What does ῥίζα · πικρία mean in the Bible?
ῥίζα · πικρία is a Greek phrase meaning "a "root" (literally or figuratively)".
Greek · G4491, G4088
ῥίζα
A "root" (literally or figuratively) · acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
ῥίζαG4491a "root" (literally or figuratively)
Pronunciationrhíza
Open lexicon entry →πικρίαG4088acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively
Pronunciationpikría
Open lexicon entry →What does ῥίζα (rhíza) mean in the Bible?
ῥίζα · πικρία is a Greek phrase meaning "a "root" (literally or figuratively)".
Full entry for ῥίζα (G4491, G4088) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for G4491, G4088?
G4491, G4088 is connected to 17 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Greek phrase. a "root" (literally or figuratively)
Source Gloss
a "root" (literally or figuratively)
Extended definition
:--root.
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 4 case and number patterns. The form changes show how the word functions in a sentence; they do not change the basic lexical meaning by themselves.
Form patterns4Aligned forms17Case patternAccusative (8)Number patternSingular (16)
Nominative · Singular · FeminineRom 11:16 · Rom 11:18 · Rom 15:12 · 1 Tim 6:10 · Heb 12:15 · Rev 5:5 · Rev 22:167×
Genitive · Plural · FeminineMark 11:201×
Genitive · Singular · FeminineRom 11:171×
Accusative · Singular · FeminineMatt 3:10 · Matt 13:6 · Matt 13:21 · Mark 4:6 · Mark 4:17 · Luke 3:9 · Luke 8:13 · Rom 11:188×
Sampled Scripture Occurrences
Representative Scripture witnesses for this entry: passage, original form, and sense in context.
New Testament Witnesses
root of bitterness
Word Origins
ῥίζα is a primary word - no further derivation.
Why This Word Matters
Warns against communal spiritual corruption.Hebrews 12:12-17