the seat of the carnal affections (Tit 1:12; Php 3:19; Ro 16:18). The word is used symbolically for the heart (Pr 18:8; 20:27; 22:18, marg.). The "belly of hell" signifies the grave or underworld (Jon 2:2).
For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words.
Their [ultimate] end is [spiritual] destruction; their god is their appetite; they boast of what they ought to be ashamed of, and they [constantly] think about worldly things.
Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons."
BELLY is used in Scripture for gluttony, Tit 1:12; Philipians 3:16; Ro 16:18. For the heart, or the secrets of the mind, Pr 20:27,30; 22:18. The "belly of hell" signifies the grave, or some imminent danger, or deep distress, Jon 2:2; Ecclus. 2:5.
For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words.
Even one of their own prophets said, "The people of Crete are always liars, vicious beasts and lazy gluttons."