1. merorah, the gall or bile of animals. It is symbolical of “bitterness:” “he poureth out my gall upon the ground” (Job 16:13). It is also used for the “poison” of asps (Job 20:14,25).
2. rosh, χολή, some exceedingly bitter or poisonous plant not definitely identified. This word is used as symbolical of “bitterness.” To turn to idolatry was like “a root that beareth gall and wormwood” (Deut. 29:18). God’s judgments were given them as water of gall to drink (Jer. 8:14; Jer. 9:15; Jer. 23:15; compare Deut. 32:32; Lam. 3:5,19; Amos 6:12). Gall, mixed with the sour wine or vinegar drunk by the Roman soldiers, was given to those about to be crucified, for the purpose, as is now supposed, of making them the less sensitive to the torture. It was offered to the Lord, but refused (Psa. 69:21; Matt. 27:34). In Mark 15:23 myrrh is read instead of gall; the meaning would be the same.