Dict: easton - Bitter

easton:

Bitter @ Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude kjv@Exodus:1:14; kjv@Ruth:1:20; kjv@Jeremiah:9:15). The Chaldeans are called the "bitter and hasty nation" kjv@Habakkuk:1:6). The "gall of bitterness" expresses a state of great wickedness kjv@Acts:8:23). A "root of bitterness" is a wicked person or a dangerous sin kjv@Hebrews:12:15). The Passover was to be eaten with "bitter herbs" kjv@Exodus:12:8; kjv@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.

Bittern @ is found three times in connection with the desolations to come upon Babylon, Idumea, and Nineveh kjv@Isaiah:14:23 kjv@Isaiah:34:11; kjv@Zephaniah:2:14). This bird belongs to the class of cranes. Its scientific name is Botaurus stellaris. It is a solitary bird, frequenting marshy ground. The Hebrew word (kippod) thus rendered in the Authorized Version is rendered "porcupine" in the Revised Version. But in the passages noted the kippod is associated with birds, with pools of water, and with solitude and desolation. This favours the idea that not the "porcupine" but the "bittern" is really intended by the word.