Bitter: Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude
(Ruth 1:20; Jeremiah 9:15) The Chaldeans are called the "bitter and hasty
(Habakkuk 1:6) The "gall of bitterness" expresses a state of great
(Acts 8:23) A "root of bitterness" is a wicked person or a
(Hebrews 12:15) The Passover was to be eaten with "bitter
(Exodus 12:8; Numbers 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.