Bible Dictionary
Belly
Belly can mean the physical abdomen or inner body. Scripture also uses it figuratively for appetite, carnal desires, the innermost self, or the depths of the grave.
Definition
Belly ordinarily denotes the external or internal abdomen, abdominal cavity, womb, or intestines. In biblical language it can also refer to the body’s inner regions, the appetite, the carnal affections, or the innermost part of the soul. “The belly of hell” signifies the grave or underworld.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses belly both literally for bodily parts and figuratively for appetite and sinful desires. It can symbolize the heart or inner person and may describe the deepest inward region of the soul or the grave.
Historical Background
The biblical terms translated “belly” cover several related meanings, including the external abdomen, internal abdomen, womb, intestines, and an inner cavity.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The seat of the carnal affections (Titus 1:12; Phil. 3:19; Rom. 16:18). The word is used symbolically for the heart (Prov. 18:8; 20:27; 22:18, marg.). The “belly of hell” signifies the grave or underworld (Jonah 2:2).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bel'-i: gachon = "the external abdomen" (Ge 3:14; Le 11:42). qobhah = "the abdominal cavity" (Nu 25:8 the American Standard Revised Version "body"). beTen = "the internal abdomen," "the womb" (1Ki 7:20; Job 15:2,35 the King James Version; Job 20:15,23; 40:16; Ps 17,14; Pr 13:25; 18:20; Jer 1:5; Eze 3:3); also figuratively "the internal regions," "the body of anything" (Jon 2:2). me`eh = "intestines," "abdomen" (Da 2:32; Jon 1:17; 2:1,2). In the New Testament koilia = "a cavity," espec ially the abdominal (Mt 12:40; 15:17; Mr 7:19); the seat of appetite and of the carnal affections (Ro 16:18; 1Co 6:13; Php 3:19; Re 10:9,10); the innermost of the soul (the American Revised Version, margin Joh 7:38).</p><p>Frank E. Hirsch</p>