Topical Encyclopedia The term "abdomen" refers to the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis, housing vital organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines. In biblical times, the abdomen was often associated with the seat of emotions and inner feelings, reflecting the ancient understanding of human anatomy and psychology.Biblical References: 1. Physical Description and Symbolism: While the Bible does not frequently mention the abdomen explicitly, it often refers to related concepts such as the "belly" or "stomach." These terms are used both literally and metaphorically. For example, in Proverbs 20:27, the spirit of a person is described as the "lamp of the LORD," searching the innermost parts, which can be understood as a reference to the depths of one's being, including the abdomen. 2. Seat of Emotions: In ancient Hebrew thought, the abdomen was considered the center of emotions and desires. This is evident in passages where the "belly" is used metaphorically to describe deep emotional experiences. For instance, in Job 32:18-19, Elihu speaks of his inner compulsion to speak, likening it to wine that has no vent, ready to burst like new wineskins, indicating a pressure felt deep within. 3. Dietary Laws and Practices: The abdomen is indirectly referenced in the context of dietary laws and practices. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 outline clean and unclean foods, which would have direct implications for what fills the stomach. These laws were integral to maintaining ritual purity and obedience to God's commandments. 4. Health and Healing: The Bible also touches on issues of health related to the abdomen. In Proverbs 3:7-8, the fear of the LORD and turning away from evil are said to bring health to one's body and nourishment to one's bones, implying a holistic view of health that includes the abdomen. 5. Judgment and Consequences: The abdomen is sometimes associated with judgment and consequences. In Numbers 5:21-22, the test for an unfaithful wife involves a curse that would cause her abdomen to swell if she were guilty, illustrating the use of physical symptoms as a sign of divine judgment. 6. Metaphorical Usage: The abdomen is used metaphorically in various passages to convey spiritual truths. In John 7:38, Jesus speaks of "rivers of living water" flowing from within believers, which can be understood as a reference to the innermost being, often associated with the abdomen. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the abdomen was not only a physical part of the body but also a symbol of one's innermost thoughts and feelings. This understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the abdomen and related terms are used to express a range of human experiences, from physical hunger to spiritual longing. Conclusion: The concept of the abdomen in the Bible encompasses both the physical and the metaphorical, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit in biblical anthropology. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The belly, or that part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis. Also, the cavity of the belly, which is lined by the peritoneum, and contains the stomach, bowels, and other viscera. In man, often restricted to the part between the diaphragm and the commencement of the pelvis, the remainder being called the pelvic cavity.2. (n.) The posterior section of the body, behind the thorax, in insects, crustaceans, and other Arthropoda. Greek 2836. koilia -- belly ... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: koilia Phonetic Spelling: (koy-lee'-ah) Short Definition: belly, womb, the inner man Definition: belly, abdomen, heart, a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2836.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4578. meeh -- internal organs, inward parts, belly... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition internal organs, inward parts, belly NASB Word Usage abdomen (1), body (4), bowels (4), children* (1), feelings ... /hebrew/4578.htm - 6k 1512. gachon -- belly (of reptiles) 6897. qobah -- belly 990. beten -- belly, body, womb 2570. chomesh -- belly Library A Talk to Preachers The Cruelty of Herod Toward the Infants, and the Manner of his ... On the Study of Zoology. Care of the Speaker's Throat Continues to Evangelize. Dr. Cook's Prescription. Incident at ... Whether Fear Makes one Tremble? The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Remorse and Suicide of Judas. The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) the Legendary History of Egypt Thesaurus Abdomen (4 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) The posterior section of the body, behind the thorax, in insects, crustaceans, and other Arthropoda. Multi-Version Concordance Abdomen (4 Occurrences). ... /a/abdomen.htm - 8k Belly (62 Occurrences) Locust (25 Occurrences) Abdon (8 Occurrences) Navel (4 Occurrences) Groin (4 Occurrences) Womb (84 Occurrences) Trunk (3 Occurrences) Rim (18 Occurrences) Resources Who was Moloch/Molech? | GotQuestions.orgAbdomen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Abdomen (4 Occurrences)Numbers 5:21 Numbers 5:22 Numbers 5:27 Song of Songs 5:14 Subtopics Related Terms |