Hebrew chomets, Greek oxos. Wine soured. Acid and unpalatable (Proverbs 10:26), yet to thirsty labourors the acid relieved thirst (Rth 2:14). So it was used by Roman soldiers, pure, or mixed with water and called posca. Pourer on nitre or potash it causes effervescence (Proverbs 25:20). Instead of cordials, Christ's enemies gave Him on the cross first vinegar mixed with gall (Matthew 27:34), and myrrh (Mark 15:23); which after tasting He declined, for He would not encounter sufferings in a state of stupefaction by the myrrh; to criminals it would have been a kindness, to the Sinbearer it was meant as an insult (Luke 33:36). Toward the close of His crucifixion, to fulfill Scripture He cried "I thirst," and vinegar was brought which He received (John 19:28; Matthew 27:48).