Gall, Vinegar, and an Imprecation against Hardened Enemies

The speaker describes reproach, isolation, and bitter treatment: gall for food and vinegar for thirst. The prayer then becomes a severe imprecation asking that enemies’ table become a snare, their eyes darken, and their dwelling become desolate.

The passion narratives’ drink scenes closely echo Psalm 69:21, with John 19 especially placing Jesus’ thirst and sour wine within a fulfillment context, though the exact network of source texts should be handled carefully. Romans 11:9–10 directly quotes Psalm 69:22–23, and Acts 1:20 uses Psalm 69:25 in explaining Judas’ vacant office. The New Testament therefore reuses both suffering and judgment portions of this difficult psalm.