Belly

/BEL-ee/

Summary

The abdomen or stomach, used both literally and figuratively in Scripture for the seat of emotions and appetite.

☩Figurative Uses

The belly represents the innermost being or emotions. Jesus declared that out of the believer's belly would flow rivers of living water, referring to the Holy Spirit. Paul warned of those whose god is their belly, enslaved to their appetites.

Key verses:John 7:38Philippians 3:19Proverbs 18:20Proverbs 20:27

☩Physical References

Jonah spent three days in the belly of the great fish. The serpent was cursed to go upon its belly and eat dust all its days.

Key verses:Jonah 2:1-2Genesis 3:14Matthew 12:40

Related Verses49 mentions

Job· 8 verses

3:11 15:2 15:35 20:15 20:20

Proverbs· 6 verses

13:25 18:8 18:20 20:27 20:30

Psalms· 4 verses

17:14 22:10 31:9 44:25

Numbers· 4 verses

5:21 5:22 5:27 25:8

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Belly," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).