χολάω
choláō
G5520 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be irritated or provoked, to grow angry or become embittered (lit. 'to experience the condition of producing bile'); in context, expresses a state of internal vexation or the process of becoming angry. The core sense involves a movement from inner agitation or bitterness toward outward anger.
Semantic Range
to become bitter, to be vexed, to be incensed, to become angry, to experience internal irritation or agitation
Root / Etymology
From χολή (bile, bitterness, gall), itself of uncertain further etymology. The formation χολάω is denominative, derived directly from the noun χολή, with the -άω verbal ending indicating action or condition related to bile.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek and through the Hellenistic period, χολάω maintains a close association with the physical concept of bile, considered by ancient Greek physiology as connected with anger or bitterness (cf. Hippocratic writings). Thus, to 'become bilious' could metaphorically describe a person's emotional state, especially agitation, vexation, or emerging anger. In the New Testament and later Koine texts, χολάω is rare and sometimes occurs in later manuscripts or apocryphal literature (e.g., Acts of Paul and Thecla), with the sense of 'to be angry' or 'to become incensed.' It never develops a neutral or positive sense and retains its connection with negative agitation or rising anger. The word is more expressive than simply 'anger' (as with ὀργίζομαι) and conveys a nuance of bitterness and internal disturbance. Standard English translations often render it as 'be angry,' but this can underrepresent its physiological and emotional nuance in Greek thought.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from χολή; to be bilious, i.e. (by implication) irritable (enraged, "choleric"):--be angry.
Root Family
χολάω (cholaō) — bile, bitterness, to become angry, to be vexed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5520-01 |
χολᾶτε | cholate | V PRS ACT IND 2P PL |
are you angry | you are becoming angry | are you angry | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5520-01 |
John 7:23 | χολᾶτε | cholate | V PRS ACT IND 2P PL |
are you angry | you are becoming angry | are you angry |