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 servants of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.
whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, whose mind is on earthly things.
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said: "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful 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 servants of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by good words and fair speeches they deceive the hearts of the simple.
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said: "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slothful gluttons."