Greek · G4087 · unreviewed

πικραίνω

To embitter (literally or figuratively)

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πικραίνω G4087
Pronunciation pikraínō

What does πικραίνω (pikraínō) mean in the Bible?

πικραίνω (pikraínō) is a Greek word meaning "to embitter (literally or figuratively)". πικραίνω (πικρός), [in LXX for מָרַד, קָצַף, etc.

Full entry for πικραίνω (G4087) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to embitter (literally or figuratively)
Extended definition

To embitter someone relationally; in NT, typically describes spoiling marital harmony through harsh treatment.

(πικρός), [in LXX for מָרַד, קָצַף, etc. ;] to make bitter: Rev.10:9; pass., Rev.8:11 10:10; metaphorically, to embitter (LXX) : pass., before πρός, Col.3:19.

Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Present Aorist Future
Voices
Passive Active
Imperative command or strong request
Present Passive Col 3:19
Indicative states a fact or reality
Aorist Passive Rev 8:11 · Rev 10:10
Future Active Rev 10:9
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 4 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
completed 2 prospective 1 imperative 1
Tense
aorist 2 present 1 future 1
Voice
passive 3 active 1
Mood
indicative 3 imperative 1

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources