drink, and making one sick. Aeschylus’ Libation Bearers 184 states “Over my heart, too, there sweeps a surge of bitterness, and I am struck as if a sword had run me through.” Hippocrates’ Aphorisms 4.23 states “If there be a discharge either of black bile, or resembling black blood, they die on the following day.” Aristophanes’ Peace 66 states “As I told you, this is a form of madness.” Aristophanes’ Thesmophoriazusae 468 states “I am not astonished at these outbursts of fiery range, how could your bile not get inflamed against Euripides, who has spoken so ill of you.”
Old Testament: This term means bile, gall, bitterness, noxious, and poisonous. But in the end she is bitter as wormwood (Pro.5:4). For those who turn justice into wormwood (Amo.5:7). He pours out my gall on the ground (Job.16:13). Even the glittering point from gall. Terrors come upon him (Job.20:25).
New Testament: This term means gall, bile, and bitterness. When Jesus was on the Cross, Jesus refused to drink the wine mixed with gall. Jesus was not yet ready to take His final drink on the cross. This refers to the Psa. 69:22, a lament of a persecuted man praying for deliverance in the midst of great suffering. Simon the magician offered money to seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter calls upon Simon to repent of his wickedness and to seek forgiveness.
Scripture:
“They gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when He tasted it, He refused to drink.” Mt.27:34
It was not yet time for Jesus to take His final drink on the cross.
“For I see that you are filled with bitter gall and are in the bonds of iniquity.” Acts 8:23
Simon was filled with envy and bitterness. Simon offer to pay money in order to receive the Holy Spirit.
Melancholia: This term comes from the Greek melancholia (black bile). Ancient medical thinking attributed mental depression to an excess of black bile and a gloomy state of mind.
Conclusion:
Bile, colic, melancholy
Throughout history this term refers to the gall bladder and bitterness. It is important to note that lack of historical medical understanding contributes to the modern day notion of the term melancholy.
Wormwood is a bitter herb. A biliary colic is also known as a gallstone attack.
So I imagine some of you are thinking that I had the gall to talk about gall.