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 persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple.
Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, 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 persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple.
One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."