A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 8:23

"For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." — Acts 8:23 (ASV)

That thou art (σε οντα). Participle in indirect discourse after ορω (I see).

In the gall of bitterness (εις χολην πικριας). Old word from χολας either from χεω, to pour, or χλοη, yellowish green, bile or gall. In the N.T. only in Mt 27:34 and here. In LXX in sense of wormwood as well as bile. See De 29:18; 32:32; Lamentations 3:15; Job 16:14. "Gall and bitterness" in De 29:18. Here the gall is described by the genitive πικριας as consisting in "bitterness." In Heb 12:15 "a root of bitterness," a bitter root. This word πικρια in the N.T. only here and Heb 12:15; Romans 3:14; Ephesians 4:31. The "bond of iniquity" (συνδεσμον αδικιας) is from Isa 58:6. Paul uses this word of peace (Ephesians 4:3), of love (Colossians 3:14), of the body (Colossians 2:19). Peter describes Simon's offer as poison and a chain.