Bitter

Bitter - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex. 1:14; Ruth 1:20; Jer. 9:15). The Chaldeans are called the "bitter and hasty nation" (Hab. 1:6). The "gall of bitterness" expresses a state of great wickedness (Acts 8:23). A "root of bitterness" is a wicked person or a dangerous sin (Heb. 12:15).

The Passover was to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Ex. 12:8; Num. 9:11). The kind of herbs so designated is not known. Probably they were any bitter herbs obtainable at the place and time when the Passover was celebrated. They represented the severity of the servitude under which the people groaned; and have been regarded also as typical of the sufferings of Christ.

Bitter - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

BIT'TER, a.

1. Sharp, or biting to the taste; acrid; like wormwood.

2. Sharp; cruel; severe; as bitter enmity. Heb 1.

3. Sharp, as words, reproachful; sarcastic.

4. Sharp to the feeling; piercing; painful; that makes to smart; as a bitter cold day, or a bitter blast.

5. Painful to the mind; calamitous; poignant; as a bitter fate.

6. Afflicted; distressed.

The Egyptians made their lives bitter. Exo 1.

7. Hurtful; very sinful.

Is is an evil and bitter thing. Jer 2.

8. Mournful; distressing; expressive of misory; as a bitter complaint or lamentation. Job 23. Jer 6:31.

BIT'TER, n. A substance that is bitter. [See Bitter.]

BIT'TER, n. [See Bitts.] In marine language, a turn of the cable which is round the bitts.

Bitter-end, that part of a cable which is abaft the bitts, and therefore within board, when the ship rides at anchor.